Lesson 26: For Loops in Artist

Overview

In this lesson, students continue to practice for loops, but this time with Artist. Students will complete puzzles combining the ideas of variables, loops, and for loops to create complex designs. At the end, they will have a chance to create their own art in a freeplay level.

Purpose

Creativity and critical thinking come together beautifully in this lesson. Students will continue their practice with for loops and variables while they create jaw-dropping images. This lesson inspires a creative mind while teaching core concepts to computer science.

Agenda

Warm Up (15 min)

Main Activity (30 min)

Wrap Up (15 min)

View on Code Studio

Objectives

Students will be able to:

  • Use `for` loops to change loop several times with different values.
  • Recognize when to use a `for` loop and when to use other loops such as `repeat` and `while` loops.

Preparation

Links

Heads Up! Please make a copy of any documents you plan to share with students.

For the Teachers

For the Students

Vocabulary

  • For Loop - Loops that have a predetermined beginning, end, and increment (step interval).

Support

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Teaching Guide

Warm Up (15 min)

Introduction

On a board displayed to the entire class, draw (or display via projector) one of the final projects from the Course F Online Puzzles - 2018 - Website associated with this lesson. We recommend one of the following:

Ask the class how a computer might draw the drawing you displayed.

After a few predictions have been said, reply with for loops of course!

Tell the students they will soon be learning how to create these fine drawings using for loops and variables.

Main Activity (30 min)

CSF Express Course - Website

These puzzles are super fun, but it may be helpful for students to have protractors and scratch paper to see these designs made in the physical form. If that isn't an option in your class, try to get the students to trace on the computer screen with their fingers.

Wrap Up (15 min)

Journaling

Having students write about what they learned, why it’s useful, and how they feel about it can help solidify any knowledge they obtained today and build a review sheet for them to look to in the future.

Journal Prompts:

  • What was today’s lesson about?
  • How did you feel during today’s lesson?
  • Draw one of the designs you made today. What was the code needed to create it?
  • What are some designs you would like to create? How do you think for loops or variables could help create those?

Standards Alignment

View full course alignment

CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards (2017)

AP - Algorithms & Programming
  • 1B-AP-09 - Create programs that use variables to store and modify data.
  • 1B-AP-11 - Decompose (break down) problems into smaller, manageable subproblems to facilitate the program development process.