8P7 - Programming

• Using Micro 8-bit, I made a shooting star, a restaurant sign, and my name because I thought it would be a cool and fun project for my 8P7. While working on it, I learned how to use a Micro 8-bit the right way and found out there are lots of cool ways to use code. It was exciting to see how my ideas came to life through coding, even when it was challenging at times. The project gave me a chance to mix creativity and technology, which made it really rewarding. I also felt proud of being able to use coding to create something unique and personal to me.

• In class, we follow seven standards: Empowered Learner, Digital Citizen, Knowledge Constructor, Innovative Designer, Computational Thinker, Creative Communicator, and Innovative Design. My project connects to these standards because I had to design the code myself and keep fixing it until everything looked exactly the way I wanted. It pushed me to think creatively and solve problems in a hands-on way. I also had to take ownership of my learning, which is a big part of being an Empowered Learner. By completing this project, I got to practice being both innovative and resourceful, which will help me in future projects too.

• One big challenge I had was understanding the code. It was super confusing at first, but I figured it out by watching videos and following instructions step by step. I felt pretty accomplished when I got it to work. This experience showed me that persistence really pays off, even when things seem overwhelming at first. It also helped me realize that asking for help or using resources like videos is a smart way to solve problems. Now I feel more confident tackling coding challenges in the future.

• If I had the chance to do this project again, I would try using less code. I think there’s probably an easier way to do the same thing without writing so much, and it would make the process faster. Simplifying the code would also help me understand it better and avoid mistakes. This would give me more time to focus on making my designs even more creative. It’s a good reminder that sometimes, less is more when it comes to coding.

• At Hastings High School, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program has a bunch of options like Agriculture, Business Management, Computer Programming, Construction Trades, Culinary Arts, Digital Multimedia, Engineering Design, Finance, Insurance, and Marketing. My project connects to the Computer Programming CTE program because it’s all about coding, just like how students in the program learn programming skills. These programs prepare students for real-world careers by teaching them valuable skills. Projects like mine give us a taste of what it’s like to work in fields like programming or engineering. It’s exciting to think about all the opportunities this opens up for the future.

• This project also connects to careers in Game Development because when I was writing the code, it reminded me of how games have tons of coding behind them to make everything work. It was cool to realize how coding plays such a big role in things I use every day. It made me appreciate the hard work and creativity that goes into developing games and apps. It also inspired me to think about how coding can be used to create fun, interactive experiences for others. I can see how projects like this are a great way to explore future career possibilities.

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