KS3 FLOWOL: Lesson 7 – The Big Automation Challenge (Applying Variables, Selection & Control Systems

KS3 FLOWOL – Complete 7 Lesson Automation & Control Systems Scheme (Flowcharts, Variables, Subroutines, Car Parks & Home Automation)

* A complete 7-lesson KS3 Flowol scheme of work covering algorithms, flowcharts, decision blocks, variables, subroutines, car park systems, home automation and real-world control systems. * Fully resourced and classroom-ready: each lesson includes worksheets, tasks, vocabulary starters, checkpoints, screenshots for evidence, and clear instructions suitable for specialists and non-specialists. * Designed to build confidence step-by-step, beginning with simple flowcharts and progressing to complex multi-sensor automated systems. Lesson 1 – Starting Flowol * Introduces flowcharts, key symbols, algorithms and basic control logic. * Students create their first Flowol diagrams and understand real-world automation. Lesson 2 – Flowol Shapes & Decisions * Learners explore decision blocks, loops and processes through lighthouse simulations. * Builds confidence using IF statements and simple two-way selection. Lesson 3 – Subroutines * Students create reusable subroutines and apply them to traffic-light and pelican-crossing systems. * Focus on problem solving, structure and efficient programming. Lesson 4 – Car Park Systems * Two-way selection, motors and entry–exit logic. * Pupils build and improve automated car-park barriers using Flowol. Lesson 5 – Variables & 7-Segment Displays * Introduces variables and digital displays. * Students make systems that count cars, show numbers 0–9, and trigger “FULL” conditions. Lesson 6 – Advanced Home Automation * Learners automate lamps, heaters, blinds, doorbells, garage doors and timed security lights. * Strong focus on applying variables and multi-condition decision blocks. Lesson 7 – The Big Automation Challenge * Pupils choose a complex system (train set, school bus, level crossing or ferris wheel) and build a full automation program from scratch. * Ideal as an assessment, end-of-unit project or portfolio task. * Each lesson includes “Is it OK to move on?” checkpoints to support pacing, independence and differentiation. * Perfect foundation for OCR/AQA GCSE Computer Science topics: algorithms, selection, data, modelling, and embedded systems. * Engaging real-world contexts help students understand how automation shapes everyday life. * Ideal for KS3 Computing or Year 7–9 STEM/Robotics enrichment. This bundle provides everything you need for a complete half-term of high-quality computing lessons with no extra planning required.