Block based programming lesson 4

• Computing
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Do now - What shape
will be drawn?

Extension

https://www.keybr.com/

Do now activity should take 3 mins for students to answer after accessing lessonup. 

Extension task allows students to develop their typing skills which will be useful when we move to text based languages. 

Do Now answer

A rectangle will be drawn

Coding Club!!

Our new coding club will be starting after Easter on Tuesdays. There are only 12 spaces and 3 have already been taken. Please see Mr Thomas if you'd like to attend.

Description

"Join us this half term Get ready to unleash your creativity and coding prowess as we dive into the thrilling realm of robotics using the powerful BBC micro:bits!

In our STEM Venturi version of Robot Wars, you'll be part of an epic team challenge where your mission is to code your micro:bit robot to conquer obstacles, seize the flag, and emerge victorious as the ultimate champions!

This isn't just about competition; it's about honing crucial coding and teamwork skills that will propel you to success in the digital age. 💡 Over the span of 6 action-packed weeks, you'll unlock the secrets of coding while forging unbreakable bonds with your teammates."

Lesson 4: Block based programming

Understanding the fundamentals of programming

Lesson objectives 

Conquer: Understand the purpose of conditional statements. 

Aspire: Apply conditional statements to your programs.

 

 

Aspire: Create a set of loops to make a program more efficient.

Recap

Previously we have made use of 2 very important concepts in programming.

1. Sequencing - Creating a set of instructions In order
2. Loops– Make a set of instructions repeat
   

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.

Quiz should take 3-4 mins, allow time on later questions for students to read through the code options to figure out which option is correct. 

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.

1. The bird will end up one step short of the pig.
2. The bird will make it to the pig.
3. The bird will run into the TNT.
4. The bird will run into the wall.

1. Scrat will reach the acorn. There are no bugs in the code.
2. Scrat will not move from the first block.
3. Scrat will not reach the acorn because he turns the wrong way.
4. There are not enough move forward blocks.

Conditional statements

If statements are used in programming to make decisions based on conditions being true or false.

•  If nobody saw me do it 
• Then might get away with it
•  Else: busted

If statements for a program to make a decision based on a choice. 

Do these 2 thing match, is one number bigger than the other, Is there something in this position. 

Using if statements

We need to check if the bee is hovering over the flower to collect its nectar. 

To do this we perform a check. 

You can demo this here with this prediction challenge

The bee checks if a flower is at that location, if there is a flower, the bee will collect the honey. 

https://studio.code.org/s/express-2023/lessons/15/levels/2 

ISL programming task 

Complete up to level 13.

Click here

Ignore the line limit for now. 

Extension task.

Give majority of lesson time for students to practice skills. 

20 to 25 mins. 

Extension hidden behind animation if need that brings together multiple skills. dont show or students may click on this first. 

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.

What is a conditional statement?

1. A decision in a program.
2. A section of the program that loops.
3. A set of instructions in order.
4. An error in the code.