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  • 2.3 - Units - OCR GCSE (J277 Spec) | CSNewbs

    Learn about different data units of storage from bit up to petabyte, as well as data capacity calculations. Based on the J277 OCR GCSE Computer Science specification (first taught from 2020 onwards). 2.3: Data Units Exam Board: OCR Specification: J277 Watch on YouTube : Units of Data Storage Capacity Requirements All computer systems communicate , process and store data using binary . Binary is a number system consisting entirely of 0s and 1s . Why do computers use binary? Computer systems consist of billions of tiny transistors which are switches that only have two values - on (1 ) or off (0 ). Therefore all data must be represented and processed in this way. Everything that a computer needs to process must be converted into a binary format including text , images , videos and audio . 0010 1011 0101 0101 0110 0111 0101 0001 0101 0101 0101 0100 1010 1010 1010 1010 1111 1110 0010 1001 0100 1001 0010 0111 0111 0101 0011 1010 1000 0101 0110 0111 0000 1010 1010 0011 1101 1001 0010 1101 0010 0100 1001 0011 1010 1001 0101 0101 0010 0101 0111 0101 0101 1000 1011 0111 Units of Data Storage 0 / 1 All data in a computer system is made up of bits . A single bit is a 0 or a 1 . 4 bits (such as 0101 or 1101) is called a nibble . 1,000 bytes is called a kilobyte . A kilobyte can store a short email . A 8 bits is called a byte . A byte can store a single character . 1,000 kilobytes is called a megabyte . A megabyte can store about a minute of music . 1,000 megabytes is called a gigabyte . A gigabyte can store about 500 photos . 1,000 terabytes is called a petabyte . A petabyte can store about 1.5 million CDs . 1,000 gigabytes is called a terabyte . A terabyte can store about 500 hours of films . Calculating Data Capacity Requirements It is important to be able to calculate the required storage capacity for a given set of data . Example: A local DJ has a USB memory stick with a capacity of 32GB . There is currently only 9GB of space remaining . Each song is 6MB . How many songs can be stored on the remaining space of the USB stick? Solution: Because each song is recorded in megabytes but the USB stick capacity is measured in gigabytes , the values must be converted into the same storage unit . 9GB x 1000 = 9000MB 9000MB ÷ 6MB = 1,500 songs Q uesto's Q uestions 2.3 - Data Units: 1. Explain why computer systems use binary to represent data. [ 2 ] 2. Put the following data storage units in order from smallest to largest : a . kilobyte - gigabyte - byte - megabyte - nibble - bit [3 ] b. gigabyte - petabyte - kilobyte - byte - terabyte - megabyte [ 3 ] 3. A hard drive contains 25GB of remaining available storage space. Tim is an animator backing up video files. Each file is 200MB . How many files can he fit on the hard drive? [ 2 ] 4. Samantha is a musician. She has compressed each song to 900KB . Her USB memory stick contains 1.2GB of free storage. How many songs can she fit on the USB stick? [ 2 ] 5. A CD has a capacity of 650MB . How many 0.2GB audio files can be stored on the CD? [ 2 ] 0101 2.2 - Secondary Storage Theory Topics 2.4a - Number Systems

  • 1.1 - Computational Thinking - OCR GCSE (J277 Spec) | CSNewbs

    Learn about the three elements of computational thinking - abstraction, decomposition and algorithmic thinking. Based on the J277 OCR GCSE Computer Science specification (first taught from 2020 onwards). 1.1: Computational Thinking Exam Board: OCR Specification: J277 There are three key components to computational thinking (smart problem solving): Abstraction is when you ignore unnecessary information and focus only on the important facts . Abstraction is used because it simplifies a problem to make it less complex . This makes it more straightforward to understand the problem and create a solution . Decomposition is when you break a problem down into smaller tasks so that it is easier to solve . Each individual problem can be separately tested and solved . Decomposition also enables different people to work on the different parts of a larger problem that can later be recombined to produce a full solution . Algorithmic thinking is the final stage as logical steps are followed to solve the problem . The problem is broken down using decomposition into smaller problems . The required data and relevant data structures are considered using abstraction . Watch on YouTube : Abstraction Decomposition Algorithmic Thinking Q uesto's Q uestions 1.1 - Computational Thinking: 1. What does the term 'abstraction ' mean? Why is it important ? [2 ] 2. What is meant by ' decomposition '? Why is it important ? [ 2 ] 3. What is algorithmic thinking ? What does it involve? [3 ] Theory Topics 1.2 - Designing Algorithms

