Download Small Basic Training

SMALL BASIC TO
PYTHON CPD
TRAINING
CAS CPD
SCHEDULE
15:15
Refreshments
15:30 - 15:45
Introduction
15:45 - 16:45
Small Basic
16:45 - 18:00
Python Workshop
18:00 - 18:15
Scheme of Work
18:15 - 18:30
Networking
INTRODUCTION TO SMALL BASIC
Why Small Basic for student
• One big reason is that it’s free from Microsoft
• It is specifically designed for programmers who would be
described as beginners, but with the benefits of a real
coding environment.
• It provide the gap between Scratch and Python
• It builds confidence from which you can move onto other,
more complex language, big brother Visual Basic
• There are many built-in elements that make your work
simpler and the language itself is very simple
INTRODUCTION TO SMALL BASIC
Intelligent Support
Another advantage of Small Basic
is the fact that it gives you
support as you are entering
in your code.
So as you type, a suggestion is made as to which command or
variable you are wanting to use and will fill in for you.
It will also give an explanation of what the command does.
This means that many of the syntax errors which cause
confusion and frustration are avoided.
INTRODUCTION TO SMALL BASIC
How to Open Small Basic
• Start  All Program  Microsoft Small Basic
Run the program
Code Area
Execution Mode Area
INTRODUCTION TO SMALL BASIC
Your First Program (Printing)
• You will open Small Basic and create a program that print “Hello World”
• As you start typing in small basic will suggest the command for you
TextWindow.WriteLine ("Hello World”)
INPUT IN SMALL BASIC
Extending to Input
• We will now extend our program to as for user input
• The program will print the user input
• We use Read command to input
• Try the example below
TextWindow.WriteLine (“What is your name”)
name = TextWindow.Read()
TextWindow.Write("Hello " + name )
REVIEWIN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
FROM USING CHATBOTS
To develop a better understanding of some current artificial
intelligence technologies, look at some demonstrations
below;
Hold down Ctrl and click on the link to access the online
Chatbot
1. Jabberwacky: http://www.jabberwacky.com/
2. Cleverbot: http://www.cleverbot.com/
3. Elbot: http://www.elbot.com/
CREATING A SIMPLE AI
Creating a Simple Artificial Intelligent (AI)
• From the example below we can create a simple AI.
• Extend the example below to create a simple AI
• At this stage you should start encouraging students to start commenting on their
code by using single or double quotation mark (“ or ‘)
TextWindow.WriteLine (“What is your name”)
name = TextWindow.Read()
TextWindow.WriteLine("Hello " + name )
TextWindow.WriteLine (“What is your favourite food?”)
food= TextWindow.Read()
TextWindow.WriteLine(“Oh " + food + “ is my favorite too" )
SMALL BASIC (IF FUNCTION)
Creating a Simple a simple quiz
• From the example below we can create a simple quiz.
TextWindow.WriteLine (“What is your name”)
name = TextWindow.Read()
TextWindow.WriteLine (“What is 2 + 2”)
answer= TextWindow.Read()
If Answer = "4" Then
TextWindow.WriteLine ("Well done " + Name)
Else
TextWindow.WriteLine("That is the wrong answer" + Name + ", the answer
was 4")
EndIf
WHAT IS A VARIABLE
A variable is a space in the computer’s memory where we can
store data such as a number or text. The value can be changed if
required.
The variable’s
value
variable
name
45
To create a variable and give
it the value 45 we write:
my_number=45
The box represents the space reserved in the
computer’s memory
ACTIVITY
You can also perform calculations that use a variable
numberOne = 3
numberTwo = 4
answer = numberOne + numberTwo
TextWindow.WriteLine(answer)


