Variables

Self study resources

• • Set of Scratch Projects that could be created to help teachers learn how Scratch/programming works. 

  • This video is an introduction to the use of variables and how a loop can be used to increment a variable.  See below - Scratch_counting.wmv.

  • How to make a simple calculator. Have taught this to low ability year 5 - extension for year 4. Great for introduction to algebra as well as variables. 

• Scratch automated Maths Quiz. Have taught this with year 6 pupils who have already studied the calculator lesson. he two variables are addd and the result stored in another variable. The user answer is compared to total variable. The score is recorded in a third variable. The children designed it on the Nintino ds game suitable for year 2 children. 

• Python Code This is a set of resources to learn some basic Python text coding which I have used with Y6.

Resources for lectures or group study

• • Programming Basics A Prezi guide to some programming constructs with simple Scratch examples.

  • Data Logging with Scratch - CAS Community resource - An illustration of the use of Scratch to measure temperature in real time via a Picoboard interface using a simple thermistor. This would make a self contained computing/science project. The technique might be extended to log data against time by programming Scratch to write readings to an external file at regular intervals. Scratch could be used to draw a graph of the recorded data.  A good example of the use of variables.

Resources for use with pupils

• • Scratch Maths Quiz which uses a single variable to hold the score. This is increased if the user answers questions right and is reported to the user after each question. (I have taught this to Y4 & 5)

• Scratch Automated Maths Quiz This builds on the concepts explored in Maths Quiz. The numbers are generated randomly and stored in two variables. The two variables are multiplied and the result stored in another variable. The user answer is compared to total variable. (I have taught this as an extension in Y5)

• Text Based adventure game in Scratch Main Planning Variables used for hitpoints help sheet

• Python Code (Adapting a poem) This module looks at the creation and use of a variable within a poem. The variable can be created by the programmer or by the program user or selected randomly from a list of items. (I have taught this with Y6) I think it is easier to explain variables with Python than Scratch but Python needs more teacher training time investment!

• Creating a shape calculator in Scratch where the number of repetitions is dependent on the number of sides on a shape.

  • Thinking Myself: Computational Thinking in K-12 A peek into computational thinking through a series of lessons and games for children in grades K-12 defining the terms decompose, patterns, abstraction, algorithms and variables through examples and interactions.

  • Duck builder - free simulation resource that allows you to change and test variables

  • Virtual experiments - many of these allow you to test variables

  • A sense of murder  - from Kent ICT. A way of engaging children with data logging equipment. 

  • Creatorverse and monster physics are great little apps to promote this area of ICT.

  • Using variables in Flowol control programs - Example Flowol control system using variables..