Topic 2 Year 8 Computing 

Computing 
Topic  Searching and Sorting Algorithms 
No of lessons  6
When is it happening  Year 8 Term 1/2
What will students learn Students will gain an insight into how algorithms play a role in our everyday lives, such as play games, searching the internet. Students will be learning two search algorithms: Linear Search and Binary Search. Students will also be learning three sort algorithms: Bubble Sort, Insertion Sort and Merge Sort.
Key Knowledge that students should know at the end of 'Topic' This is the knowledge that students will meet for the first time in this topic  Students will know how algorithms play a role in our everyday lives, such as play games, searching the internet. For Linear Search, Binary Search, Bubble Sort, Insertion Sort and Merge Sort, students will: define the search/sort, identify the steps to perform the search/sort on a data set, and identify and describe the advantages and disadvantages for each search/sort
This is knowledge that students may have met before but will need to deepen their understanding  Students will be able to define what an algorithm is.
Key Skills that students should be able to demonstrate at the end of 'Topic' This is the skills  that students will meet for the first time in this topic For algorithms, students will be able to create a flow chart for 3 to 5 instructions, Students will be able to put 6 or more instruction into sequence, Students will be able to create multiple sequences for the same instructions and students will be able to create a flow chart for 6 or more instruction. For Linear Search, Binary Search, Bubble Sort, Insertion Sort and Merge Sort, students will perform the search/sort on a data set
This is skills that students may have met before but will need to develop  NA
Key vocabulary that students should know and understand

Linear Search, Binary Search, Bubble Sort, Insertion Sort, Merge Sort, Data, List, Sub List, Ascending, Descending, Efficient, Inefficient, Pass, Linear, Insert, Merge, Compare.

Algorithm, Search, Sort, Unordered, Ordered, Swap, Split
The Big Question  How do computer systems / programs search and sort data?

 

 Key questions that students should be able to answer at the end of the 'Topic'

What are algorithms and what role do they play in our lives?
How do I do a Linear Search to find a piece of data?
How do I do a Binary Search to find a piece of data?
How do I do a Bubble Sort to sort data?
How do I do an Insertion Sort to sort data?
How do I do a Merge Sort to sort data?