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Computing

If This, Then That: Understanding Conditions

Overview

Students explore how choices and decisions can be built into instructions using simple conditional statements.

Learning Objective
Students understand how 'if/then' conditions allow decisions to be made in algorithms.

Resources needed

  • No materials required
  • Optional: scenario cards

Lesson stages

0 / 10 done
  1. 1 Introduce 'if/then' as a decision rule.
  2. 2 Give examples (if it rains, then use an umbrella).
  3. 3 Students act out simple conditions.
  4. 4 In pairs, create their own if/then rules.
  5. 5 Test rules with a partner.
  6. 6 Discuss outcomes.
  7. 7 Introduce idea that computers use conditions to make decisions.
  8. 8 Students build simple sequences with conditions.
  9. 9 Share examples.
  10. 10 Discuss: how do conditions change behaviour?

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Add 'else' conditions.
  • Create chains of decisions.
  • Use real-life scenarios.
More information

Teach: if, then, else, condition, decision. Use frames: 'If… then…'.

Use gestures or actions instead of words.

Can students create and explain conditional rules?

Fully unplugged — no materials needed.

Students may confuse sequence with decision-making.

Conditional logic is fundamental to programming and algorithms.

Activity details
Primary Medium 25 minutes no prep Pairs, Small Group Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Conditions Logic Decision Making Algorithms