HOUR OF CODE 2021 (TIMECRAFT)
Learning Objectives
*Understand the importance and benefits of computer science in all aspects of life.
*Analyse and solve problems using algorithmic thinking and problem decomposition.
*Practice computer science concepts such as sequences, events, loops and debugging.
*Create coding solutions to successfully complete a task or solve a problem.
*Recognize the expanded career connections offered through computer science.
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Student Activities
CODING ACTIVITIES (30-40 minutes):
Students begin their coding adventure in the Control Center of the Ephemera One, the main spaceport for monitoring time errors. TARRA, the AI, will guide them throughout their missions. Students must first select a coding language, Block or Python. For beginners, Block is recommended.
After selecting their Time Agent, a robot that they will code to solve Time Splits, students will follow a trail to the Test Center for the first onboarding coding activity. Here, they will select their TALK device to start coding activities.
ONBOARDING CODING CHALLENGE
Test Area Coding Challenge: Agent Move. Move your agent forward until it stands on the red block.
Upon completing the first onboarding challenge, students are directed to the Timeline Computer for the Timeline coding challenges. Upon completing each coding challenge, they will be asked to find a secret button that will lead them to clues. These clues will help them determine the culprit of the mysterious mishaps.
Students will complete three of the coding challenges (Time Splits) below, per mission (game loop). Each replay will allow students to explore additional challenges for varied coding exploration.
CODING CHALLENGES
Time Split 1:
Big Band Jazz (This is the Guided Challenge)
The great jazz musician has lost his beloved trumpet and has replaced it with a kazoo! Code your Time Agent to get through the maze and retrieve the musician’s trumpet to save jazz.
Time Split 2:
The Great Pyramids of Giza
The Great Pyramids are now cubes! Code your Time Agent to help the designer create a secure structure that will last for thousands of years… the pyramid.
Time Split 3:
Moon Mission
The astronauts need your help—use your Time Agent to complete a maze and deliver the calculations to help the astronauts land on the Moon!
Time Split 4:
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall isn’t actually great, yet... In fact, it’s very short! The hungry panda bears keep eating the bamboo scaffolding, which now means the workers cannot build the great and tall wall they wanted. Code a bamboo garden to divert the hungry pandas!
Time Split 5:
The Mona Lisa
Mona Lisa is no longer smiling—in fact, she is very upset. The Time Culprit went back and destroyed Mona Lisa’s fountain, causing her famous smile to be a frown. Code your Time Agent to cheer her up by fixing her fountain.
Time Split 6:
First Flights
The Culprit has filled the airplane runway with holes. Instead of having airplanes, we only have hot air balloons. Code your Time Agent to fix the runway so the inventors can make their first flight!
Time Split 7:
First Computer Scientist
The first computer science program played a song, but the Culprit has ruined the code. Use your Time Agent to fix the code to make the music play!
Time Split 8:
Human’s Best Friend
Human’s best friend is no longer the dog, but a bear! Use your Time Agent to befriend a pup and lead a pup back to the humans to become best friends again.
Time Split 9:
Palaeontology Puzzle
Oh no! The Culprit went back in time and stole some fossils causing the brachiosaurus to have a short neck. Use your Time Agent to help replace the stolen fossils so the palaeontologists can build the brachiosaurus with a long neck!
Time Split 10:
Elements of Discovery
The culprit snuck into the science lab and hid some of the elements. Use your Time Agent to find the hidden elements so the scientist can make the great discovery!
Upon completing three coding activities, students will have solved the first loop of the game and identified the culprit. They can extend their coding activities by selecting a new time agent and coding additional Time Splits.
CODING ACTIVITIES (30-40 minutes):
Students begin their coding adventure in the Control Center of the Ephemera One, the main spaceport for monitoring time errors. TARRA, the AI, will guide them throughout their missions. Students must first select a coding language, Block or Python. For beginners, Block is recommended.
After selecting their Time Agent, a robot that they will code to solve Time Splits, students will follow a trail to the Test Center for the first onboarding coding activity. Here, they will select their TALK device to start coding activities.
ONBOARDING CODING CHALLENGE
Test Area Coding Challenge: Agent Move. Move your agent forward until it stands on the red block.
Upon completing the first onboarding challenge, students are directed to the Timeline Computer for the Timeline coding challenges. Upon completing each coding challenge, they will be asked to find a secret button that will lead them to clues. These clues will help them determine the culprit of the mysterious mishaps.
Students will complete three of the coding challenges (Time Splits) below, per mission (game loop). Each replay will allow students to explore additional challenges for varied coding exploration.
CODING CHALLENGES
Time Split 1:
Big Band Jazz (This is the Guided Challenge)
The great jazz musician has lost his beloved trumpet and has replaced it with a kazoo! Code your Time Agent to get through the maze and retrieve the musician’s trumpet to save jazz.
Time Split 2:
The Great Pyramids of Giza
The Great Pyramids are now cubes! Code your Time Agent to help the designer create a secure structure that will last for thousands of years… the pyramid.
Time Split 3:
Moon Mission
The astronauts need your help—use your Time Agent to complete a maze and deliver the calculations to help the astronauts land on the Moon!
Time Split 4:
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall isn’t actually great, yet... In fact, it’s very short! The hungry panda bears keep eating the bamboo scaffolding, which now means the workers cannot build the great and tall wall they wanted. Code a bamboo garden to divert the hungry pandas!
Time Split 5:
The Mona Lisa
Mona Lisa is no longer smiling—in fact, she is very upset. The Time Culprit went back and destroyed Mona Lisa’s fountain, causing her famous smile to be a frown. Code your Time Agent to cheer her up by fixing her fountain.
Time Split 6:
First Flights
The Culprit has filled the airplane runway with holes. Instead of having airplanes, we only have hot air balloons. Code your Time Agent to fix the runway so the inventors can make their first flight!
Time Split 7:
First Computer Scientist
The first computer science program played a song, but the Culprit has ruined the code. Use your Time Agent to fix the code to make the music play!
Time Split 8:
Human’s Best Friend
Human’s best friend is no longer the dog, but a bear! Use your Time Agent to befriend a pup and lead a pup back to the humans to become best friends again.
Time Split 9:
Palaeontology Puzzle
Oh no! The Culprit went back in time and stole some fossils causing the brachiosaurus to have a short neck. Use your Time Agent to help replace the stolen fossils so the palaeontologists can build the brachiosaurus with a long neck!
Time Split 10:
Elements of Discovery
The culprit snuck into the science lab and hid some of the elements. Use your Time Agent to find the hidden elements so the scientist can make the great discovery!
Upon completing three coding activities, students will have solved the first loop of the game and identified the culprit. They can extend their coding activities by selecting a new time agent and coding additional Time Splits.
REFLECTION
- What was your favourite part of the Hour of Code?
- What was the most challenging part of the Hour of Code?
- How did you use computer science skills today to solve challenges and missions?
- What is one new thing you learned today?
- How is computer science used in school and your hobbies?
- Why is computer science important to learn for all?
