Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 4
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Further Maths
Curriculum Theme: Further Mathematics
Previous Lesson: Operations Research.
Topic: CALCULATING AND PROCESSING DEVICES II
Subject Matter: Flow charts, application of flow charts

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define a flow chart.
Identify and state the meaning of common flow chart symbols.
Explain the rules for drawing a flow chart.
List at least three applications of flow charts.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of flow charts in problem-solving.
Show interest in using flow charts to represent algorithms.

Psychomotor Domain:

Draw simple flow charts for given problems.
Interpret a given flow chart to understand its logic.

Collaborate with peers to discuss and draw flow charts.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) Senior Secondary Education Curriculum for Further Mathematics.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Schools.
New Further Mathematics for Senior Secondary Schools 1.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Charts displaying various flow chart symbols and examples of simple flow charts.
Whiteboard and markers.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils to visualize the logical steps involved in solving problems. Understanding flow charts enables pupils to represent algorithms clearly, which is important for critical thinking and computer programming concepts.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have a basic understanding of sequential steps in problem-solving and simple algorithms.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Flow Charts and Their Applications

Definition of a Flow Chart

A flow chart is a pictorial representation of the steps involved in solving a problem or performing a task. It uses various standard symbols to show the sequence of operations.

Common Flow Chart Symbols

The following are common symbols used in flow charts and their meanings:

Terminal Symbol (Oval): Represents the start or end of a program or process.
Input/Output Symbol (Parallelogram): Used for any input or output operation, such as reading data or displaying results.
Process Symbol (Rectangle): Represents any processing operation, calculation, or data manipulation.
Decision Symbol (Diamond): Indicates a point where a decision needs to be made, usually resulting in two or more alternative paths (e.g., Yes/No, True/False).
Flow Lines (Arrows): Connects symbols and indicates the direction of flow of control.
Connector Symbol (Circle): Used to connect parts of a flow chart on the same page (on-page connector) or different pages (off-page connector).

Rules for Drawing Flow Charts

The following are important rules to follow when drawing flow charts:

A flow chart must have a clear start and end point.
Flow lines should generally go from top to bottom or left to right.
Only one flow line should exit from a process symbol.
Only one flow line should enter a decision symbol, but two or more flow lines can exit (representing different options).
Symbols should be of appropriate size and clearly drawn.
The content within symbols should be concise and clear.

Applications of Flow Charts

Flow charts are used in various fields for different purposes. Some common applications include:

Program Planning: To design the logic of computer programs before coding.
Problem Analysis: To break down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps.
Process Documentation: To document business processes, manufacturing steps, or administrative procedures.
Decision Making: To visualize decision paths and their outcomes.
Education: To teach problem-solving methodologies and logical thinking.

Advantages of Flow Charts

The following are advantages of using flow charts:

They provide a clear visual representation of a process.
They help in understanding complex logic easily.
They are useful for debugging and identifying errors in algorithms.
They serve as good program documentation.
They facilitate communication among team members working on a project.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and reviews the previous lesson briefly. The teacher then asks pupils how they would explain a set of instructions for making tea or cooking rice to someone. The teacher introduces flow charts as a pictorial way to show steps.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge and are introduced to the lesson topic.

Step 2: Definition of Flow Chart

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a flow chart as a pictorial representation of steps to solve a problem or perform a task. The teacher emphasizes that it uses standard symbols.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition of a flow chart.

Step 3: Common Flow Chart Symbols

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays charts of flow chart symbols and explains each symbol (terminal, input/output, process, decision, flow lines, connector) and its specific use. The teacher draws each symbol on the board with its name and function.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the charts, draw the symbols in their notebooks, and note down their meanings.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the function of different flow chart symbols.

Step 4: Rules for Drawing Flow Charts

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the important rules for drawing flow charts, such as having a start/end, direction of flow, and proper use of symbols. The teacher uses examples to illustrate each rule.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, participate in the discussion, and write down the rules.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the guidelines for constructing effective flow charts.

Step 5: Applications of Flow Charts

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Examples
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains various applications of flow charts in different fields, such as computer programming, business processes, and problem analysis. The teacher encourages pupils to suggest other areas where flow charts could be useful.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, contribute examples, and note down the applications.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the practical relevance of flow charts.

Step 6: Drawing a Simple Flow Chart

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to draw a simple flow chart for a basic task, for example, “Calculate the sum of two numbers” or “Check if a number is even or odd”. The teacher guides pupils through the steps.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils follow the teacher’s demonstration and attempt to draw a simple flow chart in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils practice drawing simple flow charts.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define a flow chart.
Mention any three common flow chart symbols and their functions.
State two important rules for drawing a flow chart.
List two applications of flow charts.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the definition, symbols, rules, and applications of flow charts. The teacher assigns homework: “Draw a flow chart for the process of withdrawing money from an ATM.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and apply it to a new problem.

Lesson Keywords

Flow chart – A diagram showing the sequence of operations in a process or program.
Symbol – A graphical representation used in a flow chart to denote a specific operation.
Process – An action or calculation performed within a flow chart.
Decision – A point in a flow chart where a choice is made, leading to different paths.
Input/Output – Operations involving data entry or display of results.
Terminal – The start or end point of a flow chart.

Differentiation

For struggling learners, the teacher will provide pre-drawn templates of symbols and simpler problems to construct flow charts. For advanced learners, the teacher will provide more complex scenarios requiring conditional logic and loops, encouraging them to design more elaborate flow charts.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that the charts of flow chart symbols are clear and visible to all pupils. Encourage pupils to actively participate in drawing and interpreting flow charts on the board. Emphasize the logical flow and correct use of symbols. Practical examples that relate to pupils’ daily experiences can help in better understanding.