Variables, Data Types, Algorithms
& Flowcharts in Python
Year 9 Computer Science
Teacher: Kunle Olumodeji
Learning Objectives
1. Define variables
2. Explain main data types
3. Assign values and identify types
4. Understand algorithms
5. Draw flowcharts
What is a Variable?
A variable is a name that stores a value in memory.
Analogy: Labelled box for storing data.
Rules:
- Start with letter/underscore
- No spaces
- Case sensitive
Example:
age = 14
name = 'Aisha'
is_student = True
height = 1.65
Data Types
int: 5, -10 (whole numbers)
float: 3.14, -2.0 (decimals)
str: 'hello', '123' (text)
bool: True, False (logical values)
Use type() to check types
Examples &
Demonstrations
a = 10
b = 3.0
c = '10'
d = False
e=b*a
Predict values and types.
Common Errors
1. Adding int + str causes error
2. True vs true (Python uses True)
3. Variable names: no spaces, no starting with
numbers
Activity 1 – Worksheet
Fill blanks for variables
Classify types of given values
Write code asking user for name & age, print
message.
What is an Algorithm?
Step-by-step procedure to solve a problem.
Examples: recipe for tea, getting ready for school.
Flowcharts
Graphical representation using symbols:
Oval: Start/End
Rectangle: Process
Diamond: Decision
Arrow: Flow control
Algorithm + Flowchart
Example
Problem: Check if number is even or odd
Steps: Start → Input → Decision → Output → End
Activity 2 – Algorithms &
Flowcharts
Choose problem: Voting age, average scores,
largest number
Write algorithm steps
Draw flowchart
Python Code Example
n = int(input('Enter number: '))
if n%2==0:
print('Even')
else:
print('Odd')
Assessment / Exit Quiz
1. Type of 5/2?
2. name=5 then print(name+' here')?
3. What is an algorithm?
4. Flowchart symbol for decision?
Review & Homework
Review: variables, data types, algorithm, flowchart
Homework: Write algorithm & flowchart, code it in
Python
Flowchart Symbols —
Explanation & Uses
Start / End (Terminator) - Oval
• Explanation: Marks the beginning or end of a process.
• Uses: Start program, Stop/End.
Process - Rectangle
• Explanation: An action or instruction (e.g., calculation or assignment).
• Uses: total = a + b, update counters.
Input / Output - Parallelogram
• Explanation: Data entering or leaving (input from user, output to screen).
• Uses: input(), print(), read file, write file.
Decision - Diamond
• Explanation: A conditional/branching point (yes/no or true/false).
• Uses: if age >= 18? then branch accordingly.
Connector - Small circle
• Explanation: Connects separated parts of a flowchart (flow continues elsewhere).
• Uses: Jump between flowchart sections, multi-page charts.
Flowline / Arrow
• Explanation: Shows the flow direction between steps.
• Uses: Connect steps in correct order.
Predefined Process (Subroutine) - Rectangle with double-struck sides
• Explanation: Represents a named, reusable process/task.
• Uses: Call a function or subroutine (e.g., 'CalculateAverage').
Annotation / Comment - Bracket or note
• Explanation: Extra information or clarifications.
• Uses: Add notes, explain assumptions or special cases.
Flowchart → Code: Quick
Mapping & Example
Quick mapping of symbols to Python code:
• Start/End -> program start / program end
• Process -> assignment, calculation (e.g., total = a + b)
• Input/Output -> input() / print()
• Decision -> if / elif / else (condition checks)
Simple example (Even/Odd) - Steps:
1. Start
2. Input number n
3. Decision: n % 2 == 0 ?
- Yes: print 'Even'
- No: print 'Odd'
4. End
Teacher tip: When drawing flowcharts, always label decision arrows (Yes/No or
True/False).
