CS Discoveries 2020-2021

Unit 3 Overview

Unit 3 focuses on algorithms and programming. By the end of the unit, students should be able to create an interactive animation or game that includes basic programming concepts such as control structures, variables, user input, and randomness. They should manage this task by working with others to break it down using objects (sprites) and functions. Throughout the process, they should give and respond constructively to peer feedback and work with their teammates to complete a project.

Learning Framework

Program Development

Students should be able to collaborate with peers to develop a piece of software. This process involves defining the needs of the program, designing a program to meet those needs, and breaking down the design into manageable pieces. Student code should be written so that others can read and understand it, and they should give and receive feedback on their work, as well as test and revise the program.

Constructively give and respond to peer feedback

Give feedback to peers using a structured process that points out strengths and areas for growth in a project, and incorporate given feedback for their own programs into their revisions.

Write readable code

Organize code such that it is readable and make comments where appropriate to help readers understand the purpose of specific sections. Use reasonable variable and function names.

Using a structured process to plan and develop a program

Use a structured process to describe a program’s behavior, identify the core programming constructs necessary to complete the project, then use them as a guide to complete the program.

Collaborate effectively with team members in distributing and completing tasks on time

Break up tasks so that each team member can make a meaningful contribution. Ensure that the code will work together once it is finished.

Modularity

Students should be able to break down complex problems into their component parts, both to increase readability and organization of code and to allow them to reuse portions of code many times. Algorithms should be broken into functions, and screen elements into sprites/objects. They should also recognize and use abstraction as it is built into programming languages.

Use objects to manage the complexity of on-screen elements

Create and modify objects (sprites) to represent on screen elements and their associated properties. Use dot notation to get and set sprite properties.

Manage complexity through abstraction

Use abstraction to reason about a program at different levels of complexity. Describe the benefits of abstraction, including simplifying code to more easily program complex behavior.

Define and call functions in a program

Create and use functions to organize and reuse code within the same program. Modify and use functions created by others.

Algorithms and Control

Students should be able to use basic programming constructs to create a wide range of behaviors in their programs. These constructs should be combined to create complex behaviors, such as screen elements that move according to user input, or properties that change after a certain threshold has been reached. Programs should run differently each time according user input or random chance.

Use arguments to change the way a method runs

Use arguments to change the way a method runs, distinguishing between the roles of multiple arguments passed to a method.

Detect and respond to user input

Use input from the keyboard and mouse to change the behavior of a program while it is running.

Use iteration to repeat behavior within a program.

Use loops to repeat behavior in a program, combing repetition with other control structures to produce ongoing complex behaviors.

Use conditionals to control the flow of a program.

Use conditional statements to control the flow of a program based on user input, variable values, or properties of objects (sprites).

Generate and use random numbers in a program.

Use random numbers to introduce variation in how a program is run.

Position and Movement

Students should use the coordinate plane to place and move screen elements. They should be able to model various types of motion, including acceleration, linear movement, and simulating gravity.

Place elements on screen using a coordinate plane

Use a coordinate system to place elements on a screen, accounting for object size and overlay.

Model two dimensional movement on a coordinate plane

Manipulate the x and y coordinates of an object on a screen to create the illusion of smooth motion.

Model complex movement on a coordinate plane

Combine different types of movement to create more complex behaviors such as acceleration, jumping, and bouncing.

Variables/Storing Information

Students should be able to create new variables as needed in their programs, and update and access the variable values as the program runs.

Use variables to store and update information

Create and assign values to variables as a program is run to store and update changing information