08 Design
Welcome to the Year 8 Digital Design course!
This course is an introduction to the concept of computer programming. We use and depend on computers every day, not just the laptops we carry to class, but the phones in our pockets, the GPS in cars, the traffic lights in the streets, the money in our bank accounts and in so many aspects of our lives! The need for an understanding of how computers function to be a highly valuable member of today’s society is only going to further increase! We have made our lives so dependant on computers, you owe it to yourself to know what’s going on - where the risks are. Programming also develops great thinking skills that will be invaluable whether you choose to code or not… GROW YOUR BRAIN! Finally, it’s just great nerdy fun!!!
Course documents
Unit 1: Robotics
Week 1 (29 Aug-31 Aug)
- Unit overview - Statement of inquiry, concepts, global context etc
- Mission briefing letter from SpaceX
- Task A1 Explain the problem
Week 2 (03 Sep-07 Sep)
- Task A2 part 1 Identify your research
Week 3 (10 Sep-14 Sep)
No classes - Trips week
Week 4 (17 Sep-21 Sep)
Week 5 (24 Sep-28 Sep)
Week 6 (01 Oct-05 Oct)
Week 7 (08 Oct-12 Oct)
Week 8 (15 Oct-19 Oct)
- ATL - Citations and references
- Task A2 part 2 Document your research
- Task A3 - Investigate other robots for inspiration (homework)
- Task A4 - Design brief
October mid-term break
Week 9 (29 Oct-02 Nov)
Week 10 (05 Nov-09 Nov)
Week 11 (12 Nov-16 Nov)
- Task C1 - Plan your project time
- Task C2 - Build and program your project robot!
- Open Roberta tips & tricks
Week 12 (19 Nov-23 Nov)
- Task C2 - Build and program your project robot!
- Open Roberta tips & tricks
Week 13 (26 Nov-30 Nov)
- Task C2 - Build and program your project robot!
- Open Roberta tips & tricks
Week 14 (03 Dec-07 Dec)
- Task C2 - Build and program your project robot!
- Open Roberta tips & tricks
Week 15 (10 Dec-14 Dec)
- Task C2 - Build and program your project robot!
- Open Roberta tips & tricks
Winter/Christmas break
Week 16 (07 Jan-11 Jan)
- Task C3 - Demonstrate your final project
Week 17 (14 Jan-18 Jan)
- Pack up & audit the lego kits
- Lego kit parts checklist
- Task D1,D2,D3,D4 - Evaluate your robot project - finish for homework
Week 18 (21 Jan-25 Jan)
No classes - Ski week
Unit 2: Coding
Are you ready to make an app? Or perhaps your own video game? Then this is the unit for you!
You have the opportunity to create your project using either Scratch or Python!
Week 19 (28 Jan-01 Feb)
- Unit overview - Statement of inquiry, concepts, global context etc
- Watch How the inventor of Mario designs a game
- Task A1 What market opportunities exist for new apps?
- Task A2 Document your research
Week 20 (04 Feb-08 Feb)
Week 21 (11 Feb-15 Feb)
Deciding between Python and Scratch
| Scratch | Python Turtle | Python |
|---|---|---|
| Most beginner friendly | A middle of the road option | Who’s up for a challenge? |
| Drag and drop block style programming | Text based programming language | Text based programming language |
| Suitable for simple 2D graphical games such as breakout, mario platformer, snake, tic-tac-toe, infinite runner | Suitable for simple 2D graphical games similar to those that can be done with Scratch | Simple graphical games |
| You would have to solve how to create the entire project | Some sample code provided, but you would be able to solve key sections on your own | I provide template code for several graphical games so you wouldn’t have to figure it all out on your own. |
| Final product runs in web browser on Windows or Mac computers | Final product runs on Windows or Mac computers | Final product runs on Windows or Mac computers |
For the first couple of weeks, every student should be attempting one of the Python options. If, after you have given it a genuine attempt, you wish to use Scratch, you can discuss it with me to get approval to swtich.
Week 22 (18 Feb - 22 Feb)
February mid-term break
Week 23 (04 Mar - 08 Mar)
Week 24 (11 Mar - 15 Mar)
Week 25 (18 Mar - 22 Mar)
Week 26 (25 Mar - 29 Mar)
Week 27 (01 Apr - 05 Apr)
Spring/Easter break
Week 27 (01 Apr - 05 Apr)
Week 27 (01 Apr - 05 Apr)
Week 30 (06 May - 10 May)
- Task C2 - Build and program your project!
Week 31 (11 May - 17 May)
- Task C2 - Build and program your project!
Week 32 (20 May - 24 May)
- Task C2 - Build and program your project!
Week 33 (27 May - 31 May)
- Task C2 - Build and program your project!
Week 34 (03 Jun - 07 Jun)
- Task C2 - Build and program your project!
Week 35 (10 Jun - 14 Jun)
- Task C3 - Demonstrate your final project
Week 36 (17 Jun - 21 Jun)
- Task D1,D2,D3,D4 - Evaluate your project
Week 37 (24 Jun - 28 Jun)
- Task D1,D2,D3,D4 - Evaluate your project