  • 3.1a - Network Types & Performance - OCR GCSE (J277 Spec) | CSNewbs

    Learn about the factors that affect the performance of networks, as well as different types of network types such as LAN and WAN. Based on the J277 OCR GCSE Computer Science specification (first taught from 2020 onwards). 3.1a: Network Types & Performance Exam Board: OCR Specification: J277 Watch on YouTube : LAN & WAN Network Performance Client-Server Network Peer-to-Peer Network Star Topology Mesh Topology What is a network? A network is more than one computer system connected together allowing for communication and sharing of resources . Network Types Networks can be split into different types , usually categorised by their geographical distance apart and the area that they serve. Local Area Network Wide Area Network Client-Server Network Clients make requests to a server , the server manages that request and responds. For example, if the user (client) makes a request to access www.bbc.co.uk to a web server. Large services like Amazon and Google will need very powerful servers to handle millions of requests a second. The client is completely dependent on the server to provide and manage the information. The server controls network security , backups and can be upgraded to manage higher demand. Advantages: The network can be controlled centrally from the server to easily backup data and update software . Hardware, software and resources can be shared across the network, such as printers, applications and data files . The network allows for improved scalability , meaning more clients can be easily added to the central server . Disadvantages: Large amounts of traffic congestion will cause the network to slow down . If a fault occurs with the server then the whole network will fail . IT technicians may be required to manage and maintain the network . Malware , such as viruses, can spread quickly across the network. Peer-to-Peer Network For peer-to-peer networks , data is shared directly between systems without requiring a central server . Each computer is equally responsible for providing data. Peer to peer is optimal for sharing files that can then be downloaded. Disadvantages: Without a dedicated server there is no central device to manage security or backups . Backups must be performed on each individual system. Computer performance will decrease with more devices connected to the network, especially if other machines are slow. Advantages: This is a simpler network than client-server to set up as no server is required . Clients are not dependent on a server . Perfect for quickly sharing files between systems , such as downloading media files. A local area network (LAN ) has computer systems situated geographically close together , usually within the same building or small site , like a school or office . The network infrastructure of a LAN (such as servers and routers) is usually owned and managed by the network owner . A wide area network (WAN ) has computer systems situated geographically distant to each other, possibly across a country or even across the world . WANs often use third party communication channels , such as connections by internet services providers like BT or Virgin Media. Data Packets When sending data across a network, files are broken down into smaller parts called data packets . Whole files are too large to transfer as one unit so data packets allow data to be transferred across a network quickly . Each packet of data is redirected by routers across networks until it arrives at its destination. Data packets may split up and use alternative routes to reach the destination address. When all the packets have arrived at the destination address the data is reassembled back into the original file. What is a network topology? Network topology refers to layout of computer systems on a local network . Devices in a network topology diagram are often called 'nodes' . Two types of typology are star and mesh . Star Topology Each computer system is connected to a central device , usually a hub or switch . How it works: Each computer system is connected to the central hub or switch and transfers its data packets there. The hub or switch looks at the destination address and transfers the packets directly to the intended computer. Advantages: A star topology has improved security because data packets are sent directly to and from the hub / switch in the centre and not necessarily all devices like in a bus or ring topology. New systems can be attached directly to the central system so the network doesn't need to be shut down . System failures of attached computers won't usually cause complete network failure. Transfer speeds are generally fast in a star topology as there are minimal network collisions . Disadvantages: Extra hardware (the hub or switch) is required to be purchased, installed and maintained. If the central system (the hub or switch) fails then the whole network will be unusable until the error is fixed. Mesh Topology In a full mesh network, each computer system is connected to every other computer system . There is also a partial mesh network where only some nodes (e.g. a printer) are connected to every other node. How it works: Data packets are transferred to the destination address along the quickest path , travelling from node to node. If a pathway is broken , there are many alternative paths that the packets can take. Advantages: If one cable or system fails then data packets can take an alternative route and still reach the destination address. Because of the large possible number of systems and connections, a mesh topology can usually withstand large amounts of data traffic . New systems can be added to the network without disrupting the entire topology . Disadvantages: Because of the possibly large amount of cables required (especially in a full mesh topology) this network layout can be expensive to install and maintain . Redundant cabling should be avoided - this is when cables are connected between systems that won't ever need to communicate . Performance There are several different factors that can affect the performance ( speed ) of a network, such as: The bandwidth available * Interference (e.g. thick walls) Number of users at the same time Distance to travel / signal strength Number of data collisions Amount of data to transfer * Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be sent across a network at once . Q uesto's Q uestions 3.1a - Network Types & Performance: 1a. Describe the difference between a LAN and WAN . [2 ] 1b. Give an example of how a LAN and a WAN could each be used . [ 2 ] 2 a. Describe how peer-to-peer networks and client-server networks function. 2b. Give one use for both types of network. 3. Draw and label diagrams of client-server , peer-to-peer , star and mesh networks. [8 ] 4. An office currently uses a star topology but is considering changing to a mesh topology . Describe two advantages and two disadvantages of both topologies. [ 8 ] 5. State five factors that could affect the performance of a network . [5 ] 2.5 - Compression 3.1b - Network Hardware & Internet Theory Topics

