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PROGRAMMING_atom_finder

The document outlines a programming lesson focused on creating an 'Atom List' program in Python, where students learn to manage a list of atomic elements by adding, removing, and searching for items. It includes an unplugged activity called the 'atom search game' to illustrate linear search concepts. Key programming concepts covered include procedures, loops, and program structure, with an emphasis on adapting and modifying existing code.

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levi makokha
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63 views9 pages

PROGRAMMING_atom_finder

The document outlines a programming lesson focused on creating an 'Atom List' program in Python, where students learn to manage a list of atomic elements by adding, removing, and searching for items. It includes an unplugged activity called the 'atom search game' to illustrate linear search concepts. Key programming concepts covered include procedures, loops, and program structure, with an emphasis on adapting and modifying existing code.

Uploaded by

levi makokha
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PROGRAMMING: ATOM FINDER

Learning Objectives

• Understanding how to store and use blocks of code (procedures) in


programs.

• Creating a procedure to find an element in a list.

• Comparing different search algorithms for finding an element in a list.

Activity Overview

Students will write a Python program to:

✓ Add and remove atoms from a list.


✓ Search for an atom within the list.

Unplugged Activity: Atom Search Game

• Students at City Park School played an "atom search" game.


• They wrote atom names on separate cards, shuffled them, and
placed them face down.
• Atoms were not arranged in order.

List of atoms used in the game: Hydrogen, Helium, Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen,
Fluorine, Neon, Sodium, Magnesium, Aluminium, Silicon, Phosphorus, Sulfur,
Chlorine, Argon, Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Cobalt, Nickel, Copper, Zinc, Silver,
Tin, Antimony, Iodine, Platinum, Gold, Mercury, Lead.

Game Rules

• Players search for a specific atom name by flipping one card at a


time.
• If the card does not match the target atom, it is placed back face
down.
• Players continue flipping cards until they find the correct atom.

Example:

✓ Tasha challenged Jasmin to find "Gold."


✓ Jasmin flipped one card at a time until she found "Gold."

Computational Thinking Concepts

✓ Linear Search: The process of flipping one card at a time is an


example of a linear search, where each item is checked
sequentially until the target is found.
✓ Sorting: The atoms were not in order, making searching more
difficult.
✓ Understanding how search algorithms work can improve efficiency
when looking for data in a computer program.

Did You Know?

• Scientists use computers to study both very small (atoms, subatomic


particles) and very large (galaxies) structures.

✓ A powerful supercomputer called Stampede was used to simulate a


galaxy formation.

Discussion Points

✓ How can computers help in learning different subjects?


✓ Why is it important to use computers for storing and processing
scientific data?

Important Terms

✓ Module – A reusable section of code.


✓ Function – A block of code designed to perform a specific task.
✓ Procedure – A set of instructions in programming.
✓ Search Term – The item being searched for in a list.
✓ Linear Search – A method where elements are checked one by
one.
✓ Binary Search – A more efficient search method (works on sorted
lists).
✓ Parameter – A value passed into a function or procedure.

AMEND A PROGRAM

Lesson Objectives

In this lesson, you will learn:

✓ How to adapt a program.


✓ Understanding that program structures have a header and a body.

Spiral Back

✓ Previously, you learned how to write programs in Python.


✓ You used loops and control structures (such as if statements).
✓ This lesson will help you develop these skills further by adapting a
Python program.

Atom List Program

• In Unit 3, you made a Team Manager program with a menu that


allowed adding and deleting team members.
• This unit uses a similar program called Atom List.
• The Atom List program manages atomic elements from Hydrogen to
Radon.
• A prepared version of this program is available from the teacher.
Understanding the Program Code

• Open the Atom List program and read through the code.
• The program is divided into three sections:
i. List of atoms (stores atomic elements)

ii. Procedure definitions (functions that handle operations)

iii. Main program (displays the menu and executes user choices)

List of Atoms

• The first section stores atomic elements in a list called atoms.

• The list contains 88 elements.

Procedure Definitions

• This part of the program contains functions that define how operations
(adding/removing items) are performed.

• More procedure definitions will be introduced in the next lesson.

Main Program

• The final part is the main program.

• It:

✓ Displays the menu.


✓ Processes user input.
✓ Calls relevant procedures/functions.

Features of the Code

The code for adding an atom to the list,


if choice == "A":

name = input("Enter the name of an atom to add: ")

atoms.append(name)

print(name, "has been added to the list")

• Uses input() to take user input.


• Uses .append(name) to add the atom to the list.

The code for removing an atom from the list,

if choice == "R":

name = input("Enter the name of an atom to remove: ")

atoms.remove(name)

print(name, "has been removed from the list")

✓ Uses input() to take user input.


✓ Uses .remove(name) to delete the atom from the list.

Running the Program

Run the program to see the menu interface.

The menu allows the user to:

✓ View the list of atoms.


✓ Add an atom.
✓ Remove an atom.
✓ Print the full list.
✓ Exit the program.
Menu Options

Option Function
A Append an atom to the list
R Remove an atom from the list
P Print the entire list
X Exit the program

Example:

• If you type "A", the program will ask for an atom name and
add it to the list.
• If you type "R", it will ask for an atom name and remove it.
• If you type "P", it will print the entire list.
• If you type "X", the program exits.

Activity: Modifying the Program

• Copy the Atom List program onto your computer.


• Open the program and read the three sections.
• Run the program.
• Modify the program:

-Add "Uranium" to the list.


-Delete "Iron" from the list.

-Print the updated list.

Understanding Program Structure

Header and Body

The Atom List program uses if structures.

An if structure consists of:

✓ Header – Specifies the condition.


✓ Body – Contains indented commands executed when the
condition is met.

Example of a Header

if choice == "A":

-Ends with a colon (:).

-Controls what happens inside the body.

Example of a Body,

name = input("Enter the name of an atom to add: ")

atoms.append(name)

print(name, "has been added to the list")

✓ Indented under the if statement.


✓ Executes only if the condition (choice == "A") is met.

Loop Structures in the Program


• The Atom List program contains a loop.

• A loop:

▪ Has a header that controls how many times it runs.


▪ Has a body that contains repeating commands.

Types of Loops

The loop in this program can be:

✓ For loop – Iterates a fixed number of times.


✓ While loop – Runs until a condition is met.

Example of a While Loop

while choice != "X":

-Runs the menu continuously until the user types "X".

Nested Structures and Double Indentation

• This program has nested structures.

• A nested structure is when one structure is inside another.

• Uses double indentation for clarity.

Example of Double Indentation

while choice != "X":

if choice == "A":

name = input("Enter the name of an atom to add: ")

atoms.append(name)
print(name, "has been added to the list")

✓ The while loop controls the entire menu system.


✓ The if statement is inside the loop and follows double indentation.

Summary of what you have learnt

✓ The Atom List program allows managing a list of atomic elements.


✓ It consists of:
• A list of atoms.
• Procedure definitions for adding/removing atoms.
• A main program that displays a menu and executes user
actions.
✓ Key programming concepts:
• Headers and bodies (used in if statements and loops).
• Loop structures (while loop keeps the menu running).
• Double indentation (used for nested structures).
✓ The activity involves modifying the program by adding, deleting,
and printing elements.

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