Small basic lesson 2 (Mr Evlat)

• Computing
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

1. In the code on the left why is the turtle sprite not moving?

2. In the code on the right what line of code has made the turtle sprite stop drawing?

1

2

Extension

https://compute-it.toxicode.fr/

Do Now answer

1. There is no argument for distance in the brackets

2. Turtle.PenUp has been used which lifts the pen up to stop drawing as the turtle moves

Lesson objectives 

Conquer: Understand the concept of variables

 

Aspire Higher: To apply variable knowledge to create a chat bot

 

 

Aspire: Create a set of loops to make a program more efficient.

W

What is a Variable?

A variable is a named box in the computer’s memory where we can store a value so we can use it later.

• Think of a variable like a labelled box.
• The label is the name of the variable.
• The item you put in the box is the value.
• Our variable name should relate to the value stored inside. 

Age

13

Hearts

Hunger

Wood

Name

8

5

22

Steve

“In Small Basic, we create a variable by choosing a name, then using the equals symbol (=) to store a value inside it.”

Type this code, instead of my name use your name

instead! What does this code do?

• We have created a variable named "name" and assigned our value e.g "Mr Evlat". This is then printed onto the screen using TextWindow.WriteLine(name)

Small basic

Click here

Name

Mr Evlat

What 2 things does a Variable Need?

Inputs

An input is information that the user gives to the computer, which the program can then use later in the program.  Test out this code to see what it does.

• The variable "name" is assigned whatever value the user (you) enters using the line TextWindow.Read() . This is then printed on the screen with the message "Hello + (whatever name you entered)"

name

(User input)

A

B 

In your partners or groups use this code to program your own chatbot. Create the following questions and print the responses! Only Partner A should write the code, Partner B should tell them what to write

1. Ask your age
   
2. Ask your favourite food
   
3. Ask your favourite Show/film

Small basic

Click here

Glossary

TextWindow.WriteLine("What is your name?")

name = TextWindow.Read()

TextWindow.WriteLine("Hello " + name)

What is the purpose of this line of code?

TextWindow.WriteLine(text)

1. Writes text to screen
2. Stores information
3. Changes the colour of the pen
4. To change the value stored in the variable "text"

What is the purpose of this line of code?

TextWindow.Read()

1. Saves information
2. Writes text to screen
3. Allows the user to input information
4. Moves the turtle

A variable is a ________ box in the computer’s __________ where we can store a ______ so we can use it later.

named

memory

value