Designing a game
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can design a project that includes repetition.
Key learning points
- An algorithm can include repetition.
- Key parts of a given project can be selected to use in your own design.
Keywords
Repetition - a part of a program where one or more commands are run multiple times in a loop
Algorithm - a precise sequence of steps that can be followed to do a task
Common misconception
You only need to program one loop for a whole game.
Each sprite needs its own loop so it can repeat its actions independently.
Teacher tip
There are four levels to describe a coding project. This can support pupils in understanding how to create a program: Task - what is needed, Design - what it should do, Code - how it is done, Running the code - what it does. In this lesson, learners will be working between task and design levels.
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.What is the term for making changes to code you have already written?
Q2.Which of these is a reason you might want to change an infinite loop in a game project?
Q3.What happens if you increase the value inside a loop that moves a sprite?
Q4.If you want another character to jump in the same way as your main character, what could you do?
Q5.Put these steps in order for changing how a sprite moves in a game:
Q6.Match the coding action to its effect:
affects how the game plays
using code again
thinking ahead
making things easier to manage
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does repetition mean in programming?
Q2.What is an algorithm?
Q3.Why might you use repetition in a game?
Q4.Which block in a programme makes an action continue without stopping until the programme ends?
Q5.What action do you use in a programme to make a sprite invisible on the stage?
Q6.Why isn’t it enough to programme just one loop for an entire game with several sprites?
To help you plan your 4 computing lesson on: Designing a game, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 computing lesson on: Designing a game, 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.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 computing lessons from the Using repetition in programming to create a game unit, dive into the full primary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.