Lesson Plan

• Describe the purpose of data types and how they affect memory usage and operations.
• Identify the characteristics and appropriate use cases for integers, floats, Booleans, characters, strings, and lists/arrays.
• Apply correct syntax to declare variables of each basic data type in pseudocode or a simple programming language.
• Evaluate a problem scenario and choose the most suitable data type for each variable.

• Projector or interactive whiteboard
• Slide deck summarising each data type
• Handout with the data‑type reference table
• Computers with an IDE (e.g., Python) installed
• Worksheet with variable‑declaration exercises
• Exit‑ticket cards

Begin with a quick “What would happen if we stored a whole number as a decimal?” hook to highlight why type matters. Review students’ prior knowledge of variables from previous lessons. Explain that by the end of class they will be able to select and use the correct data type and demonstrate it in pseudocode.

1. Do‑now (5') – short quiz on variable naming and memory concepts.
2. Mini‑lecture (10') – overview of integers, floats, Booleans, characters, strings, and lists/arrays with real‑world examples.
3. Guided practice (15') – students complete a worksheet declaring variables of each type and performing basic operations.
4. Collaborative activity (10') – groups design a simple program (e.g., student grade tracker) choosing appropriate data types and share their decisions.
5. Check for understanding (5') – targeted questioning and exit‑ticket where each pupil writes one data type they would use for a given scenario.

Recap the key characteristics of each basic data type and why correct selection matters for memory and correctness. Collect exit tickets to gauge individual understanding. Assign homework: students create a short pseudocode program that uses at least three different data types and annotate why each was chosen.