Pixel Programming

• Display the Pixel Programming instructions where everyone can see.
• Print/scan the Programs + Solutions sheet for the main activity.
• Post-it notes, two different colours (10 per pair)
• Paper and pencils
• Stuck? Check out our troubleshooting resource.

Activity

1. Pair up learners
2. Go through the instructions (below) and run through Program 1 as an example together. Begin by choosing which colour you will start with.
3. Give one partner a program sheet and the other the solution
4. Have the first partner try to follow a program by placing sticky notes on a table or wall (no peeking at the solution!)
5. Have the other partner check the solution to see if it’s correct
6. If it is incorrect, “debug” or try to solve it together
7. Have partners switch roles!
8. If time, have pairs create new pixel programs for each other - like pixelated emojis or emoticons!

Instructions:

1. We are programming left→right, top→bottom (like reading!)
2. Choose 2 different coloured sticky notes
3. The number is the amount of sticky notes to place down in a row
4. The comma means switch colours

Learning Outcomes

We followed simple, clear instructions to perform a task
We created and decoded algorithms
We made decisions like computers, using conditionals (IF there is a comma, then switch colours)
We worked with our partners to debug (or fix) our instructions

Assessment Tools

• Have learners give thumbs up or down for each outcome
• Have learners complete a self-reflection

Work Backwards: Have one partner use post-its to create pixel art, then have their partner write the code for their art. Share the instructions with another pair to see if they can replicate it.

Math Extensions:

• Make it into a math game. Have learners count up from 1 and switch colours every time they count a multiple of 4 (e.g.), moving to a new row after every 10 post-its. This may result in some interesting-looking patterns.
• Add a coordinate plane to the grid and have learners write their code using x and y coordinates along with the colour the block should be shaded.
• Have learners calculate the area each colour takes up on the grid.
• Have learners tally the colours they used and make a graph showing the frequency of each colour.

Language: Spell with pixels: Have learners try to spell out their names using the post-it notes, or create a pixel program for the class to solve that spells out a secret message. Use letters that can be created within the 3x3 grid.

History of Technology: Discuss how game developers in the 80’s created characters with limited colours and pixels to display on the computer screen. (Have printed examples of pixel video game characters such as Zelda and Mario).

• Discuss how graphics have developed over the years in the video game industry.
• Discuss what makes a graphic appealing to the player.

Art: Have learners select their favourite cartoon character and try to recreate that character by colouring a paper grid with pencil crayons. (Print Free Grid paper here).

Research: Have learners research the history of graphics in video games. (Teacher reference video)

Plugged In Coding:

• Try using coding language to make a Pixel Sprite with Kano
• Brik Build allows learners to create a LEGO style laptop case or card. However, they can design one for free using single LEGO bricks.

Print Free Graph Paper
https://www.printfreegraphpaper.com/

Pixel Pioneers: A Brief History of Graphics, Part One (Ahoy)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzN2pgL0zeg&feature=youtu.be

Make Art - Challenges
https://art.kano.me/challenges

Brik Build
https://www.brik.co/pages/brikbuild

Teach lessons that are tied to your existing curriculum! https://bit.ly/CLClessons