Computer Science
Grade 7
20 min
Lesson 7: Flowchart Symbols: Decoding the Shapes
Learn the meaning of different flowchart symbols (start/end, process, decision, input/output).
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the five most common flowchart symbols (Terminator, Process, Input/Output, Decision, Flowline).
Describe the specific function of each common flowchart symbol.
Interpret a simple flowchart by explaining the sequence of steps it represents.
Use the correct flowchart symbols to represent different types of actions like starting, processing, getting input, and making decisions.
Draw a complete flowchart for a simple everyday task using at least three different symbols.
Explain why standardized symbols are important for planning and communicating algorithms clearly.
Ever tried to explain the rules of a video game to a friend and they got totally lost? 🤔 What if you could draw a map of the rules using simple shapes?
In this lesson, we'll learn...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
TerminatorThe oval shape. It represents the starting and ending points of the algorithm. Every flowchart must have one 'Start' and at least one 'End'.An oval labeled 'Start' at the very beginning of the flowchart, and another oval labeled 'End' at the very end.
ProcessThe rectangle shape. It represents an action, a calculation, or an operation being performed.A rectangle labeled 'Add 1 to score' or 'Pour milk into bowl'.
Input / OutputThe parallelogram shape. It represents getting information (input) from a user or displaying information (output) to them.A parallelogram labeled 'Get user's name' (input) or 'Display final score' (output).
DecisionThe diamond shape. It represents a poi...
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Core Syntax & Patterns
One Start, At Least One End
Every flowchart must begin with exactly one 'Start' Terminator symbol.
This rule ensures there is a clear, single starting point for the algorithm. While there's only one start, a process might have multiple possible ending points, each marked with an 'End' Terminator.
Follow the Flow
Flowlines must have a clear direction (indicated by an arrowhead) and connect one symbol to another.
The flow generally moves from top to bottom and left to right. This makes the flowchart easy to read and prevents confusion about the sequence of steps.
Decision Paths Must Be Labeled
A Decision (diamond) symbol must have at least two exit flowlines, and each one must be labeled with the outcome (e.g., 'Yes'/'No', �...
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Challenging
A flowchart for an online store has a loop where it adds an item's price to a running total. To prevent this from being an infinite loop, what other essential element must be included in the loop's logic?
A.Decision symbol that checks if there are more items to add.
B.Process symbol to reset the total to zero.
C.An Input/Output symbol to display the store's name.
D.Terminator symbol inside the loop.
Challenging
Imagine two programmers who speak different languages are working together. How do standardized flowchart symbols help them overcome the language barrier when planning an algorithm?
A.The shapes can be translated into different languages.
B.The computer can automatically add comments in the correct language.
C.The meaning of each shape is universal, so they can understand the logic and flow without reading the text.
D.Flowcharts are only used by programmers who speak English.
Challenging
A classmate claims, 'A flowchart can never have a flowline pointing from a lower symbol to a higher one on the page.' Based on the tutorial's 'Core Syntax & Patterns', why is this statement potentially incorrect?
A.The statement is correct; flow must always go from top to bottom.
B.It's incorrect because flowlines can go in any direction without rules.
C.It's incorrect because a loop, which is a common structure, would require a flowline to go back to an earlier step.
D.It's correct because only Decision diamonds can have upward-pointing arrows.
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