SS 2 Third Term

Lesson objectives

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

1. Use input() to read numeric and text values from the user.
2. Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
3. Use comparison operators such as greater than and less than.
4. Combine input, operators and conditional logic in one program.
5. Trace a simple runnable program predicting the expected output.

Key vocabulary

• Input: entering data from the user into a program.
• Input statement: the line telling Python to ask for data.
• Output: displaying a result to the user.
• Print statement: the command displaying text or values.
• Arithmetic operator: plus, minus, multiply or divide.
• Comparison operator: greater than, less than or equal.
• Logical operator: and, or, not combining conditions.
• Assignment: giving a value to a variable.
• Value: the data entered or produced by a computation.

Common misconceptions

• "Python reads numeric input as text." Numeric strings must be converted explicitly with int() before arithmetic.
• "Every operator behaves identically." Arithmetic, comparison and logical operators differ fundamentally.
• "Print sends the value only once." Print displays the value each time the statement appears.

Teacher activities

1. Starter: run a simple PRINT statement and display the result without revealing the code.
2. Demonstrate input() reading a number and printing the result.
3. Show performing arithmetic operations on two inputs.
4. Demonstrate using comparison operators in an if statement.
5. Combine input, operators and conditional logic in one program.
6. Close with the combined program task and exit question.

Student activities

1. Guess the PRINT command from the starter RUN.
2. Use input() to read a number from the user.
3. Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division on two inputs.
4. Use a comparison operator to decide a result.
5. Combine input, operators and conditional logic in one program.
6. Answer the exit question in one sentence about numeric conversion.

Practical / learning evidence

A combined program demonstrating input, arithmetic, comparison and conditional logic, plus the confirmed expected output. Submit both the program and output for marking.

Resources and preparation

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

Assessment for learning

Inspect the combined program for correct input, arithmetic and conditional syntax. Check the expected output for sensible calculations. Ask a learner to explain why int() converts numeric strings. Flag any learner who performs arithmetic on text input directly.

Inclusion and homework

Provide the sample prompts prebuilt for the user so learners focus on operators. Allow extra time for combining components. Extend confident learners with two more operators and a second homework checking whether input is numeric with try/except. Homework: write a second program with a single conditional branch and display the chosen path.