Week 8 - Raptor basics recovery

CLASS OBJECTIVE

Review the basic Raptor topics before the final Period 1 test by creating an algorithm that allows a customer to select a menu item and receive the final bill.

QUESTIONAIRE

Write down the next questions and answer using your own words. You must not research on the Internet, you have to assure the understanding of this concepts.

1. Why do we use flowcharts to describe an algorithm?
2. What is "Raptor Programming Environment"?
3. Explain the meaning of the next Raptor simbols:
1. Ovals
2. Rectangle
3. Parallelogram (incoming arrow)
4. Parallelogram (outcoming arrow)
5. Diamond/Rhombus
4. What is a variable?
5. When creating variable names you must avoid some characters, name three.
6. What's the difference between Sequential and Selection coding?

Your teacher is going to sign and grade this activity.

ACTIVITY

Now, you will create the next Raptor program in which a user will be able to select meal options and the program must also calculate the final bill.

You won't receive any help from your teacher, use the image and your knowledge to achieve this goal.

Name the file MENU OPTIONS.rap

As always, once you finish the activity, save the file, go to Classroom and upload it to the post.

Week 6 and 7 - Selections/decisions in Raptor programming

CLASS OBJECTIVE

Create an algorithm to decide between three different formulas, by using the decision symbol in Raptor, to calculate areas from a rectangle, circle or triangle.

*Homework recovery:  Algorithms and programs comparison.

INTRODUCTION

In the last course you learned to use the IF() function in a spreadsheet. It helped you to create programs in which users could make decisions, for example, between answers or products, etc. Now you'll program Raptor algorithms to make decisions, to select between different options.

DECISIONS

Just like in the last class, you just have to drag the decision (selection) symbol from the left panel to the flowchart. It is very important to place it where a decision has to be made, after you have saved information in a variable.

Once you've inserted the symbol you can double click on it to configure the decision. A decision is a compairson operation like in spreadsheets. For example, N1=10, lastname="González", etc.

In the examples, N1 or lastname are declared variables, this means that you used them and saved information in it before you make the decision.

Here's another example.

As always, it'll be easier to understand by developing a couple of programs.

ACTIVITY

Today's program will calculate areas of common shapes: rectangle, circle or triangle. Open Raptor and start saving the file. Name it Areas of common shapes. 

Obviously, you'll have to use decisions, Selections symbols, to create different paths in the code.

From this point on it's important that you receive less instructions, so look at the flowchart and try to solve the problem.

• Use an input to ask for the shape: (1) for triangle, (2) for rectangle, (3) for circle. The variable will be named Shape.
• Remember to double click on every symbol to set the configurations. For example, to get the decision about the shape or to get the shapes dimensions ,you need inputs, and every input need a variable to save the data.
• Use the selection symbol, as shown, to create the four paths. Ask for the variable Shape to decide the path.
• Each path should ask for the data of the selected shape, for example: triangle need the base and the height to calculate the area.
• If the user don't select a correct option, then a message should be shown.

Test the program and if it works send it to your teacher through Classroom.

CLASS NOTES

As always, write down in your notebook the title of the class, the objective and follow the instructions.

• In your own words, What is the difference between sequential programming (last class) and decisions/selections programming?  (Use at least 60 words)
• Now explain the Rhombus symbol (Diamond): What does it do? What does it need to work properly?

Week 5 - Sequential coding in Raptor

CLASS OBJECTIVE

Recognize that when programming there are different techniques to write code, and the first is the sequential coding, which means that the code executes step by step from the start to the end, without alternate paths.

INTRODUCTION

Now you know how Raptor works: through the creation of flowcharts. Last class, Two new symbols were introduced to you, the input to collect information and the output to show the results.

Besides, there was another important concept that we have to reinforce: variables.

VARIABLE is a memory space reserved to save information. Before you start any process you have to declare variables, which means give them name and type. In the Raptor case you just have to name the memory space in an input or assignment.

perimeter ── 3.1416*radius

In the example, there are two variables, radius that already has information saved in it, and perimeter which is a new space of memory that will receive the result of the multiplication.

Variable names can't have special characters, such as @ *  #. The suggestion is to use lowercase letters and/or numbers, in this order, without spaces.

Tip: you can compare variables with cells in a spreadsheet. You can type information in them to save it, and any cell has its own name.

