Computer Science
Grade 7
20 min
Lesson 8: Flowchart Creation: Mapping Out the Steps
Create flowcharts for the same tasks previously described in pseudocode.
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define what a flowchart is and its purpose in planning a program.
Identify and describe the four main symbols used in a flowchart: Terminator, Process, Input/Output, and Decision.
Create a simple flowchart for a linear sequence of events.
Design a flowchart that includes a decision (if/else) structure using the diamond symbol.
Translate a simple real-world task, like getting ready for school, into a logical flowchart.
Trace the path of a given flowchart to predict its output.
Ever followed a recipe to bake a cake or build a LEGO set? 🎂 A flowchart is just like that recipe, but for a computer program!
In this lesson, you'll learn how to become an architect for your code by using flowcharts. We'll explore the special symbols that act as building...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
FlowchartA visual diagram that uses special symbols connected by arrows to show the step-by-step sequence of an algorithm.A chart showing the steps to get ready for school: Wake Up -> Eat Breakfast -> Brush Teeth -> Get Dressed.
TerminatorThe oval symbol used to show the 'Start' and 'End' points of the flowchart. Every flowchart must begin and end with this symbol.An oval labeled 'Start' at the very top of the diagram.
ProcessThe rectangle symbol used to represent an action, a calculation, or an operation.A rectangle labeled 'Pour milk into bowl'.
Input/OutputThe parallelogram symbol used to show when data is being entered by a user (input) or displayed by the program (output).A parallelogram labeled 'Ask user for...
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Core Syntax & Patterns
One Start, One End
Every flowchart must have exactly one 'Start' terminator and at least one 'End' terminator.
This rule ensures your algorithm has a clear beginning and a definite conclusion. It prevents confusion about where the process begins or finishes.
Flow Direction
Flowlines should generally move from the top of the page to the bottom and from left to right.
Following this convention makes your flowchart easy for anyone to read and understand, just like reading a book. Avoid crossing lines whenever possible to keep it neat.
Decision Branching
A Decision (diamond) symbol must have one incoming flowline and two or more outgoing flowlines (e.g., 'Yes'/'No', 'True'/'False').
This is how you add choices t...
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Challenging
Analyze this flowchart logic: Start -> Get temperature -> Is temp < 0? -> (Yes) -> Display 'Freezing' -> End. (No) -> Is temp > 30? -> (Yes) -> Display 'Hot' -> End. (No) -> Display 'Moderate' -> End. What is the output if the temperature is 15?
A.Freezing
B.Hot
C.Moderate
D.No output is given.
Challenging
You need to create a flowchart for a login system. The system should ask for a password, check if it's correct, and either grant access or deny access. Which flowchart structure is essential for this task?
A.simple linear sequence of Process symbols.
B.An Input/Output symbol followed by a Decision symbol.
C.Decision symbol followed by a Terminator symbol.
D.series of three Process symbols.
Challenging
A student's flowchart for making toast is: Start -> Put bread in toaster -> Decision: 'Is it toasted?' -> (No Path) -> loops back to the Decision symbol -> (Yes Path) -> Process: 'Take out toast' -> End. What programming concept does the loop from the 'No' path back to the decision represent?
A.An if/else structure
B.sequence
C.repetition or loop
D.An error or dead end
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