Classroom Resources

This lesson explores the challenges of communicating how to draw with shapes and uses a tool that introduces how this problem is approached in the Game Lab. The class uses a Game Lab tool to interactively place shapes on Game Lab's 400 by 400 grid. Partners then take turns instructing each other how to draw a hidden image using this tool, accounting for many of the challenges of programming in Game Lab.

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The class is introduced to the Game Lab, the programming environment for this unit, and begins to use it to position shapes on the screen. The lesson covers the basics of sequencing and debugging, as well as a few simple commands. At the end of the lesson, the class creates an online version of the image they designed in the previous lesson.

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This lesson extends the drawing skills to include width and height and introduces the concept of random number generation. The class learns to draw with versions of the ellipse() and rect() that include width and height parameters and to use the background() block to fill the screen with color. At the end of the progression, the class is introduced to the randomNumber() block and uses the new blocks to draw a randomized rainbow snake.

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This collection includes photographs of places, people, and objects that might have influenced westward expansion and the development of transcontinental railroads.

This collection of photographs illustrates the westward expansion and Manifest Destiny. The images tell the story of the impact of closing the frontier on American Indians' way of life. Be sure to click "Read More" at the top of the collection to view the lesson that can be used with this collection.

This is a collection of photographs depicting images from the early Mormon culture and their influence on the westward expansion. Be sure to click "Read More" at the top of the collection to view an activity that can be used with this collection.

This is a collection of political photographs from the Reconstruction Era. The collection includes photos of President Andrew Johnson, Benjamin S. Turner, and information from The Freedmen's Bureau.

This is a collection of photographs and resources including a rough draft of the Declaration of Independence and a photo of Thomas Jefferson's desk.

This is a collection of photographs of the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. The images depict the importance of improved transportation for westward expansion. The collection also includes an interactive sorting game.

This collection includes photographs, documents, and objects to tell the story of Martin Luther King, Jr.