We have seen a couple different uses of Scratch (story telling and drawing block letters) and a variety of Scratch blocks and features. We should be becoming familiar with broadcasts (especially for "Places Everyone" & "Action") and with creating our own blocks or new instructions. This learning activity will continue with drawing but instead of block letters we will draw scenery. In addition to allowing for creativity it can show some math content and be interesting for kids. The task is to use the drawing of regular polygons to draw some sort of scene. This activity should also be useful for showing the utility of repetition.
You should have already thought a little bit about what drawing polygons might entail. During class we saw/will see the general characteristics of drawing various polygons and an approximate sizing mechanism. We also examined using draw polygon blocks to draw other things. You are to make blocks for drawing several different kinds of regular polygons (or one block to draw any regular polygon). Then use that result to draw some "larger" thing.
This assignment builds on the expectations in the previous task and adds some new ones. Note that some of the specifications below are required. (Whether you meet the expectations is up to you, but it will be considered when determining the extra credit for shared programs.) The expectations are:
You may work in pairs on this assignment if you wish. Those who do work in pairs are expected to have more impressive products. Everyone is encouraged to try to impress themselves and the instructor. If you feel your project is worth sharing I will include it in a class sharing document. Scratch will allow you to share it with the world if you wish (but that is not how we'll share it—download and send me a copy of the program). Sharing it with the class can earn a bit of extra credit. Sharing earns a (very) little bit of credit. Sharing something that meets all the "required" expectations will earn a bit more extra credit and sharing something particularly fun, interesting, amazing, ... earns a bit more extra credit
As noted in the TARR (task-specific activity and program report) document the graded component of this assignment will be the report you submit. Please keep in mind that the activity report should indicate what you did/included in your program, i.e., which expectations you met and did not meet. The TARR document also includes a number of cues you can use to kickstart your reflection. The submission message should have the subject PEEE_Scratch-IV.
If you have questions about the assignment send me an e-mail or drop by my office. If you have a question while working on the assignment do the same. Keep in mind that when you encounter something you can't figure out you can/should think, explore, seek answers on google, etc. but, do not spend more than 15-30 minutes trying to overcome a particular error or problem.
I encourage you to suggest additions to our code templates page. You might suggest a revision to clarify (or finish) something that is there already or an entirely new topic. Please indicate how/why you think the would be helpful. Communicate as clearly and fully as you can what is needed/desired. (This can earn you extra credit.)