Computer science · Grades 5–10
Computing foundations
20 key concepts, retrieval questions and a learning checkpoint.
Start here
Trace code using a table of variable values. Do not execute unknown code to answer a worksheet question.
Build your vocabulary
Algorithm
A finite, ordered method for carrying out a task or solving a problem.
Variable
A named location or binding used to refer to a value in a program.
Constant
A value intended not to change within the relevant program context.
Boolean
A data type representing true or false.
Integer
A data type representing whole-number values.
String
A sequence of characters treated as text.
Array
An indexed collection of elements.
Loop
A control structure that repeats instructions.
Conditional
A control structure that chooses behaviour based on a test.
Function
A reusable block of code that performs a defined task.
Parameter
A named input in a function definition.
Argument
A value supplied when a function is called.
Return value
A result passed back by a function to its caller.
Debugging
Finding and correcting faults in a program.
Syntax error
A violation of a programming language's grammatical rules.
Logic error
A fault that makes a program produce an unintended result despite valid syntax.
Pseudocode
A human-readable description of an algorithm without strict programming-language syntax.
Flowchart
A diagram representing steps and decisions in a process.
Input
Data or signals supplied to a system.
Output
Data or signals produced by a system.
Test your recall
Computing foundations: which term fits this description? A finite, ordered method for carrying out a task or solving a problem.
- Parameter
- Algorithm
- Boolean
- Input
Computing foundations: which term fits this description? A named location or binding used to refer to a value in a program.
- Argument
- Logic error
- String
- Variable
Computing foundations: which term fits this description? A value intended not to change within the relevant program context.
- Flowchart
- Return value
- Integer
- Constant
Check and explain
Answers and marking notes
- Algorithm
Algorithm: A finite, ordered method for carrying out a task or solving a problem.
- Variable
Variable: A named location or binding used to refer to a value in a program.
- Constant
Constant: A value intended not to change within the relevant program context.
Learning preview · teacher review required. Grade bands are approximate, not official curriculum alignment.