  • OCR CTech IT | Unit 1 | 1.8 & 1.9 - Number Systems | CSNewbs

    Learn about the denary, binary and hexadecimal number systems and how to convert between them. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification. 1.8 & 1.9 - Number Systems & Conversion Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 1 What is binary? What is denary? Denary (also known as decimal ) is the number system that you've been using since primary school. Denary is a base 10 number system. This means that it has 10 possible values - 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 . How to convert from binary to denary: How to convert from denary to binary: What is hexadecimal? Hexadecimal is a base 16 number system. This means that it has 16 possible values - 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E and F . Hexadecimal is used as a shorthand for binary because it uses fewer characters to write the same value . This makes hexadecimal less prone to errors when reading or writing it , compared to binary. For example, 100111101011 is 9EB. Hexadecimal only uses single-character values. Double-digit numbers are converted into letters - use the table on the right to help you understand. How to convert from binary to hexadecimal: How to convert from hexadecimal to binary: Converting from denary to hexadecimal / hexadecimal to denary To convert from denary to hexadecimal or the other way round you must convert to binary first . Denary > Binary > Hexadecimal Hexadecimal > Binary > Denary Use the videos on this page if you need help converting to or from binary. The most common number systems question in exams are from denary to hexadecimal or from hexadecimal to denary so make sure that you practice these conversions. Q uesto's Q uestions 1.8 & 1.9 - Number Systems: 1. Explain why hexadecimal numbers are used as an alternative to binary . [ 2 ] 2. Convert the following values from binary to denary : a. 00101010 b. 11011011 c. 01011101 d. 11101110 e. 01011111 [1 each ] 3. Convert the following values from denary to binary : a. 35 b. 79 c. 101 d. 203 e. 250 [1 each ] 4. Convert the following values from binary to hexadecimal : a. 11110101 b. 01100111 c. 10111010 d. 10010000 e. 11101001 [1 each ] 5. Convert the following values from hexadecimal to binary : a. C2 b. 8A c. DE d. 54 e. F7 [1 each ] 6. Convert the following values from denary to hexadecimal : a. 134 b. 201 c. 57 d. 224 e. 101 [1 each ] 7. Convert the following values from hexadecimal to denary : a. 32 b. A5 c. 88 d. C0 e. BE [1 each ] Watch on YouTube Watch on YouTube Watch on YouTube Watch on YouTube By now you should know that computer systems process data and communicate entirely in binary . Section 1.7 explained different binary storage units such as bits (a single 0 or 1), nibbles (4 bits) and bytes (8 bits). Binary is a base 2 number system. This means that it only has 2 possible values - 0 or 1 . Click the banners above to try self-marking quizzes (Google Form) on these topics. Denary to Binary: Binary to Denary: Binary to Hexadecimal: Hexadecimal to Binary: 1.7 - Units of Measurement Topic List 2.1 Software Types

