Python Patterns

Posted on April 29, 2014 by Administrator Posted in Computer Science, Python - Beginner, Python Challenges

Here is a quick challenge to focus on the use of loops, nested loops and string manipulation using Python.

Let’s look at the following code:

This code uses nested “for” loops (a loop within a loop). The output will be as follows:

Note that there are sometimes more than one solution to the same problem. Look at the following code which makes more effective use of string concatenation techniques:

This code would generate exactly the same outcome. It is more effective as it performs the same task using less instructions and iterations.

You can now adapt these techniques to try to produce the following patterns…

Tagged with: iteration, Python Challenges, String Manipulation

How to create a bouncing ball in Scratch

Posted on April 22, 2014 by Administrator Posted in Block Programming, Computer Science, Scratch

Step 1 – Change your main sprite to a ball

Step 2 – Add the following script to your sprite:

This tutorial is available as a pdf: How to create a bouncing ball in Scratch

See how to create a Pong game using this code: http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/10128515/#editor

Tagged with: Block Programming, Coordinates, iteration, Scratch

What’s an algorithm and what is pseudo code?

Posted on April 22, 2014 by Administrator Posted in Algorithms, Algorithms (GCSE), Computer Science, Computing Concepts

Check this video/animation from Ted Ed to understand what we mean by algothirm and pseudo code.

Source: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/your-brain-can-solve-algorithms-david-j-malan#watch

Tagged with: Algorithm, pseudo code

How to score points when your sprite collides with another sprite (in Scratch)

Posted on April 19, 2014 by Administrator Posted in Block Programming, Computer Science, Scratch

This tutorial is available as a pdf.

It focuses on how to create a score variable for your game and how to score point when your sprite catches/touches/collides with other sprites.

Download this tutorial as a pdf:

How to Score Points when colliding with objects

Tagged with: Block Programming, Scratch

How to create flying/falling objects in Scratch

Posted on April 17, 2014 by Administrator Posted in Block Programming, Computer Science, Scratch

In this tutorial we will get a spaceship to fall from the top to the bottom of the screen.

Add the following code to your sprite (e.g. Spaceship):

To understand this script you need to understand how x and y coordinates work in Scratch.
When using scratch the “playing area” is based on the following grid:

The centre of the grid is (x=0, y=0)
The bottom left corner is (x=-240, y=-180)
The top right corner is (x=240, y=180)

You can download this helpsheet as a pdf: How to create flying or falling objects in Scratch

Tagged with: Block Programming, Coordinates, iteration, Scratch

How to create a timer in Scratch?

Posted on April 17, 2014 by Administrator Posted in Block Programming, Computer Science, Scratch

Step 1 – Create a new variable called “timer”.

Step 2 – Make sure you have two backdrops for your stage (The main background for your game and a Game Over background).

Step 3 – Add the following code to your stage:

You can download this helpsheet as a pdf: How to create a timer in Scratch

Tagged with: Block Programming, iteration, Scratch

How to control your Sprite in Scratch…

Posted on April 17, 2014 by Administrator Posted in Computer Science, Scratch

… using the arrow keys

Step 1 – Add the following code to your sprite:

Step 2 – If you don’t want your sprite to rotate, click on the blue “i” icon on your sprite. Try these “rotation style” options to find the one you need.