8-10 yrs old
11-13 yrs old
14-18 yrs old
Computer Science
Service Learning & Social Good
Learn more how to use Functions in blocks, JavaScript and Python with MakeCode Coding Editor.
October 12, 2020
Educator Guide Functions
Functions world
These learning activities are designed to provide the learner with flexibility and choice in his/her learning.
The learner will be introduced to three tutorials that are at three levels of difficulty (Novice, Intermediate and Expert) which are followed by an educational activity where he/she can apply coding skills.
Within each tutorial, the learner will have the option of selecting a coding language (Blocks, JavaScript or Python).
The learner may choose a tutorial at his/her appropriate difficulty level and language OR choose to complete all tutorials and the educational activity. It will take approximately an hour to complete all activities.
GUIDING QUESTIONS
Some examples are writing your name, tying your shoes, logging into the computer, solving long division, etc. The small steps build up to form the larger process.
There are many examples in our daily life where you are repeating multiple steps over and over again to finish a task. An example could be building a house and stacking blocks to make a wall.
TUTORIAL 1: AGENT FUN (Novice-5 minutes)
Main objective: The learner will use functions to code the agent and objects to perform specific actions.
Answer Key: https://makecode.com/_Fe1D5A56H1hv
TUTORIAL 2: MODIFYING AGENT FUN (Intermedite-10 minutes)
Main objective: The learner will use functions to code the agent and objects to perform specific actions and change that code to different functions.
Answer Key: https://makecode.com/_0CKPYM2Dc1PE
TUTORIAL 3: HOUSE WITH FUNCTIONS (Expert-15 minutes)
Main Objective: The learner will use organized functions to code the agent to build a house.
Answer Key: https://makecode.com/_DVU5VoJktdTd
EDUCATIONAL APPLICATION (20 minutes)
Subject Area: Social Studies: People, Places and Environments – Community Needs and Structure
Main purpose of the activity:
“Craftcity’s mayor has approached you to develop a proposal and model of a city block. The city has an ordinance (rule) that says buildings can only be up to 5 stories high (25 total blocks high). This city proposal will be a new type of city block that is a live, work, play model. You need to focus on using functions with your agent to build a micro-community within your block.”
Outcome of This Activity:
The learner will have successfully coded the agent using functions to build a live, work, play city block that meets the city ordinance.
Possible Solution for this Activity: https://makecode.com/_3RRLWUf58D6e
Ask the learner about the skills that they have practiced during the activity to reinforce the new concepts.
It’s a defined section of code to perform a task that can be easily repeated.
They simplify and condense repeated activities in your program making it easier to debug and find errors.
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