Section 1.11
Section 1.11
Introduction to Block Programming
Introduction to Block Programming
Embedded Files
Learning Goals
Learning Goals
Students will create complete a basic tutorial using a block based coding platform.
CRD-2.G: Students will describe the purpose of a code segment or program by writing documentation.
CRD-2.H: Student will acknowledge code segments used from other sources.
CRD-1.B.2: Common models such pair programming exist to facilitate collaboration.
CRD-2.G.1: Program documentation is a written description of the function of a code segment, event, procedure, or program and how it was developed.
CRD-2.G.2: Comments are a form of program documentation written into the program to be read by people and do not affect how a program runs.
CRD-2.G.3: Programmers should document a program throughout its development.
CRD-2.G.4: Program documentation helps in developing and maintaining correct programs when working individually or in collaborative programming environments.
CRD-2.G.5: Not all programming environments support comments, so other methods of documentation may be required.
CRD-2.H.1: It is important to acknowledge any code segments that were developed collaboratively or by another source.
CRD-2.H.2: Acknowledgement of a code segment(s) written by someone else and used in a program can be in the program documentation. The acknowledgement should include the origin or original author’s name.
Objectives and General Description
Objectives and General Description
One of the ARC challenge projects is to create a quiz app that relates to the selected innovation or topic. Some students will have prior coding experience and will have no hesitation in starting on this task. However, students who are new to programming will need to practice with the coding platform before starting the main project. The objective of this section is to give the teacher resources to use with those beginning programmers to get them ready to code.
The recommended platform for this project is Thunkable. Thunkable is an online, block based coding environment. The code can be deployed to Android and Apple devices so that students can see their app in action on a device.
Other alternatives are Scratch (made by MIT) or Snap! (made by UC Berkeley). These are both online, block based environments for making computer games, not mobile applications.
Before students begin the tutorials, introduce the concept of pair programming. Have students choose a partner. It can be anyone in the room. The partner does not have to be part of their current team. They are only working together as they work through the tutorials. Watch this video about pair programming. Reiterate to the students that one partner will be the driver and one will be the navigator as they learn a new program.
For any of the platform options, have students complete 1 - 2 getting started tutorials so that they are familiar with the platform and have some coding success before beginning the quiz app. The Activities & Resources section below has links to tutorials for the various platforms.
Activities and Resources
Activities and Resources
Activity 1.11.1: Exploration of Project Platform Options (Budget 45 minutes)
Thunkable: https://thunkable.com/
Scratch: https://scratch.mit.edu/
Activity guides -- students can pick one to try out the platform
Snap! : https://snap.berkeley.edu/
Pair Programming:
Activity 1.11.2: Comments, Code Segments, and Program Documentation
Assign two videos from AP Classroom - 1.3 Daily Video 2 and 3, "Program Design and Development." Students can do this as a homework assignment or watch the videos in class.
Give students the Program Design and Development Guided Notes Worksheet to complete.
Resources
Resources
1.11.1: Resources are above with the individual programs to learn.
1.11.1: Pair programming video (student and teacher resource)
1.11.2: Program Design and Development Guided Notes Worksheet (Student Resource)
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