Lesson 6: Variables and Data
Learning Objectives
- Understand the concepts of sequence, loops, and conditional statements: To help students understand the basic elements of program control structures.
- Master basic control structures in visual programming: Students will be able to apply sequence, loops, and conditional statements in visual programming to complete simple programming tasks.
- Develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills: By writing programs, students will gradually learn to plan steps and optimize processes.
Course Outline
1. Introduction (10 minutes)
- Introducing the Topic: Ask students: “If you want a robot to dance, what steps does it need to follow?” This will lead to the introduction of the concepts of “sequence,” “loops,” and “conditions.”
- Preliminary Introduction: The teacher briefly explains the meaning of these three program structures:
- Sequence: Executing instructions in order.
- Loop: Repeating the same instructions.
- Condition: Executing different instructions based on different situations.
2. Main Content (25 minutes)
- Sequential Structure (5 minutes)
- Concept Explanation: Explain that a sequential structure executes each instruction in order.
- Example Demonstration: Use visual programming to demonstrate a simple example where a character moves, turns, and speaks in sequence.
- Practice: Have students write a simple sequential program, such as making a character move in four directions in order.
- Loop Structure (10 minutes)
- Concept Explanation: Explain that a loop is used to repeat a piece of code, which can reduce repetitive work.
- Types of Loops: Demonstrate two common types of loops in visual programming:
- Fixed-count loop: Sets a specific number of repetitions, such as “repeat 10 times.”
- Infinite loop: Repeats continuously until a certain stop condition is met.
- Mini-Game: Robot Walks in a Square: Have students design a simple loop that makes a character automatically walk in a square. Students can set different numbers of repetitions to observe the effects.
- Conditional Statements (10 minutes)
- Concept Explanation: Conditional statements choose to execute different instructions based on a “true” or “false” condition.
- Example Demonstration: Use visual programming to show a conditional statement, for example, “if touching the edge, then turn.”
- Mini-Task: Writing a Conditional Statement: Have students design a simple program that makes a character change direction or react when it encounters a specific situation (such as touching another character or the edge).
3. Comprehensive Practice: Creating a Small Interactive Game (10 minutes)
- Project Introduction: Have students use sequence, loops, and conditional statements to create an interactive mini-game, such as a “chase game” where one character continuously chases another.
- Group Activity: Students work in groups to design the mini-game, reinforcing their understanding of sequence, loops, and conditions, and exercising their teamwork and creativity.
4. Conclusion and Q&A (5 minutes)
- Review of Key Points: Summarize the concepts of sequence, loops, and conditional statements, emphasizing their importance in programming.
- Q&A Session: Answer students’ questions and encourage them to try more creative projects using these three structures after class.
Teaching Resources
- Visual Programming Platform: Tools like Scratch allow students to visually understand sequence, loops, and conditions.
- Videos and Pictures: Show real-life applications of loops and conditions, such as the changing of traffic lights, to help students understand abstract concepts.
After-Class Activity
- Hands-on Task: Have students design a simple animation or mini-game in Scratch, using sequence, loops, and conditional statements as much as possible.
- Thinking Task: Encourage students to observe examples of loops and conditions in their daily lives and share their findings in the next class.