ACTIVITY

You'll create a program to calculate your first period average. Open raptor and start saving the file. Name it Average Calculator and your student number, example: Average Calculator 12345

• Insert 12 Input symbols, one for each subject.
• Configure each one of them to ask for the final subject score, and name the variable as the subject. Example, ask for "Español" final grading and save it in a variable named español.

• Now, insert an assignment symbol after the input boxes. 
• Configure it to add the 12 gradings and divide the result into 12. Assign the final average to a variable named periodaverage. As you can see, there is no space between the words.

• For the last, insert an output symbol. Configure it to show the periodaverage variable.
• Test the program and if it works send it to your teacher through Classroom.

 As you can see, this program executes every step, one by one, until the end. This is called sequential coding.

Next class we'll use the rhombus symbol once again to decide between different paths, by making decisions.

CLASS NOTES

As always, write down in your notebook the title of the class, the objective and follow the instructions.

• What does "sequential coding" mean?
• What is a variable?
• Variable names must avoid special characters, Name at least 5 of these special characters.
• Draw a flowchart, such as in the activity, to calculate the course average, asking for the three period averages.

HOMEWORK

You will do an investigation about Algorithms and Programs. Write down the next questions and anwer them in your notebook, using your own words.

• What is the meanning of Algorithm?
• What is the difference between Algorithm and Program?
• Describe in your own words an algorithm to solve a home problem.

Week 4 - Raptor programming environment

CLASS OBJECTIVE

Know the Raptor programming environment for the first time, by creating a program that performs a basic algorithm to request information, do a process and displays a result.

FLOWCHARTS

Last class you learned how to use 3 flowchart symbols: the elipse (oval), the arrow and the rectangle. Now you'll learn to represent interaction with users though the paralelogram that may represent input and output.

These are the name we'll use from now on:

• Process or assignment, which represent the internal processes like calculations or the manipulation of the information.
• Input ask a user to introduce information, for example, words or numbers.
• Output does exactly the opposite, it shows information to the user, mostly the results of the processes. 

Let's try one last paper flowchart using the Input and Output symbols.

 

RAPTOR PROGRAMMING ENVIRONMENT

Before we start with Raptor you have to install the Direct access icon. Follow the next directions:

1. Open the Window´s File Explorer and the "Este equipo" option on the left panel.
2. Double click on the Hard Disk Drive (Usually C:)
3. Now look for the "Archivos de programa (x86)" folder and get into it.
4. Look for the "Raptor_avalonia" folder and get into it.
5. Locate the dinosaur icon and right_click on it
6. Select the "crear acceso directo" option and agree to put it on the Windows main desk

INTRODUCTION

You've been learning to create problem solutions using technology tools. Now you'll be introduce to programming languages with the Raptor programming environment.

• The Raptor main feature is that the programs will be created using flowcharts. 
• With Raptor you´ll create computer algorithms and when you execute them you'll be able to see the process step by step.
• When you open Raptor you'll alway see the oval figures that start and end the program. Between them you'll have to place the flowchart elements that will be executed. 

Let's analyze the Raptor main screen in the next image.

FIRST PROGRAM (Guided activity)

Obviously, you'll have to open Raptor usin the "dinosaur icon". It should be installed in your Windows desktop.

Once opened, Raptor will show you 2 windows, the main programming window and the master console. You'll design in the main window but you'll see the results of your algorithm in the master console. (You can look at the image up above)

To start programming, you just have to drag the symbols (input, output and assignment) to the space between the start and end terminals.

• Drag the Input symbol to the main structure 

• Double clic on the input symbol. 
• "Prompt" is the text that will be shown to the user. Type "What is your name?"
• "Variable" is the name that will be assign to the information container. Type NAME

• Drag the Assignment symbol to the structure
• This is the process that will be executed. Double clic on it.
• Type SALUTE in the SET text box. 
• Then type "WELCOME "+NAME+" TO RAPTOR"

• Drag the Output symbol to the structure
• Double clic on it.
• Type "SALUTE" (result container)
• This will be the answer that will be shown in the console window.

To execute the algorithm press the play button. Before, I suggest to slow the execution so you can see it step by step.

To save the algorithm click on the FILE menu, select SAVE: type a name for the file and select a folder. 

• Name:  Hello world.rap
• Folder:  Documents

ACTIVITY

Instead of typing messages, you´ll create a small calculator. Clic on FILE menu and NEW to create a new algorithm.

