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Build with steps

Can we draw thinking?

# Flowcharts you can draw A **flowchart** is a picture of an algorithm. ## Shapes (keep it simple) - **Oval** — start / end - **Rectangle** — a process (“add 1”) - **Diamond** — a question (“marks ≥ 40?”) yes/no - **Parallelogram** — input / output - **Arrows** — direction ## Pass/fail flowchart Start → Input marks → Diamond: ≥ 40? - Yes → Output “Pass” → End - No → Output “Fail” → End If you can draw it, you can code it. > Use pencil. First drafts of flowcharts are allowed to look messy. ## Shape cheat-sheet | Shape | Meaning | | --- | --- | | Oval | Start or End | | Rectangle | Do something (process) | | Diamond | Ask a yes/no question | | Parallelogram | Input or output (common exam habit) | | Arrow | What happens next | ### How to draw without a mess 1. Write the algorithm in numbered English first 2. One box per step 3. Decisions only where the path really splits 4. Every path must reach End 5. Read it aloud to a friend — if they get lost, the arrows are wrong Flowcharts become `if` and `while` the day you open Python. The picture is not extra work — it is the thinking.

By the end of this lesson

Read a tiny flowchart (start, process, decision diamond, arrows, end) and draw one for a pass/fail mark.

Remember

  • A flowchart is a picture of an algorithm.
  • Oval = start/end. Rectangle = process. Diamond = decision (yes/no). Parallelogram often = input/output.
  • Arrows show sequence. A diamond has two ways out.
  • If/else in code is a diamond on paper.
  • If two arrows crash with no rule, the chart is broken.

Worked examples

Cover the answer. Try the steps on paper, then open them.

Example 1 — Pass mark

Marks ≥ 40 pass, else try again.

  1. Start
  2. Input marks
  3. Diamond: marks ≥ 40?
  4. Yes → output Pass → End
  5. No → output Try again → End

Answer: one diamond, two exits

Check: This is tomorrow’s if/else.

Example 2 — Read a chart

Start → “Add 1 to n” → “Is n = 5?” no loops back, yes End.

  1. n grows 1,2,3,4,5
  2. The no arrow is a loop
  3. It stops at 5

Answer: a counting loop

Check: Flowcharts can show loops as arrows that go back.

Example 3 — Broken chart

A diamond with only one outgoing arrow.

  1. A decision that has no “no” is not a decision
  2. Add the second arrow or change the box to a process

Answer: two exits needed

Check: Every yes needs a no (or you used the wrong shape).

Common mistakes

Slip Using a rectangle for a yes/no question.

Fix Questions that split the path are diamonds.

Shape carries meaning.

Slip Arrows with no arrow-heads, so nobody knows the direction.

Fix Always draw the head.

Sequence is direction.

Slip Five processes in one box: “do the whole homework”.

Fix Split into visible steps.

Same clarity rule as algorithms.

Try on paper first

Write the answer, then tap Reveal. These are not the quiz — they are warm-ups.

1. Which shape is a decision?

Answer: Diamond

2. Which shape starts and ends?

Answer: Oval

3. How many ways out of a yes/no diamond?

Answer: Two

4. A flowchart is a picture of an…

Answer: Algorithm

Touch practice

8 tap / type

Tap or type. Use the hint if you need it. Retry any miss — the why is the lesson.

Optional picture lab

After practice

Real world

Metro maps and recipes.

Connect

Flowcharts become if/else.

⭐ Star quiz

9 questions

Do the worked examples and touch practice first. Then take the quiz without peeking.

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