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Lesson 1: Computer Science Level 1 - Blocks

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify that a programming language is a set of rules in which symbols represent actions.
  • Identify that behaviors are actions performed by a robot defined by the programming language.
  • Identify that a robot’s behavior is changed by changing the programming blocks, which are called commands.

What is a programming language?

A programming language is a set of rules in which symbols represent actions. Programming languages follow step-by-step instructions that a computer executes in order for a project to run. VEXcode VR is the programming language for a VR Robot.

VEXcode VR coding environment  with a VEXcode VR project in the workspace that begins with a When started block and has a drive forward for 800mm block attached. The Castle Crasher playground is open and the VR robot has crashed into one castle that is directly in front of it.

 

What is a behavior?

Behaviors are the actions performed or to be performed by a robot. Moving forward, stopping, turning, looking for an obstacle — these are all behaviors. Behaviors are defined by the programming language.

To change the behaviors of a VR Robot, you can change the blocks in a project. These programming blocks are also called commands.

VEXcode VR coding environment with a project in the workspace. The project begins with a When started block and has a drive forward for 200 millimeters block attached. The drive forward block is highlighted with a red box.

 

Questions

Please select a link below to access the lesson quiz.

Google Doc / .docx / .pdf