Ark Kings Academy

Computing Study Pack

Summer Term
Year 7 Flowcharts and Problem Solving

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Contents

Study Point 1 – Algorithms.................................................................................4

Study Point 1 – Algorithms Self quiz..................................................................5
Study Point 1 – Algorithm short answer questions..............................................9
Study Point 2 – Sequencing and flowchart symbols..........................................11
Study Point 2 – Sequencing and flowchart symbols self quiz............................13
Study Point 2 – Sequencing and flowchart symbols short answer questions.....17
Study Point 3 - Pseudocode...............................................................................19
Study Point 3 – Pseudocode self quiz................................................................21
Study Point 3 – Pseudocode short answer questions..........................................25
Study Point 4 - Flowcharts................................................................................27
Study Point 4 - Flowcharts self quiz.................................................................28
Study Point 4 - Flowcharts short answer questions...........................................32
Study Point 5 – Flowcharts................................................................................34
Study Point 5 – Complex Flowcharts self quiz..................................................35
Study Point 5 – Complex Flowcharts short answer questions............................39
Study Point 6 – Embedded systems...................................................................41
Study Point 6 – Embedded systems self quiz....................................................42
Study Point 6 – Embedded systems short answer questions..............................44
Challenge Study – Task Outline........................................................................46
Challenge Study – Task Submission - Evaluation.............................................48
Challenge Study - Explain your algorithm........................................................49
Self quiz answers...............................................................................................50
Study point 1 Algorithms self quiz answers..............................................50
Study point 2 – Sequencing and flowchart symbols self quiz answers......50
Study Point 3 – Pseudocode self quiz answers..........................................52
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 Study Point 4 – Flowcharts self quiz answers............................................52
Study Point 5 – Complex flowcharts self quiz answers.............................52
Study Point 6 –Embedded systems self quiz answers................................53

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Study Point 1 – Algorithms

You use code to tell a computer what

to do.

Before you write code you need an

algorithm.

An algorithm is a list of rules to

follow in order to solve a problem.

Algorithms need to have their steps in the right order.

Think about an algorithm for getting dressed in the morning. What if you
put on your coat before your jumper? Your jumper would be on top of
your coat and that would be silly!

When you write an algorithm the order of the instructions is very

important. If we get it in the wrong order, them the code might not work
as we need it to.

We use flowcharts to show the algorithm in a way that is easy to

understand.

Pseudocode is another example of an algorithm.

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Study Point 1 – Algorithms Self quiz

Attempt 1

1. What is an algorithm?

2. Why do you need to write an algorithm?

3. What is an important feature of an algorithm?

4. Give an example of an algorithm you could write about

5. Give two ways an algorithm can be represented

6. What happens if an algorithm is in the wrong order?

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7. What’s the benefit of using flowcharts?

8. What is pseudocode?

9.

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Attempt 2

1. What is an algorithm?

2. Why do you need to write an algorithm?

3. What is an important feature of an algorithm?

4. Give an example of an algorithm you could write about

5. Give two ways an algorithm can be represented

6. What happens if an algorithm is in the wrong order?

7. What’s the benefit of using flowcharts?

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8. What is pseudocode?

9.

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Study Point 1 – Algorithm short answer questions

Write an algorithm for a 3-year-old outlining how to cross the road using traffic
lights?
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Design a flowchart for the answer to the previous question (how to cross the
road)?

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Study Point 2 – Sequencing and flowchart symbols

Control and sequencing is used in all

areas of computing including robotics and
video games.
We build flowcharts and algorithms to
form the basis of all software programs.

Control and sequencing technology is

used to:

 operate systems, e.g. traffic lights

 control actions, e.g. a robot’s
movement
 create video games
 control manufacturing devices, e.g. laser cutters

Computers follow instructions or sequences programmed into them.

A flowchart can be used to help design a sequence.

