Explore: Variables
Lesson Overview
Students will first use, then modify, a project exploring variables in Scratch using the TIPP & SEE model.
This will provide students with another opportunity to tinker with this concept in Scratch before starting an open-ended project in the next lesson.
Agenda
💫 Review: Use the pages in the Blue Workbook to gain a deeper understanding of variables. (5-10 min.)
🚀 Explore: TIPP & SEE Variables: Mini Golf Scores Scratch activity (35-50 min.)
📓 Reflect: (5 min.)
How did the Mini Golf program help you understand variables in computer science?
How would you explain variables to another person?
How can you use your understanding of variables outside of the computer science?
Materials
computing devices for all students
Blue Level Student Workbooks, pp. 14-15
TIPP & SEE Variables: Mini Golf Scores
activity pages (slides 7 & 8)
English / Spanish
Google Form version (the link will automatically make a copy so that you can collect student responses)
Scratch project
English / Spanish
Vocabulary
variable: a place where a program can store a single piece of data that can change
Standards
CA CSS 3-5.AP.11: Create programs that use variables to store and modify data.
CA CSS 3-5.AP.12 Create programs that include events, loops, and conditionals.
CA CSS 3-5.AP.13 Decompose problems into smaller, manageable tasks which may themselves be decomposed.
Additional Resources
Scratch website: scratch.mit.edu
Scratch TIPP & SEE posters:
large (11x17): English / Spanish