Debugging Logical Errors is a Grade 6 Computer Science resource focused on algorithms and problem solving. Students examine why a program can run successfully yet produce an unexpected result, then use tracing, expected-versus-actual output, sequences, conditions, and decision paths to locate and correct faulty reasoning.

Build Systematic Debugging Skills

The resource moves beyond simply spotting that something went wrong. Students practice tracing program steps to identify where the reasoning first breaks down, inspecting decision conditions, recognizing incorrect action sequences, comparing expected and actual results, and making a focused correction before testing again.

Realistic examples include a score condition that sends a program to the wrong result and decision paths that lead to an incorrect action. Students also consider why changing one focused part of a solution and retesting provides stronger evidence than changing many steps at once.

Student Practice

• A dialogue introduces the debugging concept.
• Matching practice connects related debugging ideas.
• A cloze passage reinforces vocabulary and the logical debugging process.
• A labeled diagram supports visualizing program flow and reasoning.
• A reading passage explains logical errors, tracing, sequences, conditions, decision paths, expected output, actual output, and retesting.
• Multiple-choice questions apply debugging concepts to specific program situations.
• True-or-false statements check essential ideas about logical errors and testing.
• Short-answer questions require students to explain debugging decisions in their own words.
• An extended-response task asks students to describe a systematic process for tracing, correcting, and retesting a program.

Useful for Computer Science Instruction

Use this resource for direct instruction, guided practice, independent work, review, or assessment within a Grade 6 algorithms and problem-solving lesson. The varied tasks give students opportunities to move from recognizing a logical error to explaining the evidence behind a debugging decision.

Teacher Support Included

A separate Teacher Guide PDF provides Learning Objectives, Teaching Tips, Discussion Questions, and Common Mistakes to support classroom preparation and instruction. The resource is listed under a General framework rather than a named curriculum standard.