Video games are a good example of programmes that are based on

complex sequencing. Depending on what the player decides, the game
changes. The more complex the sequencing and programming, the more
choices the player has.

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 Flowchart Symbols
Start / Stop terminal shows when the
flowchart starts and ends

Input / output symbol shows when

data is input or information is output

Processing symbol is used when a

process has to be carried out

Decision symbol is used when a

decision needs to be made. Usually
has a question inside

Control arrow shows the direction

the flowchart will follow

A subroutine is a marker for another

process step or series of process steps
that are formally defined elsewhere
in the flowchart

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Study Point 2 – Sequencing and flowchart symbols self quiz

Attempt 1

1. What is control and sequencing used in?

2. Why are flowcharts and algorithms built?

3. What is control and sequencing used for?

4. Give an example program that is based on complex sequencing

5. What is the implication of complex sequencing?

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 6. What is a start/stop terminal?

7. What is the purpose of the input/output symbol

8. What is the process of a process symbol?

9. What is the purpose of a decision symbol?

10. What is the purpose of the control arrows?

11. What is the purpose of a subroutine symbol?

Attempt 2

1. What is control and sequencing used in?

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 2. Why are flowcharts and algorithms built?

3. What is control and sequencing used for?

4. Give an example program that is based on complex sequencing

5. What is the implication of complex sequencing?

6. What is a start/stop terminal?

7. What is the purpose of the input/output symbol

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8. What is the process of a process symbol?

9. What is the purpose of a decision symbol?

10. What is the purpose of the control arrows?

11. What is the purpose of a subroutine symbol?

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Study Point 2 – Sequencing and flowchart symbols short
answer questions

Draw 5 examples of decision symbols with conditional statements (questions)

inside.

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Describe an example scenario where two decision symbols can be used in the
same flowchart
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How can a flowchart be used to help design a product such as a computer game?
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How can you tell the difference between an input and an output in a flowchart?

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Study Point 3 - Pseudocode

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Most programs are developed using programming languages. These
languages have specific syntax that must be used so that the program
will run properly. Pseudocode is not a programming language, it is a
simple way of describing a set of instructions that does not have to use
specific syntax.
Pseudocode often uses specific words that are common in programming.

 INPUT – indicates a user will be inputting something

 OUTPUT – indicates that an output will appear on the screen
 WHILE – a loop (iteration that has a condition at the beginning)
 FOR – a counting loop (iteration)
 REPEAT – UNTIL – a loop (iteration) that has a condition at the
end
 IF – THEN – ELSE – a decision (selection) in which a choice is
made

Pseudocode can be used to plan out programs.

Pseudocode is another example of an algorithm.

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Study Point 3 – Pseudocode self quiz

Attempt 1

1. How are most programs developed?

2. Give two examples of programming languages

3. Is Pseudocode a programming language?

4. What is pseudocode?

5. List the specific words that are used in pseudocode

6. What does the term ‘INPUT’ mean?

7. What does the term ‘OUTPUT’ mean?

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8. What does the term ‘WHILE’ mean?

9. What does the term ‘FOR’ mean?

10. What does ‘FOR-THEN-ELSE’ mean?

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Attempt 2

1. How are most programs developed?

2. Give two examples of programming languages

3. Is Pseudocode a programming language?

4. What is pseudocode?

5. List the specific words that are used in pseudocode

6. What does the term ‘INPUT’ mean?

7. What does the term ‘OUTPUT’ mean?

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8. What does the term ‘WHILE’ mean?

9. What does the term ‘FOR’ mean?

10. What does ‘FOR-THEN-ELSE’ mean?

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Study Point 3 – Pseudocode short answer questions

Using an example, explain the difference between input and output?

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A loop can be used in a variety of ways in pseudocode. Explain two ways it

might be used.
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Write a pseudocode solution to draw a triangle using a FOR loop?
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Study Point 4 - Flowcharts

A flowchart shows the order in which a series of events is to be carried out.

