Initial steps

4. Starting programming

Introduction.

Introduction

In this module you will learn:

• what an algorithm is, how to make one and how to correct (debug) one
• how to predict what a Sprite will do when you give it a set of instructions
• how to move a Sprite in Scratch
• how to turn a Sprite in Scratch
• how to make the Sprite say messages in Scratch.

Did you know?

Every time you click a button on a computer or type a letter on the keyboard, instructions stored on the computer tell it what to do. Without these instructions, a computer would just be a box that does nothing.

Introduction

Computers run programs called software.

The programs are made with lots of instructions or commands that tell the computer what to do.

The instructions are written in program code.

Key words

• Program: a list of instructions that tells the computer what to do.
• Software: a computer program that lets you perform tasks.
• Instruction: a demand that tells you to do an action.
• Command: an order that has to be carried out, usually in a program.
• Program code: the instructions that tell the computer what to do.
• 90 degrees = quarter turn, 180 degrees = half turn, 360 degrees = full turn