BBC micro:bit and Scratch
In order to create activities that develop the computational thinking skills mentioned in the National Curriculum, I have created a version of Space Invaders on Scratch, with activities aimed at upper Key Stage Two children. These activities require learners to debug, sequence, use selection, repetition, and variables within algorithms (definitions of these terms can be found here). While the activities are aimed at the upper Key Stage Two, they could be very easily supported and adapted to suit younger learners.
I recommend that learners play the Space Invaders game before attempting to solve the problems, as this will enable them to visualise what it is they are trying to do and giving them a goal to aim for. |
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Cross Curricular LearningWhilst creating this game, I also developed a controller that related to the game. This made the controller feel more authentic, as it was designed for the game, rather than simply using the BBC micro:bit on its own to play the game. Creating games and controllers with the BBC micro:bit and Scratch could be developed to have effective cross curricular links with both the design and technology curriculum and the art and design curriculum, particularly if children finish the unit by creating their own games and controllers.
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Art and Design at Key Stage Two
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Design and Technology at Key Stage Two
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Above are other examples of controllers created for Scratch games showing the range of materials and techniques that can be used to develop a controller for a game.
Debugging Activities - Moving and ShootingThe moving and shooting game has a variety of problems that will develop learners understanding of variables, sequencing, selection, repetition, decomposition and inputs.
Each problem is accompanied by a solution video that explains how to solve the problem and provides explanations as to why the algorithms are built in the way they are. |
Moving and Shooting: Problem One - Setting Variables to start the game
This problem focuses on the use of variables in the game. It is an introductory activity that develops children's understanding of variables and how they can be used within a game.
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Moving and Shooting: Problem Two - Start the game
This problem introduces selection and repetition within its algorithm, using the input from the BBC micro:bit controller. Decomposition is also modelled for the children as the task is broken down into two aspects the children need to consider.
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Moving and Shooting: Problem Three - Get your ship to move when the game starts
This problem requires the children to use decomposition to work out how they are going to make their ship move. They will need to consider how the ship needs to move (left and right), and how each of these actions can be coded using the input from the BBC micro:bit controller.
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Moving and Shooting: Problem Four - Shooting
This problem requires the children to debug the malfunctioning algorithm shown and use what they have learnt about selection in previous problems. relating this selection to the input from their BBC micro:bit controller. They must also employ their knowledge of sequencing to consider whether the order of the algorithm is appropriate.
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Debugging Activities - Variables and LEDsThis series of problems has a clear focus on the use of variables within the game and how to use the BBC micro:bit as an output device alongside its input capabilities. Alongside this, the problems and challenges in this case will further develop learners understanding of repetition, sequence, logical reasoning, selection and algorithms.
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Variables and LEDs: Problem One - Lose a life when the ship is shot
Sequencing is key to this algorithm as the blocks need to be ordered with appropriate wait times to enable the costume changes to be visible and for the ship's costume to return to its original red costume.
The repetition loop is part of logical reasoning as it is the most efficient way of making the costume flash without creating very long algorithms |
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Variables and LEDs: Problem Two - Make sure the game ends!
The algorithm in this problem uses variables within selection. The learners must create a selection that ends the game when either there are no lives left or there are no aliens left, triggering the game to either be won or lost.
In addition to this, it uses repetition to ensure the program is instructed to constantly check whether either variable has reached zero. Solving this problem requires children to fully understand the purpose of both of the variables, as they must decide which variable should cause the game to be won and which causes the game to be lost. |
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Variables and LEDs: Problem Three - Make the ship explode when you run out of lives
Decomposition is further modelled in this activity, as the problem is broken down into two parts. It further utilised variables to enable the game to end, along with selection and repetition. The learners must also consider sequence and use a wait block to enable both events to be carried out and seen by the player.
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Variables and LEDs: Challenge One - Using the LED screen
This is the first challenge to ask the learner to use the BBC micro:bit as an output device rather than simply as an input.
The challenge comes with limited instructions, requiring the children to debug as they code, using repetition and sequencing, to find the most efficient solution to their problem. |
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Variables and LEDs: Challenge Two - Using the LED screen
This is a step on from the previous challenge, as it incorporates the use of variables with the LED display. The challenge is to display the remaining lives on the LED screen of the BBC micro:bit.
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