Computer Science
Grade 7
20 min
Lesson 6: Flowcharts: Visualizing the Algorithm's Path
Introduce flowcharts as a visual representation of algorithms using standard symbols.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the standard symbols used in a flowchart (terminator, process, decision, input/output, and flowline).
Explain the purpose of each flowchart symbol in representing a step of an algorithm.
Trace the logical path of a given flowchart to determine its outcome.
Design a simple flowchart to represent a real-world task or a basic computer program.
Convert a short, step-by-step set of instructions into a visual flowchart.
Identify and correct common errors in a simple flowchart, such as missing connections or incorrect symbol usage.
Ever followed a recipe to bake cookies or used a map to find a new place? 🗺️ You were following a visual algorithm!
In this lesson, we'll learn how to draw these visual maps for our computer programs. These maps are cal...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
FlowchartA diagram that uses special shapes and arrows to show the step-by-step sequence of an algorithm.A drawing that shows how to decide what to wear based on the weather, with questions and actions in different boxes.
TerminatorThe oval shape that marks the 'Start' and 'End' points of the flowchart. Every flowchart must have one of each.An oval labeled 'Start' at the very beginning of the diagram.
ProcessThe rectangle shape that represents an action or a calculation.A rectangle labeled 'Add 5 to the score'.
DecisionThe diamond shape that represents a question with a 'Yes' or 'No' (or 'True'/'False') answer. It splits the path into two or more branches.A diamond labeled 'Is the sc...
3
Core Syntax & Patterns
One Way In, One Way Out (Mostly!)
Every shape except the Decision diamond should have one arrow going in and one arrow going out.
This rule ensures the flow of logic is clear and doesn't have dead ends or confusing loops. The Decision diamond is the special exception.
The Decision Diamond Rule
A Decision diamond must have one arrow going in, but at least two arrows coming out, each labeled with a possible answer (e.g., Yes/No).
This is the only shape that creates branches in your algorithm's path. It's how programs make choices.
Start at the Top, Flow to the Bottom
Flowcharts should generally flow from top to bottom and left to right.
This makes your flowchart easy for anyone to read and understand, just like reading a book.
4 more steps in this tutorial
Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.
Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
You are designing a flowchart for a game where a player must answer a question correctly to proceed. The flowchart has an input for the answer and a decision diamond 'Is answer correct?'. To make the player try again if they are wrong, where must the 'No' flowline from the diamond lead?
A.Directly to the 'End' terminator
B.To a process shape that says 'Game Over'
C.Back to the input shape that asks for the answer
D.To the 'Start' terminator
Challenging
A student's flowchart for a simple login process is: 1. Start (Oval) 2. Get Username (Parallelogram) 3. Get Password (Rectangle) 4. Is Password Correct? (Diamond) 5. End (Oval). Which step uses an incorrect shape for its described function?
A.Step 2, 'Get Username'
B.Step 3, 'Get Password'
C.Step 4, 'Is Password Correct?'
D.Step 1, 'Start'
Challenging
A flowchart starts, gets a number as input, then enters a decision diamond: 'Is number < 0?'. If 'Yes', it follows a path to a process 'number = number * -1'. If 'No', it skips that process. Both paths then lead to an output shape that displays the number, and then to 'End'. What is the overall purpose of this algorithm?
A.To find the absolute value of a number
B.To check if a number is positive
C.To multiply any number by -1
D.To subtract 1 from the number
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing Free