Understanding Flowcharts

Overview

A detailed 60-minute lesson designed for Year 8 students, following the National Curriculum for England Computing programme of study. This lesson introduces students to the concept and symbols of flowcharts, developing their algorithmic thinking skills. It employs the I Do, We Do, You Do instructional model to scaffold learning.

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National Curriculum Links

• Key Stage 3 Computing Programme of Study (Years 7-9):

  • Design, use and evaluate computational abstractions that model the state and behaviour of real-world problems and physical systems.
  • Use two or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems.
  • Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts.

• Learning Objective Alignment:

  • Understand computational thinking concepts: algorithms and abstractions.
  • Use flowcharts to visually represent processes and decision-making.
  • Develop problem-solving skills through algorithm creation.
  • Recognise and apply standard flowchart symbols.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Define what a flowchart is and explain its purpose in computing.
2. Identify and understand common flowchart symbols (e.g., terminator, process, decision, input/output).
3. Interpret simple flowcharts representing algorithms.
4. Create their own simple flowchart to solve a given problem.

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Resources Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector and computer for slide presentation
• Printed handouts with flowchart symbols and example diagrams
• Student worksheets with flowchart exercises
• Flowchart symbol flashcards for group activity
• Lined and plain paper for flowchart drawing
• Coloured pens/pencils for students
• Timer or stopwatch

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Lesson Structure and Timings

Time	Activity	Details
0-5 mins	Starter: Mind Map	Students write down what they know about flowcharts on mini whiteboards or paper. Share ideas.
5-15 mins	I Do: Introduction & Modelling	Teacher explains purpose of flowcharts using slides; introduces symbols with examples. Demonstrate reading and creating a flowchart for a simple task (e.g., making a cup of tea).
15-30 mins	We Do: Guided Practice	As a class, students collaboratively analyse a flowchart for a basic algorithm (e.g., deciding if a number is even or odd). Teacher asks guided questions, draws inputs on the board.
30-45 mins	You Do: Independent Practice	Students create their own flowcharts independently or in pairs to solve a clear problem (e.g., a short algorithm for choosing what to do after school). Worksheets provided. Teacher circulates to support.
45-55 mins	Differentiation & Extension Tasks	Support: Visual symbols provided; peer discussion encouraged. Extension: Create flowchart with sub-process or nested decisions.
55-60 mins	Plenary: Flowchart Quiz & Reflection	Quick quiz using flashcards or mini-whiteboards; students explain one symbol or answer a reflective question on learning. Highlight key takeaways.

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Detailed Lesson Breakdown

Starter (0-5 mins)

• Activity: Students brainstorm prior knowledge and understanding of flowcharts.
• Purpose: Activate prior knowledge and engage students.
• Assessment: Informal observation of ideas shared.

I Do (5-15 mins) — Teacher-led explanation

• Present the concept: What is a flowchart? Why use flowcharts?

• Introduce key symbols:

  Symbol	Purpose
  Oval	Start/End (Terminator)
  Rectangle	Process/Instruction
  Parallelogram	Input/Output
  Diamond	Decision
  Arrow	Flow direction

• Demonstrate constructing a flowchart for “Making a cup of tea” showing sequence, input (e.g., adding tea), decisions (e.g., add milk?).

We Do (15-30 mins) — Guided practice

• Present a flowchart for “Check if number is even or odd.”
• Together, read and interpret the flowchart.
• Ask questions:
  • What symbol indicates decision?
  • What happens if the number is even?
  • How can we improve or add to this flowchart?

You Do (30-45 mins) — Independent/pair work

• Students design flowcharts for: “Deciding what to do after school (homework, sports, play, etc.)”.
• Use symbols appropriately.
• Provide worksheet with problem description.
• Encourage students to think about inputs (e.g., time available), processes (steps), and decisions.

Differentiation Strategies

• For lower ability students:

  • Provide symbol reference sheets.
  • Use flowchart templates where students fill in boxes.
  • Work in pairs to support peer learning.

• For higher ability students:

  • Challenge to include nested decisions or modular flowcharts.
  • Translate flowchart into simple pseudocode or verbal algorithm explanation.

Plenary (55-60 mins)

• Conduct a rapid-fire quiz using flashcards (e.g., “What does this symbol mean?”).
• Ask students to verbally explain what they have created or learned.
• Post on whiteboard: “One thing I learned about flowcharts today is…”
• Recap the lesson’s aims and real-world importance.

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Assessment

• Formative:

  • Observation during I Do and We Do.
  • Questioning and discussion during guided practice.
  • Peer and teacher feedback during independent work.

• Summative:

  • Completed flowchart worksheet assessed for:
    • Correct use of symbols.
    • Logical flow of processes and decisions.
    • Clarity and completeness.

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Additional Notes for Teachers

• Use real-life examples students can relate to (e.g., daily routines, simple tech operations) to keep flowcharts relevant and engaging.
• Emphasise that flowcharts help plan before coding, linking to later programming lessons.
• Encourage the use of different colours for different symbol types to aid visual learners.
• Consider digital flowchart tools (if available) for extension lessons, but focus on paper-based to develop core understanding this session.

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This detailed lesson plan blends computational thinking and practical skills aligned to the National Curriculum, ensuring all learners are supported while challenging more able students to deepen their understanding of flowcharts in computing.