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Built-in Functions

Tenth graders learn Python’s built-in functions — ready-made tools like len(), print(), input(), range(), and type() that you can use without importing anything. Knowing them speeds up coding. They match functions to their jobs, then use them in a program.

Grade 10Built-in Functions50 minutes1 class periodCSTA / ISTEExplicit teaching4 StandardsCSTA
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Lesson at a Glance

Everything you need before the bell rings

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to…

  • ✓Name key built-ins.
  • ✓Match function to job.
  • ✓Use them in code.
  • ✓Code faster.
Essential Question

What ready-made tools does Python give you for free?

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Lesson Phases
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Vocabulary Terms
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Standards Aligned
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Interactive Task
Match It · Interactive

Match the Built-in Function

Project this and match each function to what it does — tap the function, then tap its job.

🔧 Match each built-in function to its jobTry it
Function
What it does
Now tap the job!
The Lesson · Explicit teaching

50 minutes, five moves

Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.

1

Hook — Free Tools

5 min

Which tools can you use in Python without importing anything?

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Pose the question.
  • Share ideas.
  • Set the goal.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Think.
  • Share.
  • Get ready.
2

Use — Built-ins

12 min

Students learn.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Send students to Match the Built-in Function.
  • Match each one.
  • Note no import needed.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Match.
  • Say.
  • Note it.
3

Modify — Use Them

13 min

Students practice.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Use len() on a list.
  • Use input() for a value.
  • Use range() in a loop.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Len.
  • Input.
  • Range.
4

Create — Create

15 min

Students apply.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Write a short program.
  • Use 3 built-ins.
  • Test the output.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Write.
  • Use.
  • Test.
5

Reflect — Reflect

5 min

Students close.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • What does len() do?
  • What does type() do?
  • Complete the exit ticket.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Say it.
  • Say it.
  • Complete the exit ticket.
Standards Alignment

Built to the standards you report on

Aligned to the CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards and the ISTE Standards for Students.

CSTA
3A-AP-16

Use built-in functions in programs.

CSTA
3A-AP-14

Combine built-ins with control structures.

CSTA
3A-AP-17

Test programs using built-ins.

ISTE
5c

Use ready-made computational tools.

Differentiation

One lesson, every learner

Multilingual Learners

ELL / EMERGING READERS
  • Function/job cards.
  • Frame: "len() gives the ___."
  • Demo each live.

Support & Access

IEP / 504
  • Match print & input.
  • Use 3 functions.
  • Use examples.

Stretch & Extend

GIFTED / EARLY FINISHERS
  • Explore more built-ins.
  • Nest built-ins (e.g. len(input())).
  • Read Python docs.
Materials

What to gather

  • 📽️Screen / board
  • 🔧Function cards
  • 💻Match the Built-in Function
  • 💻Python
  • 📓Notebooks
  • 🎫Exit-ticket slips
Vocabulary

Key terms — hover for a quick definition

built-in functiona function Python provides by defaultlen()length of a sequenceprint()show outputinput()read user textrange()a sequence of numberstype()a value’s data typeargumenta value passed to a functionreturn valuewhat a function gives back
Evaluate

Exit Ticket

Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.

QUESTION 1
What does len() do?
Gives the length of a list or string.
QUESTION 2
What does type() do?
Tells you a value’s data type.
QUESTION 3
Do built-in functions need importing?
No — they are available by default.

Reflect: built-in functions.

Have students write a short program using three built-ins. A printable function sheet is in the CS library.

Study · Flashcards

Study the key terms

Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.

🃏 Built-in FunctionsFlip
Card 1
Term
Tap to flip →
Meaning
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Nice work!

Practice · Quiz

Check your understanding

A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.

📝 Built-in FunctionsQuiz
Score: 0
1 / 6
Question 1
0%

Nice work!

Practice · Worksheet

Printable worksheet

A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.

🖨️ Built-in FunctionsPrint
Name: ________________________
Date: ____________

Part A · Write the word that matches each meaning

Word bank: argument, built-in function, input(), len(), print(), range(), return value, type()
  1. a sequence of numbers
  2. a value’s data type
  3. what a function gives back
  4. a function Python provides by default
  5. show output
  6. a value passed to a function
  7. length of a sequence
  8. read user text

Part B · Show what you learned

  1. What does len() do?
  2. What does type() do?
  3. Do built-in functions need importing?
Answer key — Part A: 1) range() · 2) type() · 3) return value · 4) built-in function · 5) print() · 6) argument · 7) len() · 8) input()
Part B: 1) Gives the length of a list or string. 2) Tells you a value’s data type. 3) No — they are available by default.