Introduction to Programming

To help introduce the concepts involved in programming, we're going to use some resources compiled at code.org.

Lightbot is a relatively simple game. You use commands to guide a little robot around on a board to light up squares. This game introduces to concept of command lines, programs, and loops all with drag and drop options. 

I expect Lightbot to take about 1 to 2 class periods for you to complete.

CodeCombat introduces some of the basic concepts of using Python in a game format. Namely, indentation, precision with language, variables, and functions.

We will use CodeCombat up through the desert level. 

1. Create a log in with your school's email. 
2. Give yourself a sweet name--mine is "Fluffy the Annihilator".
3. Start playing! There are 3 levels (or campaigns) to go through: Dungeon, Forest, and Desert.

After you finish CodeCombat it's time to start using Portable Python!

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We won't use Alice yet this semester. If you want to play around with it at home, please feel free to do so.

Alice is an interactive 3D environment that teaches the basics of programming using drag and drop blocks of code. Alice isn't a kid's version of programming--it's full-fledged Java 
in drag and drop form. In particular, we'll start with Hour of Code's introduction to Alice: Garfield.

We will not use the following resources in class but I love them! WARNING, they are kind of addictive... and you need an iOS device (but they're free!).

Cargobot (http://twolivesleft.com/CargoBot/)

I had to pry iPads out of middle and high school hands with this app.

Hopscotch (http://www.gethopscotch.com)