Students will investigate spirals. This activity starts out simply but quickly increases in difficulty. It is divided into several sections that become more complex.
Best advice: DON'T RUSH! Spend LOTS of time tinkering at each step. Students will code the computer to:
Draw simple spirals with two variables.
Investigate what can be changed to make a difference in the spiral
At execution, and
In the procedure variables
'Stamp' bead shapes (or other shapes) in spirals
Make spirals with multiple turtles
Activate spirals with buttons
Grades: 4 - adult (ideal for grades 4 - 8 or for anyone!)
Time: Maybe 5 60 minute sessions.
Math C3. solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations using coding concepts and skills
C3.1 solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing code, including code that involves sequential, concurrent, repeating, and nested events
C3.2 read and alter existing code, including code that involves sequential, concurrent, repeating, and nested events, and describe how changes to the code affect the outcomes
C3.1 solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing code, including code that involves conditional statements and other control structures
C3.2 read and alter existing code, including code that involves conditional statements and other control structures, and describe how changes to the code affect the outcomes
C3.1 solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing efficient code, including code that involves conditional statements and other control structures
C3.2 read and alter existing code, including code that involves conditional statements and other control structures, and describe how changes to the code affect the outcomes and the efficiency of the code