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Data Structures

Eleventh graders learn core data structures — arrays, dictionaries, stacks, and queues — the different ways programs organize data so it can be stored and accessed efficiently.

Grade 11Data55 minutes1 class periodUse → Modify → CreateExplicit teaching4 StandardsCSTA
Start the Lesson
Lesson at a Glance

Everything you need before the bell rings

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to…

  • ✓Name data structures.
  • ✓Explain each structure.
  • ✓Match structures to descriptions.
  • ✓Choose the right one.
Essential Question

Programs handle huge amounts of data — and HOW you organize it matters. What are the core data structures?

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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 Data Structure

Project this and match each data structure to its description — tap a structure, then tap its description.

💻 Match each data structure to its descriptionTry it
Structure
What It Is
Now tap its description!
The Lesson · Use → Modify → Create (a coding progression with Unplugged practice)

55 minutes, five moves

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

1

Hook — Organizing Data

6 min

Programs handle huge data — how you organize it matters. What structures?

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Show a list and a map.
  • Ask how they differ.
  • Set up.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Look.
  • Consider.
  • Get ready.
2

Unplugged — Unplug It

11 min

Students practice.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Model a stack with cards.
  • Model a queue in a line.
  • Feel the difference.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Stack it.
  • Queue it.
  • Feel it.
3

Use — Match Them

16 min

Students use.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Send students to Match the Data Structure.
  • Match each one.
  • Discuss uses.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Match.
  • Discuss.
  • Explain.
4

Modify — Modify

13 min

Students modify.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Pick a structure for a task.
  • Justify the choice.
  • Explain it.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Pick it.
  • Justify.
  • Explain.
5

Create — Create

9 min

Students create.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Use an array in code.
  • Use a dictionary.
  • Complete the exit ticket.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Array it.
  • Map it.
  • Complete the exit ticket.
Standards Alignment

Built to the standards you report on

Aligned to the CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards (Level 3) and ISTE Standards.

CSTA
3A-AP-14

Use lists and other structures.

CSTA
3A-DA-11

Organize data effectively.

CSTA
3B-AP-11

Choose appropriate data structures.

ISTE
5

Computational Thinker.

Differentiation

One lesson, every learner

Multilingual Learners

ELL / EMERGING READERS
  • Structure + description cards.
  • Sentence frame: “A ___ stores ___.”
  • Use physical models.

Support & Access

IEP / 504
  • Start with list and stack.
  • Use physical models.
  • Match one pair.

Stretch & Extend

GIFTED / EARLY FINISHERS
  • Add sets and trees.
  • Compare access speed.
  • Pick structures for a project.
Materials

What to gather

  • 📽️Projector / board
  • 🃏Cards for models
  • 💻Match the Data Structure
  • 💻A coding environment
  • ✏️Pens
  • 🎫Exit-ticket slips
Vocabulary

Key terms — hover for a quick definition

data structurea way to organize dataarrayan ordered, indexed listlistan ordered collectiondictionarykey-value pairsstacklast-in, first-outqueuefirst-in, first-outindexan item’s positionkeya lookup label
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 is an array or list?
An ordered collection of items, accessed by index.
QUESTION 2
What is a dictionary / map?
It stores key-value pairs for fast lookup.
QUESTION 3
What is a stack?
Last-in, first-out — like a stack of plates.

Create: organize data.

Have students name a data structure and a real task it would suit. A printable data-structures sheet is in the Computer Science 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.

🃏 Data StructuresFlip
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.

📝 Data StructuresQuiz
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.

🖨️ Data StructuresPrint
Name: ________________________
Date: ____________

Part A · Write the word that matches each meaning

Word bank: array, data structure, dictionary, index, key, list, queue, stack
  1. an ordered collection
  2. an ordered, indexed list
  3. an item’s position
  4. key-value pairs
  5. a lookup label
  6. first-in, first-out
  7. a way to organize data
  8. last-in, first-out

Part B · Show what you learned

  1. What is an array or list?
  2. What is a dictionary / map?
  3. What is a stack?
Answer key — Part A: 1) list · 2) array · 3) index · 4) dictionary · 5) key · 6) queue · 7) data structure · 8) stack
Part B: 1) An ordered collection of items, accessed by index. 2) It stores key-value pairs for fast lookup. 3) Last-in, first-out — like a stack of plates.