Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1
APP DEVELOPMENT
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APP DEVELOPMENT
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Subject: Computing
Class: SHS 1
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 15
Grade code: 1.2.2.LI.2
Strand code: 2
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 1.2.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 1.2.2.LI.2
Theme: COMPUTATIONAL THINKING (PROGRAMMING LOGIC)
Subtheme: APP DEVELOPMENT
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This lesson introduces the foundational steps of creating a computer program or application. We will learn that before we can build an app like WhatsApp or a Mobile Money (MoMo) service, we must first create a clear, step-by-step plan. This plan is called an algorithm. We will explore how to represent this plan using tools like pseudocode (structured English) and flowcharts (diagrams), and finally, how to translate this plan into a simple computer program using the Python programming language. Understanding this process is the first and most important step in becoming a programmer or app developer.
Concept 1: What is an Algorithm? An algorithm is a finite, step-by-step set of instructions designed to perform a specific task or solve a particular problem. Think of it as a recipe. A recipe for `jollof rice` has specific steps in a specific order. If you change the order (e.g., add water before frying the onions), you will get a different, and likely undesirable, result.
Characteristics of a good algorithm: Unambiguous: Each step is clear and leads to only one interpretation. Finite: The algorithm must end after a limited number of steps. Input: It takes zero or more inputs (the ingredients). Output: It produces at least one output (the final dish). Effective: Each instruction must be simple enough to be carried out in practice.
Example: Algorithm for making a cup of tea. START Boil water. Put a tea bag in a cup. Pour the boiled water into the cup. Add sugar if desired. Add milk if desired. Stir. END
This is a simple, clear, step-by-step process. This is the core of programming logic. Concept 2: Planning Tools - Pseudocode and Flowcharts Before writing code in a language a computer understands (like Python), we plan our algorithm using tools that are easy for humans to read and create.