Project Description
In the beginning of Tech we learned how to code with Python using Scratch and Snap!. While working with Snap!, we had to create our own game using what we learned about commands in class. I decided to create a paddle game. There is a ball that is moving around the screen, and it bounces off the left edge. On the right edge there is a paddle that can be moved around with the up and down arrows. The person playing the game has to use the paddle to block the ball from touching the right edge. Every time the ball touches the paddle, the user gets one point. The game is over when the ball touches the right side of the screen.
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What are you most proud of from this assignment?
I wanted to show this work because I think it was the biggest project that we had in our Tech class so far in this semester. I like that I got to be creative with creating my game, and I like the features that I chose to add.
What 21st Century Skills does this project address?
I think that this project addresses thinking and problem solving skills. I applied what I learned in class to develop a working code. I also had to use problem solving skills to debug my code so that my game would work properly. There were a few extra features that I added to the game (the point system and the ball changing color every time it touched the paddle), and initially they interfered with the other processes in my code. I had to use what I learned in class and do my own investigations to make everything work together.
How did you develop and/or improve upon your 21st Century Skills with this assignment?
This project challenged me to come up with creative solutions to a variety of problems. I spent more time editing my code than I did writing it. I had to make a lot of modifications to my code in order for all of the components of my game to work together properly. I challenged myself to add additional features to the game that were not required by the assignment.
What was most difficult about completing this task?
I had the most difficulty with creating my point system and having the ball only bounce off the paddle and the top, bottom, and left edge of the screen. I also had trouble making the game end when the ball passed the paddle.
How could I improve this project?
Even though my game can work properly for the most part, there are still a few flaws to my game that I have not figured out how to fix yet. Sometimes the paddle will only move when the page is restarted. Also, even though the paddle is only supposed to move when the up and down arrow keys are pressed, the game still allows it to be dragged around the screen. Since the user gets a point whenever the paddle touches the ball, they can drag the paddle to the ball to get as many points as they want.
How does this relate to what you have learned in the past?
I remember working with Scratch and learning about code in the past. I think I used Scratch the most in 7th and 8th grade. I have never used Snap! before taking this class, but it is very similar to Scratch. Having some experience with Scratch in the past made it easier for me to learn how to use Snap! and it also made it easier for me to understand the lessons we learned in class.
How can you apply this to future learning?
I think that I will have to apply the information that I learned about coding throughout various aspects of my life. I use computers for my schoolwork all the time, and it is important for me to know how they work. Many medical machines and devices are also programmed, and I might need to have a better understanding of them if I want to pursue a medical career.