Data types and data structures
Covering data types and the algorithms that manipulate them, this topic explores the theory of abstract types as well as the creation of data structures in code. From integers to string manipulations, through arrays and dictionaries to graph traversal, hashing algorithms and minimal spanning trees, a firm grasp of this topic is imperative for both the examined and practical-programming assessed tasks.
- ALL
- Teacher guidance
- External link
Teacher guidance
Steiner Trees
A CS Unplugged series resource aimed at younger students but also works well with A level students. The document contains student activities covering constructing Steiner trees, greedy algorithms and solving traversal problems.
Minimal spanning tree
The CS Unplugged series are aimed at younger students however, this activity works well with A level students. It illustrates the concept of minimal spanning trees and graph traversal.
External link
Data types delivery guide
A variety of different activities are covered in this teaching pack including a denary to hex tarsia puzzle and a bit shifting activity.
Abstract data types
Part of the MIT Open Courseware series, this is an excellent introduction to abstract and user-defined data types. It would fit in well with study of an object oriented programming language. Examples are provided using Java.
Data structures delivery guide
There are a number of useful activities and advice for delivery approaches to the topic of data structures including a worksheet covering key topics, some data structure cards for understanding how they function and a tree traversal activity.
Data structures exploration activity
This student activity pack demonstrates how data structures can be implemented in Python including algorithms for searching and sorting.
Using dictionaries in Python
A highly accessible website that creates an address book in Python that uses a dictionary data structure. Students can use this as a tutorial to produce an example program.
Python Lesson – Dictionaries
This activity sheet guides students through building an address book using a dictionary data structure in Python.
Multidimensional arrays
This document provides a variety of challenges using multidimensional arrays including a sudoku challenge. Examples are provided in the Java programming language although they could be implemented in another.
Introduction to hashing and hash tables
Hashing algorithms are used to generate a value that maps to an item of data in a hash table. This document provides a clear explanation of what a hash table data structure is and how one is generated. This could be used as a homework task
Binary trees
This resource gives a very clear explanation of the binary tree data structure and different traversal algorithms required for A level study.
