Algorithms, Shapes & Maths Quizzes

In our Middle and Senior Learning Community Coding Classes students have been learning about algorithms.

Algorithms are detailed step by step instruction sets or formulas for solving a problem or completing a task.  Computer programmers write detailed algorithms to instruct computers and robots how to perform tasks.

The Middle Learning Community practiced designing and writing algorithms for the Pro-Bot robots to draw shapes.  This involved recording some data for each shape, such as the number of sides, the length of the sides and the angle to turn at each corner.  Students observed that algorithms can be written sequentially (the long way) or by using repetition (loops).  They noticed that by using Pro-Bot’s repeat button, the number of buttons that need to be pressed to get Pro-Bot to draw shapes can be reduced dramatically.  Students also used the Tynker coding app to program characters to draw shapes on their iPad screen, as they begin to put together a Tynker Shapes Quiz for other students to use.

The Senior Learning Community students have started designing & coding a Times Tables quiz.  They are choosing 10 times tables questions and presenting each one on the screen as a multiple choice question, where one answer is correct and the other 3 are incorrect.  (They are carefully choosing 3 incorrect answers that could easily be mistaken as the correct answer if the user doesn’t read the question properly).  They have been learning about user interface – what makes a good looking, easy to use and engaging program.  They have been experiencing the importance of good planning & design and have planned out their screen background, characters & questions on paper.  They have designed algorithms using flowcharts that involve decisions and branching for some of their times tables questions.  Planning & design are very important parts of the process of creating software and apps and students have been practicing these skills before embarking on any coding.

Stay tuned to see the quizzes that the Middle & Senior Learning Community students design and create with the Tynker Coding app.

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