Loops in Python
for and while loops: the repeat blocks you know, written as code.
Planned. This module is part of the plan and is not written yet.
Why it matters
Adding up a week of egg collections or a day of market sales is repetition, which is exactly what for and while loops do.
Draft outline · in review- For
- Level 8–10 · JSS 2 to SSS 1
- Inside
- 5 lessons and a test · about 75 minutes
- Topic
- Python basics · core, 2 of 4
Inside the module.
5 lessons in order, about 75 minutes in all, then a short test. Learners go at their own pace; the minutes are a guide, not a timetable.
Draft outline · in review
Lesson 1: From repeat blocks to for
The repeat block you know, written as a for loop.
Explain10 min, from minute 0
Lesson 2: range()
range(5), range(1, 6) and range(0, 10, 2): where each starts and stops.
Worked example15 min, from minute 10
Lesson 3: for loops
Count, add up totals and print times tables.
Practice20 min, from minute 25
Lesson 4: while loops
Keep going while a condition is true, like the repeat-until block.
Explain10 min, from minute 45
Lesson 5: Stopping at the right time
Write while loops that end, and fix ones that never do.
Practice20 min, from minute 55
End-of-module test
Write for loops with range and while loops that stop at the right time, and trace what they print.
Mastered at 85% or more. Retake it until you pass; nothing is lost, and each try gives feedback.
Already know it? A Challenge Test (planned) clears the whole module: 90% overall, no objective below 75%.
Last stageafter about 75 min
Practicalities
Draft outline · in reviewBuilt to run offline
Planned to run on the Lantern's own computer, with no internet needed.
Languages
Planned first in English; every module aims to reach all of the Lantern's languages.
Try a question.
One question from the module, as a learner would meet it. Have a go, then open the worked solution a step at a time.
Draft outline · in review
What does this print? total = 0 for n in range(1, 5): total = total + n print(total)
Work it out on paper first, then show the answer and mark it yourself.
Particulars
Where it sits
What a learner can do after it
- Use a for loop with range.
- Write a while loop that stops at the right time.
Needs first
We suggest first (never a lock)
Level
Level 8–10 · JSS 2 to SSS 1
Level mappings are approximate. A qualified teacher or lecturer in each country must check them before they appear in the app.
Difficulty for its level
2 of 4 · Core
Time
About 75 minutes
Alignments
- Aligned to PCEPpartial · in reviewPCEP: loops (descriptive ref)
Alignment in review until a qualified teacher or lecturer checks it. No exam body, university or vendor endorses us; learners still sit the real exam.
Challenge Test
Planned: a Challenge Test to prove you know it and skip it. Pass at 90% overall, with no objective below 75%.
University courses it previews
Computer Science, Software Engineering
On these pathways
The route here.
Everything this module builds on, drawn as a route from its foundations. Solid lanes must be mastered first, or cleared by a Challenge Test; dashed lanes are suggestions that never lock anything.
- CO-BLK-SEQ-01Instructions in orderCoding · Primary 1 to Primary 4 (Level 1–4) · Planned
- CO-BLK-LOP-01Repeat blocksCoding · Primary 3 to Primary 5 (Level 3–5) · Sample lesson in the demo Needs Instructions in order (required).Try the sample lesson: Repeat blocks
- DS-CMP-TYP-01The home rowDigital skills · Primary 3 to Primary 6 (Level 3–6) · Planned · recommended
- CO-BLK-CND-01If this, then thatCoding · Primary 3 to Primary 6 (Level 3–6) · Planned · recommended
- CO-BLK-LOP-02Patterns with loopsCoding · Primary 4 to Primary 6 (Level 4–6) · Planned Needs Repeat blocks (required).
- MA-ARI-ORD-01Order of operationsMaths · Primary 5 to Primary 6 (Level 5–6) · Planned · recommended
- CO-BLK-LOP-03Loops inside loopsCoding · Primary 5 to JSS 1 (Level 5–7) · Planned · recommended
- CO-PRG-PYB-01Your first Python programCoding · JSS 1 to JSS 3 (BECE) (Level 7–9) · Planned Needs Patterns with loops (required), The home row (recommended).
- CO-PRG-PYB-02VariablesCoding · JSS 1 to JSS 3 (BECE) (Level 7–9) · Sample lesson in the demo Needs Your first Python program (required).Try the sample lesson: Variables
- CO-PRG-PYB-03Numbers and calculationsCoding · JSS 1 to JSS 3 (BECE) (Level 7–9) · Planned Needs Variables (required), Order of operations (recommended).
- CO-PRG-PYB-05Decisions with ifCoding · JSS 2 to SSS 1 (Level 8–10) · Planned Needs Numbers and calculations (required), If this, then that (recommended).
- CO-PRG-PYB-06Loops in PythonCoding · JSS 2 to SSS 1 (Level 8–10) · Planned · the destination Needs Decisions with if (required), Loops inside loops (recommended).
Help light the room where this is learned.
Every route on this map starts in a classroom with 24 stations, a tutor that works offline and a facilitator upstairs. Four are planned and waiting for light.