31 lines
1.7 KiB
Markdown
31 lines
1.7 KiB
Markdown
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# Introduction
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Computer programs are instructions telling the computer how to process input and deliver output.
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An important part of programming is telling the computer WHEN to perform a certain task.
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For this, we use something called ‘conditionals’. Conditionals get their name because a certain Condition or Rule has to be met.
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Students are all already familiar with the concept of conditionals in their daily lives!
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Have they ever had their parents say..?
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* “If you clean your room, you can go out with your friends.”
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* “If your homework is done, you can play video games.”
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* “If you do your chores all week, you get your allowance, else you are grounded.”
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These are all conditionals! Conditionals follow the format of IF this, THEN that.
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>**IF** (condition is met), **THEN** (action performed)
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Have the students share a few conditionals from their own lives with the class or within small groups.
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Note: For older students, you can have them add the ELSE portion of a conditional.
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>**IF** (condition is met), **THEN** (action performed), **ELSE** (different action performed)
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Example:
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* IF it is snowing, THEN wear boots, ELSE wear shoes.
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The ELSE portion makes sure that a different action is performed in either case. Without the ELSE action, your students might be barefoot!
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Tell the students that they will be acting out some conditionals as though the whole class is a computer program for a game. Each student will perform a described action if the indicated condition is met.
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**Note:** This activity can be done as a whole class or in smaller groups or as a pencil and paper activity.
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