This week in EDU 5527 we explored the topic of Computational Thinking. First, we dove into the key concepts of computational thinking. After discussing the concepts and viewing the visual below, I think have a good handle on the key concepts.
Next, we played around a bit with TurtleBlocks. First, I created a square with my Turtle.
Then, I changed the colors of each side of the square.
Finally, I wrote my name. This was a bit difficult for me at first because I didn't fully understand how to use the movement and directionality functions. At first, I thought that forward meant up, back meant down, and right and left were positive and negative movement along an x-axis. I quickly learned that forward means movement in any direction, while the right and left commands are used to change the direction of the turtle's body. This realization pushed me to understand the computational side of this program in a deeper way. I began visualizing the movements and the angles necessary to create the letters of my name, working with some trial and error. This was a lot of fun!
Brooke. Your idea is a good one. I have used a related program, Scratch, to do just the simulations you suggested. When all is said and done, what is complicated is the thinking and planning process. The final code is pretty straightforward. If you are interested in giving it a shot, I am happy to discuss/help you plan.
I think it would be fun to use an activity like this to design something to mimic a body system or molecular interaction? I think it would be cool to use turtle blocks for some type of simulator. I'm not sure if this is the right program for that? It might become very complicated.
Brooke,
I really enjoyed reading about the process you had in this project and I LOVE the product you produced.
How do you think you might do this type of activity with your students?