Session 3: Variables Basics

Objectives

After this lesson, students will be able to:

Define about the variables and need for variables.
Describe, about different datatypes used with variables in a programming language.
Implement different arithmetic operators used in python programming language.
Prepare a coding project, to animate Tobi as an addition bot.

Introduction

In this session, students will be learning about the variables used in python programming language. What are variables and why do we need variables.

Students are taught about common datatypes used with variables in python programming language. They are explained what are different naming rules to be followed for the variables. Students are then taught what are different arithmetic operators available. Finally, we give them a step-by-step guide to make ‘A Tobi animation to act like an addition bot’ within PictoBlox.

Activity

Create a project that displays an animation of Tobi acting as an addition bot.

Teaching Resources

PicoBlox Code

Title	Description	File
Addition Bot	The project demonstrates sprite Tobi as an addition bot	https://course.techyguide.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CL9_CH3-Addition-bot-activity-1.sb3

Timeline

Title	Approximate Duration	Procedure	Reference Material
Variables	5	Access and play the Variables Lecture Slide. What are variables? Give real life examples of variables. Explain why do we need variables.	Lecture Slide
Data types in variables	5	Discuss about common datatypes used in programming. Give an overview of how they are used with variables in python programming.	Lecture slide
Arithmetic Operators	20	Discuss about different arithmetic operators used in python programming.	Lecture Slide
Activity : Addition Bot	20	Ask students to open the PictoBlox on their computer. Demonstrate the procedure given in the Addition Bot Activity Sheet to the students. Ask the students to follow the instructions to create the project. At the end of the activity, the teacher must check if all the students have created the project and provide feedback accordingly.	PictoBlox file, Lecture Slide and Activity sheet
Concluding the lecture	5	Make sure that all the students save their script properly before closing PictoBlox. Give a summary of the points covered in the lecture.	Lecture Slide

Things to Remember

Before Class

Make sure each PC has the latest version of PictoBlox installed and running.

During Class

Make sure they write the script by selecting the appropriate sprite.
Make sure they use the right palettes of Pictoblox Python interface for different functions while writing the code.

After Class

Make sure students save their codes/scripts.
Make sure they shut down the PC/Laptops.