• Use 2 input symbols to ask for two numbers. 
• Name them N1 and N2
• Use 4 assignment symbols to Add, Subtract, Multiply and Divide. 
• Name the result containers as ADDITION, SUBTRACTION, MULTIPLICATION and DIVISION
• Use 4 output symbols to show the results. 

Name the file as CALCULATOR.rap and save it into the Documents folder.

After this, you'll deliver this file through a Classroom post.

CLASS NOTES

As always, write down in your notebook the title of this class, the objective and follow the instructions.

• Explain in your own words, What is Raptor?
• What does "programming environment" means? You can use Google.
• Draw the Raptor symbols that we used in today activities.
• We used many variables in today's activities, what is the meaning of variable?

Week 3 - Introduction to Flowcharts

 CLASS OBJECTIVE

Recognize the use of symbols to represent a process when working with flowcharts, and identify the first three basic symbols: start/end, arrow, and process.

Common Symbols

A symbol is usually a drawing with a meaning that many can easily understand. For example, can you tell the meaning of every symbol on the next image?

Probably most of you were able to identify the meaning of all the symbols above since they each have one meaning or represent a single action or tool. But what happens when you want to represent a set of steps or a process? Well, there is a graphic resource that allows us to represent a process using mainly symbols, and it is called a flowchart.

HOMEWORK 2 - INFORMATION RECOVERY

Let's all discuss about your homework results, in plenary:

• What is a flowchart?
• What are the different symbols in a flowchart and their meaning?
• What are flowcharts commonly used for?
• Draw an example of a flowchart and explain it.

Helpful references

What is a programming flowchart?

A programming flowchart is a visualization tool programmers use when creating new applications to understand a process, workflow or algorithm. It typically uses geometric shapes to represent steps and arrows to communicate the flow of data.

Indeed Editorial Team(September 28, 2023),What Is a Programming Flowchart?,https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development

Flowcharts

A flowchart is a diagram that represents an algorithm. It is read from top to bottom and uses shapes and arrows to show what happens in a program. You and your team can use flowcharts to help plan out how to create your code and organize your code.

2024 Technovation, Flowcharts, https://technovationchallenge.org/

Let´s watch a video

FIRST STEPS INTO FLOWCHARTS: ARROW, START/END AND PROCESS SYMBOLS

Algorithm

Most of you may have found, while doing your homework, that a flowchart is defined as "a diagram that represents an algorithm" and that is certainly correct. But what exactly is an algorithm?

An algorithm is simply a set of step-by-step instructions to complete a process (solve a problem or perform a specific task). The most important rule when creating an algorithm is that it must have a beginning and an end—this is known as finiteness.

So, whether you're creating a guide to prepare coffee or describing the steps to calculate the speed a rocketship needs to escape Earth, the algorithm must always come to an end at some point.

Start/End symbol:

When working with flowcharts, we use a specific symbol to represent the start and end of the process. This symbol is called "Terminator" and it is represented by an oval. 

• This oval is placed at the beginning (labeled "Start") and at the end (labeled "End") of the flowchart.
• Between these two ovals, we will insert the other symbols that represent the steps of our process.

Arrow symbol:

The Arrow symbol is used to indicate the flow (direction) that the flowchart is following. Although flowcharts are typically read from top to bottom, there are times when different paths are created, so it is important to use arrows from the beginning.

Process symbol:

The Process symbol  represents a step in the process. It is shown as a rectangle, and inside it, we write the instruction to be performed. We must ensure that the instruction is clear and precise to avoid any confusion (ambiguity).

You can use as many process symbols as you need, and inside each process symbol, there should be only one instruction. 

*Remember all the symbols must be placed between the start and end ovals.

Let's take a look at the next example:

To see the image in full size right clic on it an then select the option "open image in a new tab".

There you can zoom in the image to read the text.

CLASS ACTIVITY

For today’s activity, you’re going to create two different flowcharts in your notebook to represent two things you do when taking the Technology III class.

First flowchart:

• Create a flowchart using only the start/end, arrow and process symbols to represent the steps a student must follow to turn the computer on until the Windows desk shows on the screen, once the student is sitting at the workstation. Take into consideration that the computer is turned off when the student arrives at the workplace

Second flowchart:

• Create a flowchart using only the start/end, arrow and process symbols to represent the steps a student must follow to go from your workplace to the nearest bathroom in the school. Consider that the classroom door is open and the student has the teacher's permission to go to the bathroom.

