Computer Science
Grade 3
20 min
Introduction to Flowcharts: Mapping the Choices
Students learn to use flowcharts to map out the different paths in their branching narrative.
Tutorial Preview
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the three basic flowchart shapes: oval, rectangle, and diamond.
Explain that a flowchart is a map for planning steps and choices.
Create a simple flowchart with a clear start and end point.
Use a diamond shape to represent a 'yes' or 'no' choice in a story.
Follow the arrows in a flowchart to trace a path from beginning to end.
Map out a simple branching story that has two possible endings.
Have you ever wanted to create a story where the reader gets to choose what happens next? 📖✨
Today, we're going to learn how to use a special kind of map called a flowchart. Flowcharts help us plan all the different choices and endings in our stories, just like a video game designer plans a game. This will help us organize our ideas...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
FlowchartA special map that uses shapes and arrows to show the steps and choices in a plan or a story.A map showing the steps to get ready for school: Wake Up -> Eat Breakfast -> Brush Teeth -> Go to School.
Start/End (Oval)The oval shape shows where the story or plan begins and where it ends. It's like the 'Once upon a time...' and 'The End' of our map.An oval shape with the word 'Start' or 'Wake Up' inside.
Action (Rectangle)The rectangle shape shows an action or a step to do. It's something that happens in the story.A rectangle shape with the words 'Eat a healthy breakfast' inside.
Decision (Diamond)The diamond shape is for making a choice! It asks a question that can be answered with 'Yes&#...
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Core Syntax & Patterns
The Start and End Rule
Every flowchart must begin with one Start (oval) and finish with at least one End (oval).
This rule makes sure our story has a clear beginning and a clear ending, even if there are many paths to get there.
The Action Rule
An Action (rectangle) has one arrow going in and only one arrow coming out.
After you do an action, there is only one next step to follow, so only one arrow points away from it.
The Decision Rule
A Decision (diamond) has one arrow going in but MUST have two arrows coming out: one for 'Yes' and one for 'No'.
This is how we create choices! The 'Yes' arrow shows one path, and the 'No' arrow shows a different path, creating a branch in our story.
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
You are planning a story about a hero who finds a cave. The first choice is 'Do you go inside the dark cave?'. What would be the correct order of the first THREE shapes for this flowchart?
A.Start (Oval) -> Go inside cave (Rectangle) -> Find treasure (Rectangle)
B.Start (Oval) -> Find a cave (Rectangle) -> Go inside? (Diamond)
C.Start (Oval) -> Go inside? (Diamond) -> Find a cave (Rectangle)
D.Find a cave (Rectangle) -> Go inside? (Diamond) -> End (Oval)
Challenging
A flowchart has a diamond that asks 'Is the dragon friendly?'. The 'Yes' arrow points to a rectangle that says 'Run away!'. The 'No' arrow points to a rectangle that says 'Say hello!'. What is the problem with this flowchart?
A.The paths are mixed up and don't make sense
B.You should never say hello to a dragon
C.The question should be in a rectangle
D.There is no problem, it is a good flowchart
Challenging
Your story needs two different endings. One where the hero finds the treasure, and one where the hero gets lost. What is the minimum number of 'End' ovals your flowchart must have?
A.Zero
B.Only one, because all paths must join together
C.Two, one for each different ending
D.As many as you want
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