  • Greenfoot Guide #6 | Counter | CSNewbs

    Learn how to add a counter to Greenfoot to keep track of the score. Learn how to add and subtract points to the counter. Part 6 of the Greenfoot Tutorial for the Eduqas / WJEC GCSE 2016 specification. 6. The Counter Greenfoot Tutorial 1. Import the Counter The counter class can be imported into your Greenfoot world. Select Edit in the main Greenfoot window then ' Import Class... ' and choose Counter . Watch on YouTube: The Counter class will appear in the Actor classes list . Right-click on the Counter, choose the ' new Counter() ' option and drag it into the world. Now right-click on the background and select 'Save the World' once you have dragged the counter into the world. 2. Increase the Counter by 1 Two lines of code are required to increase the counter . Add this code when your main character is removing the collectible object . This code allows your main character to access the 'add' method from the Counter class . The method 'add ' just increases the value of the counter by the number in the brackets . To decrease the counter , type a negative value in the brackets, such as -1 . < Part 5 - Play Sounds 3. Compile and Run Click the Compile button at the top of the code editor . Then you can go back to the main Greenfoot window and click Run to test if your counter increases . Click on me if you've got an error that you're stuck with. Part 7 - Extension Ideas >

  • HTML Guide 3 - Text Tags | CSNewbs

    Learn how to use tags to format text in HTML, including how to underline, italicise and embolden text. Also, learn about heading size and paragraphs. 3. Tags for Text HTML Guide Watch on YouTube: Remember to write the tags for everything you want the user to see between the and tags. Headings Time to add text to your web page such as headings and paragraphs. To write a large heading , use and To write headings in a smaller size, use numbers between 1 and 6. Add a large heading and a sub-heading to your webpage. paragraph Paragraphs Typing text between the and tags will create a paragraph . Add at least three different paragraphs to your webpage. bold underline italics Bold, Underline & Italics You can format your text by changing it to be bold , underlined or italicised (slanted). Now you have text on your web page, you can add hyperlinks to take viewers to different websites. In the paragraphs you have already written, add at least 1 bold tag, 1 underline tag and 1 italics tag. 2. Essential Tags HTML Guide 4. Hyperlinks