These are commonly used to program objects with instructions that control what the
object will do.

An example of a simple flowchart this one, showing how to control an automatic vehicle
barrier at a carpark. The control system specifications are as follows:

1. A sensor detects an approaching vehicle.

2. Pin 1 checks if there is input from the sensor. If yes...
3. Output 0 lifts the barrier.
4. A second sensor detects the vehicle moving away from the barrier.
5. Pin 2 checks if there is input from the sensor. If yes...
6. Output 2 lowers the barrier

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Study Point 4 - Flowcharts self quiz

Attempt 1

1. What is a flowchart?

2. Name an example of a simple flowchart

3. What happens when sensor 1 is triggered?

4. Once the barrier is opened, how long does it stay open for?

5. What happens when sensor 2 is triggered?

6. How long does the barrier take to close?

7. How many decision symbols are there in the flowchart

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 8. How many input/out symbols are there?

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Attempt 2

1. What is a flowchart?

2. Name an example of a simple flowchart

3. What happens when sensor 1 is triggered?

4. Once the barrier is opened, how long does it stay open for?

5. What happens when sensor 2 is triggered?

6. How long does the barrier take to close?

7. How many decision symbols are there in the flowchart

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 8. How many input/out symbols are there?

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Study Point 4 - Flowcharts short answer questions

Describe the role of each of the decision symbols?

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If you wanted the barriers to open and close at a slower speed, what would you
change about the flowchart?
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Write the pseudocode for the vehicle barrier flowchart?
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 Study Point 5 – Flowcharts
Using system flowchart ideas

This system flowchart is a diagram for a 'cruise control' for a car. The
cruise control keeps the car at a steady speed that has been set by the
driver.

The flowchart shows what the outcome is if the car is going too fast or
too slow. The system is designed to add fuel, or take it away and so keep
the car's speed constant. The output (the car's new speed) is then fed back
into the system via the speed sensor.
Other examples of uses for system diagrams include:
 aircraft control
 central heating
 automatic washing machines
 booking systems for airlines

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Study Point 5 – Complex Flowcharts self quiz

Attempt 1

1. Draw the symbol used at the start and end of a flow diagram

2. Draw the symbol used to connect two parts of a flow diagram together

3. Draw the symbol used for a process such as a calculation

4. Draw the symbol used for inputs to, or outputs from, the flow diagram

5. Draw the symbol used when there are two or more different paths to take
based on a choice

6. Draw the symbol used to call different flow diagrams from within the flow
diagram

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7.

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Attempt 2

1. Draw the symbol used at the start and end of a flow diagram

2. Draw the symbol used to connect two parts of a flow diagram together

3. Draw the symbol used for a process such as a calculation

4. Draw the symbol used for inputs to, or outputs from, the flow diagram

5. Draw the symbol used when there are two or more different paths to take
based on a choice

6. Draw the symbol used to call different flow diagrams from within the flow
diagram

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Study Point 5 – Complex Flowcharts short answer
questions

Explain what the system flowchart is designed to do?

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Why are there no start / stop terminals in this flowchart?

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Create a flowchart system to control the air conditioning in our new building. It
should turn the heating on when the temperature is below 18 degrees.

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Study Point 6 – Embedded systems

PCs, smartphones and games consoles are typical, everyday computers but there
are many other types of computer systems.
Embedded computers
Embedded computers are used in car engines, spacecraft and MP3 players. They
are dedicated systems that are designed for a fixed purpose. This is different to
the type of system in PCs and smartphones, which use software for a range of
purposes.
Computer systems don’t just include desktop PCs and laptops. Some computer
systems are embedded into other electrical equipment (in fact, most computers
are embedded systems). The embedded system has a specific function to
perform whereas a general-purpose computer can perform a wide range of
functions.

