Computer Science
Grade 6
20 min
6. Flowcharts: Visualizing Algorithms
Learn to represent algorithms visually using flowcharts and their different symbols.
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the five basic flowchart symbols (Terminator, Process, Decision, Input/Output, Flow Line).
Explain that a flowchart is a visual representation of an algorithm.
Create a simple flowchart for a sequential task with at least four steps.
Create a flowchart that includes a 'Decision' block with 'Yes' and 'No' paths.
Trace the path of a given flowchart to predict its outcome.
Break down a real-world problem into steps suitable for a flowchart.
Have you ever followed a recipe to bake cookies or a guide to build a LEGO set? 🍪 You were following an algorithm! What if we could draw a map for those instructions?
In this lesson, we'll learn how to draw those maps, called flowcharts. Flowcharts help us visualize the step-b...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
AlgorithmA list of step-by-step instructions to solve a problem or complete a task.A recipe for making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is an algorithm.
FlowchartA diagram that uses special shapes and arrows to show the steps of an algorithm in order.A drawing that shows you 'Start', then 'Get bread', then 'Spread peanut butter', then 'End'.
Terminator (Start/End)An oval shape that shows the starting and ending points of the flowchart.An oval labeled 'Start' at the very beginning or 'End' at the very end.
ProcessA rectangle shape that shows an action or a command to be performed.A rectangle labeled 'Brush teeth' or 'Add 5 to score'.
DecisionA diamond shape that asks a yes/no question. I...
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Core Syntax & Patterns
One Start, One End
Every flowchart must begin with exactly one 'Start' terminator and finish with at least one 'End' terminator.
This rule ensures your algorithm has a clear beginning and a clear conclusion. Without a start, you don't know where to begin, and without an end, the process never stops.
One Way In, One Way Out (for Processes)
A Process (rectangle) block has only one flow line coming in and one flow line going out.
Actions happen one at a time. After you complete one step, you move directly to the next single step. You can't do two different things immediately after one action.
One Way In, Two Ways Out (for Decisions)
A Decision (diamond) block has one flow line coming in, but two flow lines going out, labeled 'Yes' a...
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
A flowchart is designed to help a user decide if they can go to a movie. It needs to check two things: if they have enough money AND if they have finished their homework. Why is a single Decision diamond not enough to solve this problem correctly?
A.single diamond can only ask one question, but two separate checks are needed.
B.Going to the movies is an Input/Output operation, not a decision.
C.The flowchart would need two 'Start' points, one for each condition.
D.Money and homework are processes, not decisions.
Challenging
In a flowchart for a game, a flow line from the 'No' path of a 'Is game over?' diamond points back to an earlier Process block called 'Player takes turn'. What does this looping back create in the algorithm?
A.An error, because flow lines cannot go backwards.
B.repetition or loop, allowing the player to take another turn.
C.second 'Start' point for the game.
D.dead end, because the flowchart never reaches 'End'.
Challenging
Why is a sequential flowchart (like 'Brushing Your Teeth') an inappropriate choice for modeling the 'Simple Guessing Game' from the tutorial?
A.The guessing game has too many steps.
B.The guessing game requires input from a user.
C.The guessing game's outcome depends on a condition (if the guess is right or wrong).
D.The guessing game needs more than one 'End' terminator.
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