Block based programming Lesson 1

• Computing
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Do Now
Write a sequence of instructions
so the bird reaches the pig. 
For example move forward two times. 

Block based programming

Lesson 1

Lesson objectives 

Conquer: Understand the key programming concept of sequencing.

Aspire:Apply sequencing to solve programming problems.

What is programming?

“Programming is how you get computers to solve problems”

• Programming is the process of creating a set of instructions that tell a computer how to perform a task.
  

• We have 2 main kinds of programming:
  

Creating a sequence 

A Sequence, is the order that commands are executed by a computer, this allows us to carry out tasks that have multiple steps.

• You are going to create a sequence of instructions

• Create a set of instructions to make a cup of tea.

Running code in order

Line 1 will run first 

then line 2

then line 3

The instructions have to be written in the right order. 

Create a set of instructions to make a cup of tea.

Be super picky with students instructions/answers.

Examples 

"Put water in the kettle" where from?

"stir the tea" With what? 

Make sure students are really specific with their instructions as in programs you have to be really specific. 

My method 

1. Fill the kettle​
   
2. Boil the water​
   
3. Add tea bag to mug​
   
4. Pour boiling water into mug​
   
5. Wait​
   
6. Remove the teabag​
   
7. Add sugar (if wanted)
   
8. Add milk (if wanted)
   

Be super picky with students instructions.

Examples

"Put water in the kettle" where from?

"stir the tea" With what?

Make sure students are really specific with their instructions as in programs you have to be really specific. 

This example is not perfect, no specific enough. 

What is sequencing?

1. A set of instructions
2. A set of instructions in order.
3. A program created by code.
4. The result of our program when run.

What is programming?

1. The order in which we write our code.
2. The programs we use.
3. A set of instructions to complete a task.
4. The result of our program when run.

Applying our skills 

We will now apply our new found skills in sequencing to create some programs. 

Lets have a go at programming some sequences.

On the first level, we want the angry bird to reach his nemesis the pig.

 

We need to create a sequence of instructions that make this happen

Drag the move forward into the when run box. Then click run. 

This is where you will demo the level, you could use student feedback to build it.

The next slide has a set of tasks for the student to complete. 

Have a go ISL. 

Complete the first 6 levels

Click here 

When majority of student have reach level 6, move to next slide.

Making tea

So we have the written process we would follow to make 1 cup of tea.

• If this was a program we have coded, and we wanted to create 5 cups of tea we would have to repeat the instructions 5 times.

Our instructions would look like this

Explain this would take ages to code, this is not an efficient way of writing instructions. 

For 25 cups of tea

This would take a really long time if we were writing this program, so we use a coding concept called iteration (loop).

Using a Loop​

• A loop in a computer program is set of instructions that are repeated until the loop meets a STOP condition.​

• A STOP condition will tell the program when it’s completed.​
  

So instead of 10 lines of code, we can do it in 2.

Lets have a go at programming some sequences.

(ISL)

We will now use loops to help the angry bird reach the Pig. 

Click here

Try to complete them with as few blocks as possible. 

Limited blocks

3 quick exit ticket questions

With a just in case mastery task for typing

What is sequencing?

1. A set of instructions
2. A set of instructions in order.
3. A program created by code.
4. The result of our program when run.

What is a loop?

1. A set of instructions to complete a task.
2. A set of instructions in order.
3. A repeated section of code
4. The end result of your program.

What is programming?

1. The order in which we write our code.
2. The programs we use.
3. A set of instructions to complete a task.
4. The result of our program when run.

Mastery task

Continue to practice your mastery of different typing skills.

Click here

Start on either beginner or intermediate.