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Study Point 6 – Embedded systems self quiz

Attempt 1

1. What is a typical example of a computer system?

2. What is an embedded system?

3. Give five examples of an embedded system

4. What is a non-embedded system or general purpose system?

5. Give an example of a non-embedded system

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Attempt 2

1. What is a typical example of a computer system?

2. What is an embedded system?

3. Give five examples of an embedded system

4. What is a non-embedded system or general purpose system?

5. Give an example of a non-embedded system

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Study Point 6 – Embedded systems short answer questions

Explain the difference between an embedded system and a non-embedded

system
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Explain why a washing machine is an example of an embedded system?

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Wearable technology includes embedded systems. Find out about one type of
wearable technology and explain how it works and what inputs and outputs it
uses.
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Challenge Study – Task Outline
Sheldon has trouble making friends, but he is a brilliant scientist and his
computational thinking is outstanding.
Sheldon decided to create an algorithm to help him solve the problem of making
a friend.
His algorithm is on the next page (p18).
Task
Look at the Friendship algorithm on page 18
Watch the youtube clip (Google search ‘Big Bang Theory Friendship
Algorithm’)

Explain how the friendship algorithm works

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Challenge Study – Task Submission - Evaluation

Now have a go at creating your own complex algorithm to help

you solve a problem.
 Think about the information you might need to solve
your problem (inputs)
 Think about the things you will have to do (processes)
 Think about questions you might have to ask (decisions)
 Think about the logical order your instructions will need
to be in (sequence).
Chose a scenario for your algorithm (flowchart)
Scenario 1
You are getting ready for school in the morning, packing your bag,
deciding whether to get the bus or walk, making lunch, getting dressed
Write an algorithm to check you have done everything you need to and
make sure you are not late.
Scenario 2
Write an algorithm to make sure you get served in the dinner hall and still
have time to meet friends as well as speaking to the teacher about
homework and paying money in for your trip
Scenario 3 – You make up a scenario of your own.

Create your flowchart here

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Challenge Study - Explain your algorithm

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Self quiz answers
Study point 1 Algorithms self quiz answers

1. A step by step set of instructions to solve a problem

2. To tell a computer (system) what to do
3. The steps need to be in the right order
4. Tying my shoelaces, cooking scrambled eggs, packing my bag in the
morning
5. Pseudocode or flowcharts
6. The code may not work
7. To show the algorithm in a way that is easy to understand
8. Another example of an algorithm

Study point 2 – Sequencing and flowchart symbols self quiz answers

1. All areas of computing including videos games
2. To form the basis of all software programs
3. To operate systems, control actions, create video games, control
manufacturing devices
4. Video games
5. The more choices the user has
6. Shows when the flowchart starts and ends
7. Shows when data is input or information is output
8. Used when a process has to be carried out
9. Used when a decision needs to be made (normally has a question
inside)
10. Shows the direction of logic (direction the flowchart will follow
11. A marker for another process step or series of process steps that
are defined elsewhere in the flowchart

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Study Point 3 – Pseudocode self quiz answers

1. Using programming languages

2. Scratch and Python
3. No
4. Another example of an algorithm used to plan out programs
5. Input, output, while, for repeat-until,if-then-else
6. Indicates a user will be inputting something
7. Indicates that an output will appear on the screen
8. A loop
9. A counting loop
10. A decision (selection) in which a choice is made
Study Point 4 – Flowcharts self quiz answers
1. Shows the order in which a series of events is to be carried out
2. Automatic vehicle barrier, traffic light
3. The barrier opens
4. 1 second
5. The barrier begins to close
6. 1 second
7. Two
8. Four
Study Point 5 – Complex flowcharts self quiz answers

1.

2.

3.

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 4.

5.

6.
Study Point 6 –Embedded systems self quiz answers
1. PC, smartphones and games consoles
2. Systems that have a specific function to perform
3. Digital camera, microwave, television, washing machine, calculator,
thermostat, photocopier, traffic lights, radio alarm clock
4. A system that can perform a wider range of functions
5. A personal computer

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