Lesson 2: Decisions in Flowcharts
Year 7 | 40 minutes | High-contrast slides
Computer Science
▶ Goal: Read and draw decision flowcharts correctly using standard shapes and clear
True/False branches.
▶ You need: mini-whiteboard & pen.
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Keywords
Start/Stop (oval) Input/Output (parallelogram)
Process (rectangle) Decision (diamond)
Condition True False Branch
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Do Now (5 minutes) — Shape Match
On mini-whiteboards, match each shape name to its purpose:
▶ Start/Stop (Begins or ends an algorithm)
▶ Input/Output (Data entering/leaving)
▶ Process (Action/step is performed)
▶ Decision (Yes/No or True/False choice)
Teacher prompt: “Which two shapes are used for reading or showing information?”
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Teach (10 minutes): How to Draw a Decision
1. Write the condition inside the diamond.
2. Draw two arrows leaving the diamond and label them True and
False.
3. Each arrow leads to the next step (process or output). Only one
path is taken.
Start
Input colour
Decision: (colour = blue)?
True → Output “Blue”
False → Output “Not blue”
Stop
Tip: Put the True arrow to the right and the False arrow down/left 4/9
Guided Practice (10 minutes) — Label Each Shape
Trace and label the shapes for this algorithm:
1. Start
2. Input: number
3. Decision: (number ≥ 10)?
True → Output “Two digits or more”
False → Output “One digit”
4. Stop
Check for: Start/Stop = oval; Input/Output = parallelogram;
Process = rectangle; Decision = diamond.
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Partner Task (12–15 minutes) — Investigate
On paper, draw this flowchart and test at least two inputs.
Start → Input: answer
Decision: (answer = 4)?
True → Output “Correct”
False → Output “Sorry, no”
Stop
Success criteria:
▶ Clear True/False labels on the decision arrows
▶ Each step connects to the next; only one path followed at each
decision
▶ Outputs are clearly shown
Extension: Add a second decision if the first is False (e.g., “Is answer
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Common Mistakes & Fixes (5 minutes)
▶ Missing arrow labels → always add True/False.
▶ Writing actions inside the diamond → only the condition
goes in the diamond.
▶ Multiple exits from a process → processes have one exit;
decisions have two.
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Exit Ticket (2–3 minutes)
Complete the sentence on a sticky note:
Prompt
“One mistake I must avoid when drawing decisions is
because .”
Collect as students leave; scan for misunderstandings to address next
lesson.
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Teacher Notes (Quick Reference)
▶ Keep language anchored to True/False paths.
▶ Circulate during partner task: ask “What is your condition? Which path is
True?”
▶ Celebrate neat, readable flows; model one on the board.
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