Synchronising Sprites – Sequence

This quiz is all about the timing of dialogue between two sprites (characters). The code introduced comes from two separate sprites, and the aim is to work out if the conversation will appear normal.

Results

Self Review

Your next task is to make sure you really understand what is happening. Look at any you are not sure about and try to work out why. Perhaps discuss with a partner.

Go to Scratch

You will find all the code at https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/372136862/ Run a section of code by clicking on the top instruction. Investigate how it works, by explaining to your partner. Have a go at modifying the algorithm, changing the timing and making your own sentences.

Task – Add the rest of the code to complete the conversation Challenge – Can you add more sentences and change the time depending on the number of words said?

Key Question

Can you think of ways to ensure the timing does not become a problem? Is there something you should do before programming to make sure you get it right. Discuss this with a partner.

Ask an adult

You must make sure you really understand what is happening.

Ask an adult to help you look at any you were not sure about.

Go to Scratch

You will find all the code at https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/372136862/

Run a section of code by clicking on the top instruction.

Investigate how it works, by explaining to your partner.

Have a go at modifying the algorithm, changing the timing and making your own sentences.

Task – Add the rest of the code to complete the conversation

Challenge –

Can you add more sentences and change the time depending on the number of words said?

Key Question

Can you think of ways to ensure the timing does not become a problem?

Is there something you should do before programming to make sure you get it right.

Discuss this with a partner.

#1. Which of these two projects will produce the best dialogue between Scratch Cat and Maple?

#2. There is a problem with the algorithm. Which sentence best describes the problem?

There will not be enough time to read the conversation.

The animals will both talk at the same time

The dog is facing the wrong way.

The algorithms both start at the same time.

Two seconds for each to speak is fine.

The dog’s picture is not part of the algorithm.

To be synchronised, they must start at the same time.

#3. Is there anything wrong with this dialogue?

Scratch Cat says 'That's a lovely name' before the dog says 'My name is Maple'

There is nothing wrong. Maple speaks then Scratch Cat does.

The timing is wrong. Maple will say all her phrases before Scratch Cat.

Just because the code for Scratch Cat is on the left does not mean he will speak first. The codes both start at the same time when the flag is pressed and because of Scratch Cat’s wait command, the first character to speak is Maple.

The code appears to show them speaking in turn, however, the number of seconds means they won’t. Maple will say both her sentences in the first 3 seconds, before Scratch Cat even speaks.

Score and next steps

This quiz is designed to complement curriculum resources such as

Code IT Gold Scene – Dialogue – http://code-it.co.uk/goldscene