CODING INNOVATIONS

LESSON 6:  VARIABLES AND DATA TYPES 

TODAY'S MISSION

  • I can explain the difference between integer and string data types and use each appropriately.

  • I can convert between string and integer data types.
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  • I can write an if:else conditional statement.

ACTIVITY 1:  WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT IT?

Accounting and Discussion Forum 
DO THIS ACTIVITY AS SOON AS YOU ARRIVE TO CLASS.  DO NOT WAIT FOR OTHERS TO ARRIVE!
BELLRINGER #1
  • Glue in your weekly paychecks and account balances.
  • See me if you have any questions about paychecks or account balances.
  • The classroom economy card from last week, is in your buckets.  Take a look at the market prices.
  • Check your buckets for any weekly mail.
BELLRINGER #2
Click on the Google Classroom Icon to the right to go to our class discussion forum.  Answer the Lesson 6 question in the discussion forum.  The question you will answer is below.  (REMEMBER TO CLICK ON THE CLASSWORK TAB AND SCROLL DOWN TO THE LESSON 6 QUESTION!)
You have done block based coding in Code.Org.  What do you remember about the if/else conditional statement?  What did it do?  What did you use it for when you coded in Code.Org?

​ACTIVITY 2:  GET READY FOR IT

Preparing Your Journal
Create a Lesson 6 page in your Innovations Journal.  See the example below.  As we go through the activities today, make notes of anything you find interesting or things that you learned.
TERMS TO KNOW
Data:  Information your code works with

Variable:  Memory space for storing things;  think of variables as boxes with labels on them, that you can put stuff in. That stuff might be numbers, text, an Image, etc...

String type:  a sequence of characters, like words or sentences  Ex)  state = "Alabama"

Integer type:  ​a whole number that can be positive, negative, or zero and no decimals or fractions Ex)  zipcode = 35173 

String data type: ​a real number with a decimal point or a fraction  Ex)  temperature = 98.6

Boolean values: ​true or false Ex.)  cool = true

Branching: ​an if condition or decision points in coding  

Comparison operators: ​testing different conditions
>   Greater than
<   Less than
==  Equal to
!=  Not equal to
>=  Greater than or Equal to
<=  Less than or Equal to

Reboot: ​to start over
Read All Directions
Read this whole paragraph before taking any action!
Today you will begin real coding in Python!  But before we get started, we need to talk about some things that will help you.
  • REMEMBER:  Each time you start a new program, create a new file and name it the same title as the CodeSpace Activity. If you don’t, you will lose all your previous work!
  • Don't rush through.  It is important that you understand each step because you will continuously apply what you learned in previous lessons to new lessons.
  • Don't be afraid to test your ideas just to see what happens.  Many times the best learning comes from mistakes we made.
  • Collect all the Tools you find!  All tools have a green wrench icon.
  • Read the directions.  Actually read every word you see.  The directions really do help you.  I know directions are usually invisible to preteens, but If you like, I will wave the magic preteen wand in front of your screen so that the directions appear. 
  • Don't give up.  Be persistent.  You've Got This!

ACTIVITY 3:  DO IT

CodeSpace 2.6 - 2.17
Picture
YOUR ON YOUR OWN NOW!
​Today, work on your own in CodeSpace until you get to Lesson 2.15.  When you get to Lesson 2.15 Stop and raise your hand.  A teacher will come to you and show you how to download your code and hook up your battery pack to the micro:bit.  Do not do this without a teacher.  It will cost you 50 units if you do!  YIKES!!!

​Click on the CodeBot Icon on the right to get started.

ACTIVITY 4:  YOU DID IT!

Let's think about all that you have learned today.   Write your reflections of today's lesson in your Innovations Journals.  
  • Describe at least one thing you learned today.
  • Discuss something that you liked about today's lesson.
  • Name one thing that you need explained because you did not fully understand.
​

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

  • I can explain the difference between integer and string data types and use each appropriately.

  • I can convert between string and integer data types.
​​​
  • I can write an if:else conditional statement.