Programming sprites
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify that commands have an outcome.
Key learning points
- The motion code blocks add movement to a sprite.
- Multiple sprites can be controlled with separate movement commands.
- The stage provides a backdrop for sprites when they carry out commands.
- Random position motion blocks add unpredictability to commands.
Keywords
Motion - the movement of an object over time
Stage - the background of a project
Random - cannot be predicted
Common misconception
Some pupils may think that a code block applies to all the sprites in a project.
Multiple sprites can be controlled using separate commands and they each need their own code blocks to control them.
Teacher tip
Pupils can often get confused between the sprite and stage and wonder why specific code blocks are not showing. Remind pupils to select the component they are working on (either the sprite or stage) before they select the code blocks.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to a device with block-based programming software. Examples in this lesson use Scratch https://oak.link/scratch
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which icon would you press to add a sprite to a project?
Q2.Which type of blocks are used to make a sprite move?
Q3.Which code block would turn a sprite clockwise 15 degrees?
Q4.The __________ of a sprite changes what it looks like.
Q5.Pick all of the features of a sprite which can be changed.
Q6.In which section of the screen in Scratch can you see what your project looks like?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of the blocks is a movement block?
Q2.Which of these code blocks would move a sprite in a way that cannot be predicted?
Q3.Which of these code blocks would make a sprite move slowly to a random position?
Q4.Look at the Scratch project. If a movement block was added now, which sprite would move?
To help you plan your 3 computing lesson on: Programming sprites, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 computing lesson on: Programming sprites, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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