JSS 3 Second Term

Lesson objectives

By the end of the week, learners should be able to:

1. Write a program using an array to compute totals and averages.
2. Locate the largest and smallest value in an array.
3. Use iteration through array indices safely.
4. Debug an array program if errors appear.
5. Save the runnable program and confirm the output.

Key vocabulary

• Iteration: repeating steps through a loop over array indices.
• Loop: a repeatable block of instructions.
• Iteration through indices: stepping the loop counter over array positions.
• Totals: the sum collected across all array values.
• Average: the mean computed from totals and count.
• Largest value: the greatest entry in the array.
• Smallest value: the lowest entry in the array.
• Debug: finding and fixing mistakes in a program.
• Confirm: verifying output matches expectations.

Common misconceptions

• "Arrays replace loops." Arrays handle storage; loops handle repeated iteration over those stores.
• "An array holds only numbers." Some languages allow mixed types inside arrays if declared loosely.
• "Every loop uses the same counter." Counters may start, increment and reset differently.

Teacher activities

1. Starter: show an array totaling a sum and ask whether the totals come from the array directly.
2. Demonstrate a simple array summation loop.
3. Show computing averages and locating the largest value.
4. Demonstrate debugging a broken array program step by step.
5. Save the corrected program and confirm the output.
6. Close with the runnable-program task and exit question.

Student activities

1. Answer the starter and state why a loop collects totals.
2. Write a program using an array to compute totals and averages.
3. Locate the largest and smallest value in an array manually.
4. Debug the broken array program and confirm the corrected output.
5. Save the corrected program under a clear filename and reopen it to confirm.
6. Answer the exit question in one sentence about arrays versus loops.

Practical / learning evidence

A saved runnable array program computing totals, average, largest and smallest, plus the confirmed output. Submit both the program and output for marking.

Resources and preparation

Computers with the interpreter, blank program windows and sample broken programs. Prebuild the interpreter in a read-only folder. Disable Caps Lock before typing. Verify the computer starts reliably.

Assessment for learning

Inspect the program for correct loop structure and array access. Check the confirmed output for sensible totals and averages. Ask a learner to describe the difference between a loop iteration and direct array access. Flag any learner who conflates arrays with loops.

Inclusion and homework

Provide the broken program in a read-only folder for learners needing scaffolding and allow extra debugging time. Extend confident learners with two array programs and a second homework locating an array's median value. Homework: write a second program computing the mode of an array by counting frequencies.