3-5.AP.11 Standard BReakdown

Algorithms & Programming

3-5.AP.11 Create programs that use variables to store and modify data.

Variables are used to store and modify data. Students use variables in programs they create. At this level, students may need guidance in identifying when to create variables.

Math Connections

In the Math standards, the Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain students are asked to identify and explain patterns in arithmetic. (3.OA.9, 4.OA.5, 5.OA.3)

When creating programs that use variables to store and modify data, students are apply their knowledge of how patterns of arithmetic work.

NGSS Connections

In Life Science, students in grades 3-5 learn about animals, heredity of traits, and work to describe relationships between plants and animals in an environment. (3-LS2-1, 5-LS2-1).

Within these standards, students are asked to look at different variables and identify the affects of those variables on the survival of the animals within the different ecosystems.

Ecosystem Game

Project Highlights

Students create a game using MakeCode Arcade
Animal research and writing
Potential for additional tech skills to be integrated including slides or video production
Students are guided through a pre-made game tutorial to gain basic skills
Students engage in taking an existing project and then revising it to meet the predator vs. prey concept

Project Overview

Students conduct research about animals that live in a particular ecosystem. Dependent on grade level and time available, the research portion of the project can be extended or condensed. Students can research group survival, habitats, adaptations, heredity of traits, and diet. Teacher can choose to extend this into a research writing assignment, Google Slides presentation or informational video. (3-LS2-1, 5-LS2-1, W.2, W.6, W.7) During research about animal diets, students should work to identify predators and prey. This information will be used to create a game.

Students will start the game design process by completing the tutorial called Game Maker Guide via Microsoft MakeCode Arcade. This tutorial will give the basics of game creation using the MakeCode platform. Upon completion of the tutorial students can use the project made as the base for a prey vs. predator game.

Final Project Goal: The object of the game is for the prey to avoid getting caught by the incoming predators. The prey can start with x health. As the prey comes in contact with a predator x health is lost. Occasionally, an item will appear in the game space that the prey can grab in order to regain some health.

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