Week 9 - Loops in Raptor

CLASS OBJECTIVE

Learn the third programming structure named Loop, to create repetitive procedures, using Raptor to create lists of numeric series.

2nd PERIOD NOTEBOOK COVER

As always, you'll have to create your notebook cover, but this time you're going to use a Cartesian Plane to draw some lines and boxes. This will help you understand our next topic, the Raptor Graphic Window in which we'll use X and Y dimensions (coordinates).

Besides, don't forget to include the next elements. You can use the upper section of your cover.

• Your full name, list number and group
• PERIOD 2, in big size letters
• RAPTOR GRAPHIC WINDOW, also big size letters
• The Cartesian Plane below

Turn the page and, behind the cover, write down the Evaluation Criteria

• Class Activities  45%
• Homeworks  15%
• Attitude   10%
• Summative Evaluation   30%

INTRODUCTION

You've learned that when creating an algorithm, the program can execute all the instructions one by one until the end. We called this sequential coding.

Then, you learned to use decisions to create differents paths of coding, which means that not all the steps of the program will be executed. This decision are represented by the rhombus figure.

In this class, you'll learn to create repetitive procedures, in other words, coding that is executed as many times as needed. This kind of programming is called Loop.

Obviously, in Raptor you can drag the loop symbol from the left panel and place it in the algorithm.

In the example, there's a variable named contador which initially contains the number 1. When the algorithm enters the loop, contador will be shown, then it'll increse by two using an assignment symbol. This means that contador no longer contains the number 1, now contains the number 3.

In the next step, the program decides to exit the loop if the condition is matched, en the example contador must be larger than 50 to exit the loop. If not, the program returns to the beginning of the loop.

ACTIVITY

Today you'll create a Raptor algorithm using two loops and a decision. The name of the file will be Student number + Loops and decisions

The main idea is to show the odd numbers between 1 and 50 or to show the pairs numbers between 2 and 50, the user will decide.

• When the program starts, it should ask the user to decide between odd or pairs. Use an Input Symbol and a Rhombus to create two paths.
• To use Loops you'll need a variable that changes its content in every cycle. In this activity that variable will be known as counter. This counter will increse by two every cycle.
• In every cycle, the algorithm shows the user the counter (variable) using a raptor output symbol.
• When the variable (counter) meets the established condition, the procedure will exit the loop and end the program.

• As always, when finished, turn in the file using the Classroom post.

CLASS NOTES

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

• Explain, using your own words, the repetitive coding(loops) and compair it to sequencial and decision coding.

• Imagine an every day problem that could be solve using loops coding.

HOMEWORK

Research using Internet and write down in your notebook:

• What is a Call in Raptor and how do we use it,?

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.

QUESTIONNAIRE

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?