  • Python | 5a - Random | CSNewbs

    Learn how to use random commands in Python. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. top Python 5a - Random Importing Section 5 looks at additional commands that you can import and use from Python’s code libraries . A library is a collection of different commands that automatically come with Python but are separate from the main file. They can be imported (brought in) to your program by using the import command at the start of your program . Imagine Python’s library to be similar to an actual library. There are different sections in a real library (such as History, Geography, Reference) and different sections in Python’s library (such as random or time ). Each real library has many individual books in each section, just like commands in Python. randint() choice() sample() shuffle() random sleep() ctime() strftime() time from random import randint from time import ctime You can import a specific command from one of Python's libraries using the from and import commands at the top of your program . Random Numbers To generate random numbers , first import the randint command section from Python’s random code library on the first line of the program. The randint command stands for random integer . In brackets, state the number range to randomly choose from. The random value should be saved into a variable . from random import randint number = randint(1,100) print ( "A random number between 1 and 100 is" , number) = A random number between 1 and 100 is 39 = A random number between 1 and 100 is 73 = A random number between 1 and 100 is 4 The randint range does not have to be fixed values and could be replaced by variables . Below is a program where the user selects the upper and lower values of the range: from random import randint lower = int ( input ( "What is the lowest number? " )) upper = int ( input ( "What is the highest number? " )) number = randint(lower,upper) print ( "A random number between" , lower , "and" , upper , "is" , number) = What is the lowest number? 1 What is the highest number? 50 A random number between 1 and 50 is 36 = What is the lowest number? 500 What is the highest number? 1000 A random number between 500 and 1000 is 868 Random Numbers Task 1 ( Ice Comet) A special comet made of ice passes the Earth only once every one hundred years , and it hasn't been seen yet in the 21st century . Use the randint command to randomly print a year between the current year and 2099 . Example solutions: Did you know it won't be until 2032 that the ice comet will next pass Earth!? Did you know it won't be until 2075 that the ice comet will next pass Earth!? Random Numbers Task 2 ( Guess the Number) Use randint to generate a random number between 1 and 5 . Ask the user to enter a guess for the number with int and input . Print the random number and use an if statement to check if there is a match , printing an appropriate statement if there is and something different if there is not a match . Example solutions: Enter a number between 1 and 5: 4 Computer's number: 5 No match this time! Enter a number between 1 and 5: 3 Computer's number: 3 Well guessed! It's a match! Choice - Random Word Rather than just numbers, we can also randomly generate characters or strings from a specified range by using the choice command. You must first import the choice command from the random library. Choice works well with a list of values , which require square brackets and commas separating each word . Below is a program that randomly chooses from a list of animals : from random import choice animals = [ "cat" , "dog" , "horse" , "cow"] randomanimal = choice(animals) print ( "A random animal is" , randomanimal) = A random animal is cat = A random animal is horse Choice - Random Character Instead of using a list you can randomly select a character from a string . The program below randomly selects a character from the variable named 'letters ' which is the alphabet . from random import choice letters = "abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz" randomletter = choice(letters) print ( "A random letter is" , randomletter) = A random letter is e = A random letter is y Random Choice Task 1 ( Holiday Destinations ) Harriet can't decide where to go on holiday and needs help deciding. Make a list of at least 6 destinations (see the animal example above ) and use the choice command (don't forget to import it from the random library ) to print a random destination . Example solutions: Why don't you go to Paris on holiday? Why don't you go to Barcelona on holiday? Random Choice Task 2 ( Vowels ) Use the choice command to randomly select a vowel (look at the alphabet example above ). Ask the user to input a vowel and use an if statement to check if the user's letter matches the randomly selected letter . Print a suitable statement if they match and something else if they don't . Example solutions: Enter a vowel: i Random vowel: i The vowels matched! Enter a vowel: o Random vowel: u The vowels didn't match! Sample - Random Strings To choose more than one value from a set of data, use the sample command. Sample is used with a list of values and a number representing how many from that list to pick. The code sample(days,2) picks two random values from the list called days . Both examples below perform the same task but, as with most code, there is no one way to solve a problem. from random import sample days = [ "Monday" , "Tuesday" , "Wednesday" , "Thursday" , "Friday" ] two_days = sample(days , 2) print ( "You will be set homework on:" , *two_days) A separate list and then a sample . = You will be set homework on: Thursday Monday = You will be set homework on: Friday Tuesday from random import sample two_days = sample([ "Monday" , "Tuesday" , "Wednesday" , "Thursday" , "Friday" ] , 2) print ( "You will be set homework on:" , *two_days) The list and sample is combined on one line. The sample command actually makes a new list with the number of values selected (e.g. ["Tuesday" , "Thursday"] in the examples above). You can use an asterisk - * - directly before the sampled variable to print just the list values , otherwise the brackets and apostrophes will be printed too. from random import sample names = sample([ "Bob" , "Ben" , "Jen" , "Ken" ] , 2) print ( "The names are:" , names) from random import sample names = sample([ "Bob" , "Ben" , "Jen" , "Ken" ] , 2) print ( "The names are:" , *names) The names are: ['Bob', 'Jen'] The names are: Bob Jen Sample - Random Numbers You can also use the sample command to choose several integers from a given range. By implementing the range command you don’t need to individually write out each number. from random import sample numbers = sample( range (1,100) , 5) print ( "Five random numbers between 1 and 100 are:" , *numbers) Five random numbers between 1 and 100 are: 53 42 11 8 20 Five random numbers between 1 and 100 are: 74 52 51 1 6 Random Samples Task 1 ( Frost Comets) The ice comet from a previous task has broken up into four smaller frosty comets that could pass the Earth anytime from next year to the year 2095 . Print four random years in that range . Example solutions: I predict the frost comets will be seen in these years: 2093 2036 2027 2091 I predict the frost comets will be seen in these years: 2076 2033 2053 2085 Random Samples Task 2 ( Baby Boy ) Aunt Meredith is having a baby boy . Create a program that randomly selects 3 male names from a list of 10 possible names . Example solutions: Hey Aunt Meredith, how about these names: Charlie Eddie Frank Hey Aunt Meredith, how about these names: George Harold Bill ⬅ Section 4 Practice Tasks 5b - Sleep ➡

