{"id":14988,"date":"2014-11-18T11:00:38","date_gmt":"2014-11-18T17:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fractuslearning.com\/?p=14988"},"modified":"2023-09-20T10:55:57","modified_gmt":"2023-09-20T15:55:57","slug":"coding-with-paper-printable-game","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fractuslearning.com\/coding-with-paper-printable-game\/","title":{"rendered":"Coding with Paper: FREE Printable Space Race Game for Students"},"content":{"rendered":"

From robots<\/a> to Minecraft<\/a>, there are thousands of different ways to introduce\u00a0programming\u00a0to your class in fun and interactive ways for the upcoming\u00a0Hour of Code\u00a0(December 8-14). While most\u00a0apps and tutorials do require\u00a0internet connected computers or mobile devices, it does not mean that schools without this level of technology<\/strong> cannot get involved. In fact, coding with paper can be an even more engaging and meaningful way to introduce students to early programming concepts.<\/p>\n

The Game<\/h2>\n

The object of the Space<\/a> Race game is to navigate your rocket ship safely through the galaxy of aliens and satellites, all the way to the moon.\u00a0Using the pre-made coding blocks<\/strong> students can create a ‘program’ of directions for their rocket to follow and complete its mission.<\/p>\n

I would encourage you to have your students work together<\/strong> as pairs or groups on this exercise. One student can set up the ‘course’ using the printed character blocks (Earth, moon, aliens, satellites). Their partner can then attempt to\u00a0program the solution using the printed code blocks, and together they can ‘execute’ the program to\u00a0navigate the ship. This not only gets your students working together but it will help them practice some of the collaborative aspects of coding and problem solving.<\/p>\n

\"Space<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Getting Started<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Print<\/strong>\u00a0copies of both\u00a0of the below files for each student or group<\/li>\n
  2. Have your students cut out<\/strong> the objects and code blocks from sheet 1<\/li>\n
  3. Using the cut out objects, place objects on the display<\/strong> (sheet 2) to create a\u00a0course<\/li>\n
  4. Using the cut out code blocks, create directions<\/strong> for the rocket to follow<\/li>\n
  5. Run<\/strong> the program!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \"Space<\/a><\/p>\n

    Objects and Code Blocks (sheet 1)<\/h4>\n

    Use this sheet to\u00a0cut\u00a0out each individual object to place\u00a0on the\u00a0display and each code block to place\u00a0on\u00a0the console.<\/p>\n

    Link to PDF<\/a><\/h4>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \"Space<\/a><\/p>\n

    Display and Console (sheet 2)<\/h4>\n

    This sheet is used for the gameplay. Use the display to set up a course\u00a0and use the console to assemble the program.<\/p>\n

    Link to PDF<\/a><\/h4>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Coding with Paper: Links and\u00a0Additional Material<\/h2>\n