Here are the activities that each group will be working on today:
Newcomers
If you are new to CoderDojo and new to computer programming this is where you start:
Scratch 1 (Beginner)
Building Blocks of Architecture
Complete the basic project and then try to complete all 6 add-ons:
- Rotator
- Falling Blocks
- Rainbow City
- World Renowned Architect
- Blueprints
- Detail Work
Scratch 2 (Intermediate & Advanced)
Finish off your Asteroids game
If you have not finished the Asteroids game yet, you can work on completing it today. Ask for help from the kids who have already completed it.
Build a clone of Pac-Man!
If you have finished Asteroids, you can start working on another classic arcade game, Pac-Man.
Starter Project for you to Re-mix:
You can remix this starter project: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/171742807/
It contains Pac-Man graphics and sounds that you can use. There is some code to get you started with setting up the dots that Pac-Man can eat.
Pac-Man movement:
In the original Pac-Man game, the Pac-Man character keeps moving in a straight line even when you are not pressing using the pointing device (joystick, arrow keys, etc.). He only stops when he reaches a wall in front of him.
Ghost movement:
You can program the ghosts to give them Artificial Intelligence! Did you know that in the original Pac-Man game each ghost has it’s own unique behaviour!
Here is a detailed analysis of the ghost movement in Pac-Man:
http://gameinternals.com/post/2072558330/understanding-pac-man-ghost-behavior
The most important thing to note is that the ghosts have 3 different modes: Chase, Scatter, and Frightened. In Chase mode they are basically chasing after Pac-Man. In Scatter mode they go towards the corners (each ghost has it’s own corner). In Frightened mode they move away from Pac-Man (because Pac-Man can eat them!) and they move slower.
Web Development (HTML, CSS & JavaScript)
1. Mystery Letter
In this project, you’ll create a mystery letter that looks like each word has been cut from a different newspaper, magazine, comic or other source.
Follow these instructions to complete the ‘Mystery Letter’ project.
2. Project Showcase
In this project, you will create a showcase of your HTML projects and learn about links and embedding resources.
Follow these instructions to complete the ‘Project Showcase’ project.
3. Use FTP to put your Project Showcase and all your completed projects on your own website
Aidan will provide details.
Finished today’s project?
If you are already finished today’s projects you can get started on the next project in the series.
Raspberry Pi (with Microcontrollers and other cool stuff)
A collaborative group exploring how computers can interact with the outside world through a range of sensors and controllers. Primarily we’ll be using the Raspberry Pi (http://raspberrypi.org) computer in conjunction with Arduinos (http://arduino.cc) and along the way we’ll learn about Python, C and C++ programming, digital and analogue electronics and about working together.
Electronics, Microcontrollers and Raspberry Pi session information