  • 9.1 - IDE Tools - Eduqas GCSE (2020 Spec) | CSNewbs

    Learn about the tools of an integrated development environment (IDE) including the editor, debugger, library, trace, memory inspector and error diagnostics. Based on the 2020 Eduqas (WJEC) GCSE specification. 9.1: IDE Tools Exam Board: Eduqas / WJEC Specification: 2020 + An IDE (Integrated Development Environment ) provides programmers with the following facilities (tools ) to help create programs : Editor The editor is software that allows a programmer to enter and edit source code . Editor features may include: Automatic formatting (e.g. automatic indentation). Automatic line numbering (this helps to identify exactly where an error has occurred). Automatic colour coding (e.g. Python turns loop commands orange and print commands purple). Statement completion (e.g. offering to auto-complete a command as the user is typing.) Libraries A library is a collection of commonly used functions and subprograms that can be linked to a program . For example, Python can import functions from its code library including random or time commands). Libraries must be linked to the main program using a linker . Linker Links together pre-compiled code from software libraries . For example, the import random command in Python links to the random library. Loader Pre-compiled code is loaded into RAM to be executed. Code Optimisation The code is optimised so it is fast , efficient and uses as little of the computer's resources as possible. Debugger Identifies errors in the code with the exact line of the error to help fix the problem . Break point The programmer selects a specific line and the program is paused once it reaches it. Variable values at that point are shown . Variable Watch cost Displays the current value of a selected variable . A variable can be watched line-by-line to see how the value changes . Trace Memory Inspector Logs the values of variables and outputs of the program a s the code is executed line by line . Displays the contents of a section of memory and how it is being used by the program . Error Diagnostics Displays information about an error when it occurs, such as the line it occurred on and the error type (e.g. syntax or runtime). This helps the programmer to fix the error . Specific errors can be detected such as a syntax error . See 10.3 . Compilers & Interpreters Both tools convert the source code written by a programmer into machine code to be executed by the CPU. A compiler converts the entire source code into executable machine code at once . After compilation, the program can be run again without having to recompile each time. An interpreter converts source code into machine code line by line . An interpreter must reinterpret the code each time the program is required to run . See 10.1 for both tools. Subroutines & Functions A subroutine is a section of code that can be re-used several times in the same program. There are two types of subroutines: A procedure just executes commands , such as printing something a certain number of times. A function can receive data from the main program (called a parameter ) and return a value upon completion. Subroutines (procedures and functions) are designed to be repeated and have three key benefits: Subroutines make programs easier to read and design . They reduce the duplication of code . Makes it is easier to debug a program. Q uesto's Q uestions 9.1 - IDE Tools: 1. Describe the purpose of each type of IDE facility : a. Editor b. Interpreter c. Compiler d. Linker e. Loader f. Debugger g. Break point h. Variable Watch i. Trace j. Memory Inspector k. Error Diagnostics [ 2 each ] 8.5 - Validation & Verification Theory Topics 10.1 - Translators

