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Flowcharts

A visual diagram that maps a program's logic before coding, using ovals for start/end, rectangles for steps, and diamonds for yes/no decisions

Part of: SC in Schools - Introduction to Coding - Python — Module 15, 7-8 Digital Technologies: Designing and tracing algorithms — Module 23, 9-10 Digital Technologies: Designing and validating algorithms — Module 1

Understanding Flowcharts in SC in Schools Python

What it does: A rectangle maps to a concrete action in code such as a print() statement or assignment. The two exit paths of a diamond — yes and no — correspond directly to the if and else branches. Ovals mark the beginning and end of a flowchart. Rectangles are used for process steps. A flowchart is a planning tool — you draw it before coding to map out the program's logic. Arrows connect the shapes and show which step comes next in the program's logic. A rectangle represents a process step or action. A diamond is the shape used for yes/no decisions.

Common mistakes: The oval shape represents start or end, not a process step. A rectangle is a process step and a diamond is a decision. Line 0 is wrong. Flowcharts are drawn before coding, not after. They are a planning tool to map out logic before writing any code. Line 0 is wrong.

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Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 64–73) and word search (Modules 64–73).

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Learning
Duo
Which flowchart shape represents a yes/no decision?
DiamondRectangle
Matches
# Rectangle = start or end of program
↓
Wrong — start and end are shown with an oval, not a rectangle
Applying
Meanings
Term
flowchart
Meaning
A visual diagram that maps a program's logic before coding, using ovals for start/end, rectangles for steps, and diamonds for yes/no decisions
Practice
answer = input("What is 2+2? ")
Testing
Gaps
# shape = start or end of program
Check Answer
Spots
1# Oval = a process step or action
2# Rectangle = a yes/no decision

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Quick Questions

1. Which flowchart shape represents a yes/no decision?
A. Diamond ✓
B. Rectangle
A diamond shape has two exit paths — one for yes and one for no — making it the decision shape.
2. Which shape is used for both the start and end of a flowchart?
A. Oval ✓
B. Rectangle
Ovals mark the beginning and end of a flowchart. Rectangles are used for process steps.
3. When should you draw a flowchart?
A. Before writing any code ✓
B. After the program is finished
A flowchart is a planning tool — you draw it before coding to map out the program's logic.
4. What do arrows in a flowchart show?
A. The speed of the program
B. The direction of program flow ✓
Arrows connect the shapes and show which step comes next in the program's logic.
5. A rectangle in a flowchart represents a yes/no decision.
A. True
B. False ✓
A rectangle represents a process step or action. A diamond is the shape used for yes/no decisions.

Match the Pairs

Diamond shape → Represents a yes/no decision point in a flowchart
Oval shape → Marks the start or end of a flowchart program
A rectangle in a flowchart represents a process step or action → # Rectangle: display a message print("Hello!")
A diamond maps to an if/else decision in code → if answer == "4": print("Correct!") else: print("Wrong!")
# Rectangle = start or end of program → Wrong — start and end are shown with an oval, not a rectangle
# Flowcharts are drawn after coding is done → Wrong — flowcharts are planning tools drawn before writing any code

Key Term

flowchart
A visual diagram that maps a program's logic before coding, using ovals for start/end, rectangles for steps, and diamonds for yes/no decisions

Fill in the Blanks

1. # Oval shape = start or end of program
Hint: Type the name of the rounded flowchart shape used for start and end
2. # Rectangle shape = a step or action
Hint: Type the name of the four-sided flowchart shape used for process steps
3. # Diamond shape = a yes/no decision
Hint: Type the name of the pointed flowchart shape used for decisions
4. # Arrows show the direction of flow
Hint: Type the word that describes what arrows indicate in a flowchart
5. # Plan with a flowchart before coding
Hint: Type the name of the visual planning diagram used before writing code

Spot the Error

Question 1
A # Oval = a process step or action
B # Rectangle = a yes/no decision
C # Diamond = start or end
Line A — The oval shape represents start or end, not a process step. A rectangle is a process step and a diamond is a decision. Line 0 is wrong.
Question 2
A # Flowcharts are drawn after coding is finished
B # They help plan the logic of a program
C # They use shapes with specific meanings
Line A — Flowcharts are drawn before coding, not after. They are a planning tool to map out logic before writing any code. Line 0 is wrong.
Question 3
A # Oval shape = start or end
B # Rectangle shape = start or end
C # Diamond shape = a yes/no decision
Line B — The rectangle shape represents a process step or action, not start or end. The oval is used for start and end. Line 1 is wrong.
Question 4
A # A diamond has two exits: yes and no
B # A rectangle has two exits: yes and no
C # An oval has one path: start or end
Line B — A rectangle is a process step with one entry and one exit — it does not branch. Only a diamond has yes/no exits. Line 1 is wrong.
Question 5
A # Arrows in a flowchart are optional
B # They show the direction the program flows
C # Without arrows you cannot follow the logic
Line A — Arrows are not optional in a flowchart — they are essential for showing the direction of program flow. Line 0 is wrong.

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