Coding Variables in a Game

This unit explores the concept of variables in programming through games in Scratch. First, you will learn what variables are, and relate them to real-world examples of values that can be set and changed. You will then use variables to create a simulation of a scoreboard. Finally, in Lesson 6, you will apply your knowledge of variables and design to improve your game in Scratch. 

You will utilise the following skills from previous units and year groups:

1. Coding skills from first school and year 5 (Code.org and Scratch)

2. Computational Thinking skills from the previous unit

3. Problem solving skills

4. Resilience

You will learn the following skills:

1. How to use scratch to block code (which you should have done last year!)

2. Apply computational thinking skills to your coding

3. Challenge yourself at your own rate to understand what variables are and their importance in coding, particularly game coding.

Where this will/could take you:

1. Computational thinking and coding in years 7 and 8

2. GCSE Computer science

3. Develop your language skills...

4. A large and diverse number of IT jobs, not just in coding - See the list below...

• Computer Programmer. ...App development, game coder, game tester!

• Web Developer. ...

• Front-End Developer. ...

• Back-End Developer. ...

• Full-Stack Developer. ...

• Software Application Developer. ...

• Computer Systems Analyst. ...

• Computer Systems Engineer.

You will work through the activities at your own pace - taking a screen video of your completed code in action. These videos will be uploaded to your computing books as evidence of the work you have completed. To reach mastery you need to know what a variable is!

Your coding will be graded according to the following criteria:

Emerging: With help, I can create some code using scratch that shows an object moving when the code is run

Developing A: With help, I can create a game that does not score

Developing B: With help, I can create a game with a scoring variable

Mastery: I know all variables have a name and a value and that value can change but not the name. I can create a game that scores, and I can evaluate how I could make it better.

Greater Depth: I know all variables have a name and a value and that value can change but not the name. I can create a game that has multiple (2 or more) score variables. I have evaluated my game and made it better.