Programming commands

This activity is designed to build on understanding of programming commands and what they are used to do in a program. It requires students to show a detailed knowledge of each command and what it is used to do. It also requires them to apply programming commands in a real context.

Students will engage with the BASIC language commands, understanding their purpose and how they function. They will write their own program to control an LED light, seeing first hand how their code translates into action.

Programming is an essential skill in the 21st century world. From mobile phones and tablet computers, to large ‘fly by wire’ passenger jet aircraft, our everyday lives are shaped by systems that have been programmed. These systems keep us safe, get us to work/school or allow us to communicate with our friends and family.

BASIC is a simple programming language that can be used to program electronic systems. It consists of a set of commands that can be used to perform particular functions.

This is one of a set of resources developed to aid the class teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3. It has been designed to support the delivery of key topics within engineering and design and technology (DT).

Activity: Learning to programme using BASIC language commands

This activity involves understanding and applying BASIC programming commands. Starting with a discussion about the language and its common commands, students will then predict the functions of commands like 'high', 'low', 'goto', 'wait'/'pause', 'if', 'else', and 'stop'. They will put their understanding into practice by writing a program to control an LED light. Reflection on their experience and a question-answer session will round off the activity, consolidating their learning and addressing any queries.

Download our activity overview for a detailed lesson plan for teaching students about programming commands.

The engineering context

Programming plays a crucial role in engineering, especially with the rise of programmable systems, such as smart devices and autonomous vehicles. By learning to program in BASIC and applying it in a real context, students get a sense of how engineers use programming to create solutions and control systems.

Suggested learning outcomes

Through this beginner activity, students will gain an understanding that programs can be written using programming code. They will learn the purpose and function of a range of BASIC programming commands, and they will also get a chance to write a program using these commands to meet a given design brief. The activity aims to provide students with a solid foundation in programming, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to further explore this vital field.

Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources

The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download (including the video), and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your class’s and your schools’ needs.

You can download our classroom lesson plan below.

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You can stream and download the related films by clicking on the appropriate link in the related resources section below.