ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel Code.org Saloni teaches If-Else statements with Scrat the Squirrel from Ice Age
Have you ever had to make a choice between two things? Like deciding whether to play outside or stay inside and read a book? That’s kind of like what an if-else statement does in computer programming. It’s a way for a computer to make a decision between two options.
Imagine our friend Scrat the squirrel from Ice Age. He’s always looking for his favorite snack, the acorn. An if-else statement helps Scrat decide what to do. If Scrat finds the acorn, he’s super happy! But if he doesn’t find it, he’s sad and keeps looking for it.
Let’s see how we can help Scrat using an if-else statement. Think of it like this: if Scrat sees a path in front of him, he will move forward. But if there’s no path, he will turn left. It’s like giving Scrat two choices based on what he sees.
In programming, we use blocks to tell the computer what to do. For Scrat, we can use a “move forward” block for when there’s a path and a “turn left” block for when there isn’t. This way, Scrat can make a decision and do one of the two actions.
Just like when you repeat your favorite song, we can make Scrat repeat his actions using a “repeat” block. This means Scrat can keep checking for paths and turning until he finally finds his acorn.
Now, let’s help Scrat the squirrel get that acorn by using if-else statements! It’s fun to see how making decisions can help Scrat on his adventure.
Scrat’s Adventure Game: Create a simple board game using paper and markers. Draw a path with different forks where Scrat must decide which way to go. Use coins or small objects as Scrat. Write “if” and “else” scenarios on cards. For example, “If Scrat sees a tree, move forward 2 spaces. Else, turn left.” Let the children play the game, making decisions for Scrat based on the cards they draw.
Decision Tree Drawing: Have the children draw a decision tree for Scrat. Start with a picture of Scrat at the bottom of the page. Draw branches that represent different choices Scrat can make, like “If Scrat sees an acorn, go right” or “Else, go left.” Encourage them to add more branches and outcomes, illustrating how different decisions lead to different adventures.
Real-Life If-Else Scenarios: Ask the children to think of a decision they make every day, like choosing what to wear based on the weather. Have them write down an if-else statement for it, such as “If it is sunny, wear a t-shirt. Else, wear a sweater.” Encourage them to share their scenarios with the class and discuss how if-else statements help in making decisions.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
An if-else statement is a decision between two options. For example, if Scrat the squirrel finds the acorn, then he’s happy; otherwise, he’s sad and continues searching. Now let’s see how we can use an if-else statement with our friend Scrat. This block looks similar to the “if” block, but there’s an additional part at the bottom that says “else.” If I place a “move forward” block where it says “do” and a “turn left” block where it says “else,” that means Scrat the squirrel will move forward if there’s a path ahead. If there isn’t a path ahead, Scrat will turn left. It’s making a decision and performing one of the two actions based on that decision. Just like “if” blocks, you can also place “if-else” blocks inside “repeat” blocks. Now let’s help Scrat the squirrel get that acorn!
