GRADE 8

Coding in JavaScript in GameLab on Code.org

We kicked off our digital game design project. We began learning about how to draw shapes on a coordinate plane in Game Lab on code.org. Game Lab allowed us to use both blocks and text to write our code and learn JavaScript. We also began exploring how and why we might incorporate variables and random numbers into our game code.

We began creating and animating sprites in Game Lab. We also used dot notation to change sprite properties. Sprite properties keep track of the information a program needs to know about a sprite, like size and location.

We began coding a new sprite property in Game Lab: velocity. We brainstormed why a property like velocity might be useful in game design.

Coding Loops with Sphero Indi

We did some coding with Sphero Indi and color cards to create an algorithm in which the robot doesn't stop. This repeated pattern is a loop.

Staying Safe and Kind on the Internet

We learned about digital citizenship with Interland, by discussing digital citizenship scenarios, and from a guest speaker from the Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General.

We also analyzed the AI-generated image that Mr. Smith created to accompany the scenarios. We made notes about where and how the image included clues that it was created by AI.

Preparing for National History Day

A few students elected to prepare historical research projects for National History Day. They will present their research at an annual event hosted by the National Constitution Center. Students have been supported by a guest expert a few times each month (Dr. Florence who works at the Penn Museum). We also took a field trip to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania to learn about archival research.