Download Flowcharting Concepts

Flowcharting Concepts One way to convey information about a step­by­step process is to create a flowchart ­ a diagram that shows the starting and ending points in a process and the sequence of actions at each step (or workstation) within the process. For example: A flowchart can also show that more than one workstation is needed to carry out an action. For example:
INT 5: Programming • Flowcharting Concepts • Derivative Work (P. Akuna, Franklin High School) Original Source: Ford PAS, Module 1: From Concept to Consumer • Activity 3 The following table shows five basic symbols used to make a simple flowchart Flowchart Symbols A rounded rectangle marks the start or end of a process. Usually this symbol is labeled with the words “Start” or “End.” A rectangle indicates a single step in a process, such as “Measure one cup of flour.” A rectangle can also indicate an entire subprocess within a larger process, such as “Make cake.” In most flowcharts, the rectangle symbol is used most frequently. A line with an arrow indicates the sequence of steps and the direction of the flow of work. This represents a monitor display. It indicates input displayed to a computer screen. Also, it can represent input taken from the computer screen. A diamond indicates a decision step. Usually, the question in the symbol will require a “yes” or “no” answer, and then lines will branch off from this symbol to different parts of the flowchart according to the answer. A flowchart can represent a process that can be programmed in a computer language such as BASIC. For example, the following shows a repeatable process of asking a question until a correct answer is provided: Start Program Ask (input) a Question Print Feedback
If false Check for correct Answer If true Print Feedback End Program INT 5: Programming • Flowcharting Concepts • Derivative Work (P. Akuna, Franklin High School) Original Source: Ford PAS, Module 1: From Concept to Consumer • Activity 3 In the following flowchart, describing how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, the diamond shows where a decision about sandwich quality needs to be made. Notice that the next step to take differs depending on your answer to the question posed in the diamond. Reflection – Answer the following Questions 1. Could you follow these written directions and make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?
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Put peanut butter on bread.
Put jam on bread.
Put the slices of bread together. 2. What steps would you need to add to the written directions if someone had never seen a sandwich before? 3. Could you follow the directions in the flowchart to make the sandwich? 4. What steps would you need to add to the flowchart that matched the added written directions in question 2? 5. Where could decision steps be added to the flowchart to ensure the quality of the final sandwich? 6. What pictures could you add to make the flowchart more effective?
INT 5: Programming • Flowcharting Concepts • Derivative Work (P. Akuna, Franklin High School) Original Source: Ford PAS, Module 1: From Concept to Consumer • Activity 3