Once you finish the two flowcharts, give them to the teacher for review. If the flowcharts are complete, the teacher will sign your activity. If not, the teacher will ask you to complete or correct them.

CLASS NOTES

Write down in your notebook the title of the class, the objective and follow the instructions.

Include in your notes the next questions and answer:

• What is this flowhcart describing?
• Do you think the flowchart is missing any steps? If so, write the step or steps that the flowchart is missing.

Week 2 - Diagnostic test

CLASS OBJECTIVE

Recognize the level of achievement and learning obtained in the previous course and reinforce the contents required for the following course, through the application of a diagnostic test.

DIAGNOSTIC INSTRUCTIONS

You will receive the instructions for the application of the diagnostic test through Classroom.

When finished, keep the page with your final grade open to review your answers.

http://classroom.google.com

ERP PLATFORM

This week we're going to verify the ERP Web site and the app installation on your phone. In order to do this, you're allowed to take your phone out.

Portal de Alumnos

We can start verifying the ERP account in the next Web address:

http://www.idc.edu.mx/PortalAlumnos

If you don't know or don't remember your password, click on the orange button called "Recuperar contraseña" and follow the instructions.

Phone installation

    If you haven't installed the app, open Google Play or App Store an follow the instructions.

    

CLASS ACTIVITY - NOTEBOOK COVER

As you already know, at the beginning of every period we create a cover, just as a separator.

I do not ask for it to be very elaborate but I do require the following elements:

• Your full name
• IDEC Student number
• Subject Name: Technology 3
• Name of the period we're starting: Period 1
• Drawing allusive to the topic that we'll see in the course: Computer Programming
• The class blog adress

This cover will be reviewed the next class, do not send it by Classroom.

 HOMEWORK 1 - REVIEW

All notebooks should have printed and pasted the classroom rules and de evaluation criteria.

HOMEWORK 2 - FLOWCHARTS RESEARCH

Write down the next questions in your notebook, use an Internet search engine or an AI to answer. Do not copy, instead try to understand the concepts and use your own words to answer.

• What is a flowchart?
• What are the different symbols in a flowchart and their meaning?
• What are flowcharts commonly used for?
• Draw a small example of a flowchart and explain it.

Week 1 - Course presentation

CLASS OBJECTIVE:

To show the syllabus presentation, the rules and the evaluation criteria for Technology class, to inform the students the behavior expected from them and the way they'll be graded during the course.

CLASSROOM LAYOUT

1. Students can't come into the lab with their backpacks, so they'll leave them in the place indicated by the teacher.
2. Computers will be assigned to each student and remain off until the teacher indicates.
3. The attendance list will be verify and correct if neccesary.

    

IDEC ACCOUNTS FOR NEW STUDENTS

IdeC students have a personal user name and password for thier network accounts. In order to use your private account you'll have to create a safe password, write it down in your daily planner (agenda) and follow the next instructions.

1. Turn the computer on and wait for Windows to ask for your user name.
2. Type your student number starting with an A. For example: A12345
3. Type the next generic password:  ______
4. The system will ask you to change the password. Type your new password.

GOOGLE ACCOUNT
Now everybody must turn on computers in order to open Google accounts. Try opening Gmail, using the next format.

Important informations for new students:

• Your teacher will provide you with the temporary password to open your new Google account.
• This temporary password must be immediately changed to a personal and secret password.

Before continuing, all students must have their institutional account open because we're going to switch google language to english.

GOOGLE CLASSROOM
Students must open Google Classroom (http://classroom.google.com) to check if all the invitations from their teachers have been accepted.

• For new students, teacher should make a brief explanation of how Classroom operates.

COURSE PRESENTATION 

1. Briefly, your teacher will recall the topics covered last course.
2. He'll Indicate that spreadsheets will be taken as a reference to start with the third grade course.
3. The main topic in third grade will be PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES, to create solutions for simple problems through the use of programming codes. Some examples: Raptor, PSeInt, Python, HTML, Scratch, among others.

CLASS BLOG PRESENTATION 

As many of you know, in this class we use a Blog to give you information and instructions for every session, so we recommend that you take note of the next web address.

Open the blog because the Internal Rules of the Class and the Evaluation Criteria will be readen.

HOMEWORK

Both documents, class rules and evaluation criteria, must be printed and pasted in the first page of Techno's notebook.