  • App Inventor 2 | Pop-up Blob | CSNewbs

    Learn how to use App Inventor 2 to create simple programs. Try to complete the final task (7) on this page. Perfect for Key Stage 3 students to experiment with block coding, objects and properties. App Inventor Task 7 - Pop-up Blob The previous apps have been preparing you to make a longer and more complicated app. Now we will put together all of the skills you have learned to create a fun game. Check the video: Open App Inventor 2 (use the button below) and create a new project. You will need to log in with a Google account. App Inventor 2 Ready for a challenge? This is what the program looks like in Designer layout. To the left are the components with all their Properties correct. To the right are the Components names. Put the three labels and button inside a HorizontalArrangement from the Layout section of Palette . The Text for ScoreLabel is 'Score: 0'. The Text for TimeRemainingLabel is 'Time Remaining:'. The Text for SecondsLabel is '20'. Place an ImageSprite inside a Canvas (both from the Drawing and Animation section of Palette ). Download the blob image from the Basics page here and upload it as the Picture for the ImageSprite . Change to Blocks layout and drag a initialize global to block from Variables . Type 'Score' in the empty space to create a variable that we will use to track how many times the blob has been touched. Attach a 0 block from Math to start the score at 0. This big block of code uses some of the concepts which you have used before. Whenever the Blob is touched the variable Score is increased by 1. The X and Y coordinates of the Blob are changed by random numbers so it will appear in a random location on the screen. The bottom blocks change the ScoreLabel to show the current score. Every second that the timer ticks we want to check if the score is more than 1 (to check it hasn't reached 0). If it is more than 1 second then the time will count down by 1. In the else part you need to add the following: Set Blob Enabled to false . Set Blob Visible both to false . Set TimeRemainingLabel Visible to false . Set SecondsLabel Visible to false . When the Reset Button is clicked the score variable is changed to 0 and the Seconds label is rewritten to 0. Make sure you use the " " block from Text and not a block from Math. Inside the when ResetButton Click block you need to reverse the code you have added for the else block when the timer ticks: Set Blob Enabled to true . Set Blob Visible both to true . Set TimeRemainingLabel Visible to true . Set SecondsLabel Visible to true . Extra Step: Challenges 1. Large score display . If you watch the video at the top of the page again, you will see that when the time runs out (is less than 1) some of the labels turn invisible and the TextColour and FontSize of the ScoreLabel changes. Try to do the same in your app. Remember to reverse what you have done in the code for the reset button; otherwise, the labels will still be invisible! 2. Customise your game . Change the background of the Canvas to an image, change the blob to a different image and add a sound when the character is 'popped'. 3. *HARDER Challenge* Add a High Score Label . Follow these hints carefully and use the colours to help you. You need to initialize a new Variable called HighScore and set it to 0 . You also need to add a new HighScoreLabel and put it in your Horizontal Arrangement in Designer layout. Add an if then block in the else part of the When Timer Timer block you already have. If Score > HighScore then HighScore = Score . This will change the value of HighScore to the current Score if it is higher than the current high score. Remember to make the HighScoreLabel display the new HighScore . KS3 Home

