Unit 2. Developing Programming Tools
Revision Date: Jul 26, 2017 (Version 2.1.1)Summary
Students continue learning about iteration by using while
loops and nested iteration. Students work through a guided tutorial on while
loops and learn more turtle graphics features. They also have the opportunity to practice collaboratively writing programs using for
loops, while
loops, and turtle graphics. Throughout the lesson, students are given the opportunity to use their journal as a reflective tool.
Outcomes
while
loops. for
and while
loops can be written (nested) inside of other for
and while
loops.Outline
for
and while
loops with turtle graphicswhile
loops. for
and while
loops can be written (nested) inside of other for
and while
loops.Student computer usage for this lesson is: required
In the Lesson Resources folder:
Other:
What will be displayed at the end of this program?
y=0
for x in range (0, 8):
y += 1
print (y)
Have students work together to complete a coding activity that uses while
loops, for
loops, and/or nested iteration. Ideally, the students should design this program from scratch. They should think about a problem to be solved, describe it as an algorithm, and select the appropriate iteration structure. It is important to emphasize that the workload must be shared and each individual must make a contribution to the project within each group. Have students document an iterative design process: start with a general idea, break it into subparts, try it out, redesign, change and refine until you have explored a variety of creative options. The reflection journal at the end will comment on the group dynamics and problem solving used to create a positive group work environment.
Journal: In your journal, summarize the process that you used with your classmates to create the collaborative project. What was your original plan or algorithm? How did you use selection and iteration? What problems did you encounter? How did each group member contribute? What was the quality of the group dynamics? What concepts need to be clarified? How would these programs be changed if they were for widespread distribution rather than for personal use?
Various checking-for-understanding techniques:
Quick quizzes
Peer review
Interactive journaling
Students will work collaboratively to develop a program that uses nested iteration and turtle graphics.