  • Key Stage 3 Python | Inputs | CSNewbs

    The third part of a quick guide to the basics of Python aimed at Key Stage 3 students. Learn about creating and using inputs. Python - #3 - Inputs 1. Asking Questions Input means to enter data into a program. Use the input command to ask a question. You must save the answer into a suitably named variable using the = symbol. Task 1 - Create a new Python program and save the file as 3-Inputs.py Use the picture to help you ask what someone's name is. Run the program and type your name. When you run the program (F5) you can type your answer on any question line in the Python Shell . 2. Asking more Questions There is no limit to how many questions you can ask in Python. It is the most important way to interact with the user of your program. Task 2 - Ask two more questions on topics of your choice. 3. Using Variables in a Sentence When we have printed the answers so far, they have not been very informative! You can print variables together with sentences so that they mean more. Use a comma ( , ) between variables and sentences . Task 3 - Use the pictures to help you add commas and sentences to your program to be more informative. BONUS: After I took the screenshot of my code I added in print lines in the two blanks spaces that print a line of dashes. Try to do the same to make your program easier to read. 4. Using Integers An integer is a whole number . When you are asking a question that you know will have a number for an answer , you need to add int ( before your input. Don't forget to add double close brackets at the end of the question line ! Task 4 - Underneath your previous questions (don't delete anything) ask 2 questions that will have numbers for answers. You must use int ( - see the image for help. Challenge Programs Use everything that you have learned on this page to help you create these programs... Challenge Task 1 - Funny Food Create a new Python program. Save it as ' 3-FunnyFood.py ' Add a comment at the top with your name and the date. Create a program that asks two questions, one for their favourite colour and one for their favourite food. Print a funny sentence using both of their answers. BONUS : Try to use only one print line. Remember: Break up variables in a print line by using commas. When you run it, it could look something like this: Challenge Task 2 - Trivia Question Create a new Python program. Save is as ' 3-Trivia.py ' Add a comment at the top with your name and the date. Create a program that asks the user a trivia question of your choice. Print the correct answer AND their answer. BONUS : Use only one print line. BONUS : Try to use only two lines in total . Remember: Break up variables in a print line by using commas. When you run it, it could look something like this: Challenge Task 3 - Getting to School Create a new Python program. Save it as ' 3-School.py ' Add a comment at the top with your name and the date. Create a program that asks two questions, one for how they get to school and one for how long it takes. Don't forget - use int( and then double close brackets for a number! Print an appropriate response that uses both of their answers. BONUS : Use two separate input lines. BONUS : Try to use only one print line . Remember: Break up variables in a print line by using commas. When you run it, it could look something like this: <<< #2 Variables #4 Calculations >>>

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  • 5.2 - Data Flow Diagrams | Unit 2 | OCR Cambridge Technicals | CSNewbs

    Learn about the elements of a data flow diagram and factors that may disrupt them. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification for Unit 2 (Global Information). 5.2 - Data Flow Diagrams Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 2 A data flow diagram is a visual representation of how data is transferred within a system or organisation . Data flow diagrams are often abbreviated to just 'DFD '. You will need to recognise the symbols , understand the diagrams and explain how data flow can be affected . Data Flow Diagram Symbols The common symbols used in a DFD are shown below: External Entity (e.g. Employee, Customer) Alternative DFD symbols you may see on the exam paper (both sets of symbols have been accepted in previous exam papers): Process (e.g. Calculate Pay, Review Application) Data Store (e.g. Staff Database, Customer Database) Data Flow External Entity Process Data Store Level 0 data flow diagrams show the transfer of data in a simple manner . Processes may be generalised and not shown separately , for a more basic overview . Below is an example of a Level 0 DFD to show the process of an employee submitting an application to be promoted : Level 1 data flow diagrams show the transfer of data in a more detailed manner . Processes are shown separately , for a more complex and realistic overview . Below is an example of a Level 1 DFD to show the process of an employee submitting an application to be promoted . The individual processes have been expanded from the Level 0 DFD above to show how the application must first be signed off by an administrator before it is reviewed by management: Rules for Drawing a Level 1 DFD Data flows only in one direction . Every data flow is labelled (with the data itself , not the action). Every data flow connects to at least one process . At least one input or output for each external entity . Impacts Affecting the Flow of Information There are several reasons why the flow of information within an organisation may be delayed or inefficient , such as: Information characteristics e.g. information is entered incorrectly, causing delays. Human error e.g. information is lost or staff don't follow protocol. Hardware failure e.g. network connection breaking or system failure. Communication breakdown e.g. meetings postponed or emails unread. Q uesto's Q uestions 5.2 - Data Flow Diagrams: 1. Draw the symbols for the four parts of a data flow diagram . [4 ] 2. Look at the image of the Level 1 DFD . State one example of: An external entity A process A data flow A data store [1 each ] 3. Give one difference between a Level 0 and Level 1 DFD . [2 ] 4. State three rules for drawing a correct data flow diagram . [3 ] 5. After heavy snow, a school has decided to shut for the next two days. Many parents were not informed of this decision and are angry that they brought their children in. Give three reasons why the transfer of data (the data being a message about school closure) might not have flowed efficiently in this example. [6 ] 1 Level 0 Data Flow Diagram Level 1 Data Flow Diagram 5.1 - Data Types & Sources Topic List 6.1 - Security Principles

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