You can use a variable in a calculation, and use the same
variable to store the answer.
Predict the following code:
score = 112
score = score + 1
TextWindow.WriteLine(score)
SMALL BASIC (ADDING SCORE
VARIABLE)
Creating a Simple a simple quiz
• From the example below add a score to your quiz.
score = 0
TextWindow.WriteLine (“What is 2 + 2”)
answer= TextWindow.Read()
If Answer = "4" Then
TextWindow.WriteLine ("Well done " + Name)
score = score + 1
Else
TextWindow.WriteLine("That is the wrong answer" + Name + ", the
answer was 4")
EndIf
TextWindow.WriteLine (“Your score is ” + score)
EXTENDING THE QUIZ
One thing that we may wish to do with the quiz would be to allow
the user to take the quiz again depending on the feedback.
To do this, we need to use a label and a goto statement
which directs the program to the label.
The syntax for the label is labelname: and is positioned at any
point in the programme where you would it to restart from.
TextWindow.WriteLine("do you want to run again?")
answer = textwindow.read()
If answer = "y" Then
Goto startagain
EndIf
ADDING GOTO
• Goto statement allow you to start executing at a
particular point in your code
• This is the cheating way of doing loop
Activity
• Add a “StartAgain” at the to top of your quiz
• Add the code below
Answer1 = TextWindow.Read()
If Answer1 = "y" Then
Goto StartAgain
EndIf
ADDING RESPONSIVE FEEDBACK
• We are now going to add a responsive feedback to the quiz
base on the score
Activity
• Assuming that you have 5 questions in your quiz,
• Add a IF function that does the following
• IF the score is more than 4 THEN
• Display “Excellent work player name”
• ELSE IF score is less than 3 THEN
• Display “Good Work”
• Else:
• Display you need more practice and try again
ADDING RESPONSIVE FEEDBACK
• Solution
If score = 5 Then
TextWindow.WriteLine ("Excellent work " + Name + " Your score is: " +
score)
ElseIf score > 3 Then
TextWindow.WriteLine ("Good work " + Name + " Your score is: " + score)
Else
TextWindow.WriteLine ("Try again " + Name + " Your score is: " + score)
TextWindow.WriteLine ("Do you want to try again?")
Answer1 = TextWindow.Read()
If Answer1 = "y" Then
Goto StartAgain
EndIf
EndIf
INTRO TO
PYTHON
PROGRAMMING
CPD
USING THE INTERACTIVE MODE WITH
PYTHON
Type in the following, exactly as it shown here and then
press the return key.
print (“Hello World”)
The phrase Hello World should appear immediately
below the print as shown below
>>> print (“Hello World”)
Hello World
>>>
UNDERSTANDING WHAT SYNTAX
ERRORS ARE AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
Syntax is used to describe the rules that determine the way
that instructions and commands must be written.
Python IDE has syntax highlighting which automatically
assigns colours to different elements
Example the “Hello World” phrase should be green.
This should help spot some simple errors when typing in
commands.
UNDERSTANDING WHAT SYNTAX
ERRORS ARE AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
Print in
Purple
Text in
Green
Comment
in Red
ACTIVITY
• Predict what will happen with some of the following
codes;
1. >>> print"Hello World"
2. >>> print("Hello World");
3. >>> Print("Hello World")
4. >>> print("Hel World")
5. >>> prin(Hello World)
• Write your prediction on a sheet of paper
• Now try them to see what if the response you get
matches up with what you predicted.
WHAT IS A VARIABLE
A variable is a space in the computer’s memory where we can
store data such as a number or text. The value can be changed if
required.
The variable’s
value
variable
name
45
To create a variable and give
it the value 45 we write:
my_number=45
The box represents the space reserved in the
computer’s memory
CREATING A VARIABLE
• When we create a variable we call it ‘declaring’ a
variable.
• When we give the variable its first value we call
it ‘initialising’ a variable.
• If we want to tell the computer to ‘Create a
variable called “age” and give it the number 12’,
we say:
• age = 12
• print (age)
ACTIVITY
You can also perform calculations that use a variable
numberOne = 3
numberTwo = 4
answer = numberOne + numberTwo
print (answer)
INPUT
• Input allow you to ask the user to input text (String), whole
number (Integer ) and decimal (Floating)
Examples 1 of Input
print (“What your name?” ) # this code ask user to enter their name
name = input () # Allow the user to enter their name
print (“Nice to mee you” + name) # Output the name entered by the user.
Example 2 of Input
print (“What your first name?” ) # this code ask user to enter first name
first_name = input () # Allow the user to enter their first name
print (“What your surname?” ) # this code ask user to enter surname
surname = input () # Allow the user to enter their surname
print (first_name + surname ) # Output first name and surname entered
BUILDING FIRST PART OF ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE PROGRAM IN PYTHON
In this activity, you will create the first part of Artificial
Intelligent and save its as AI.py.
print(“What is your name?")
name = input ()
print("Nice to meet you " + name)

This three line phrase can be developed into a very simple
Artificial Intelligence.

Consider the kinds of questions and information that people
ask about each other when they first meet
EXTENDING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
print("Please type your name in")
name = input ()
print("Nice to meet you " + name)
print("So, " + name + ", what is your favourite food?")
favourite_food = input ()
print("Ah, your favourite food is " + favourite_food)
Notice in the 4th line above it is necessary to have two + signs, one
either side of the variable name.
Common errors to watch for are
• Not having a complete pair of double quotation marks
• Not adding + signs between variables and strings.
Task: Expand on the above code to create your own artificial Intelligence
Add a summary at the end e.g. “So, John, I know a lot about you now I know
that your favourite food is chicken….
DATA TYPE AND CASTING
• Casting is the technical term for changing the type of
data you are working with.
• Example casting by saying
• int() = Integer
• float() = floating point or decimal
• str() = String or text to
• Casting is used to change the data type.
INTEGER
• We can force Python to make something a whole number
by saying int(number).
• Predict what the following code will do:
• number = 3.7
• newNumber = int(number)
• print(newNumber)
• Now copy the code in python and compare the answer
with your prediction
• Note that this won’t round the number up, it just takes the
whole number part.
FLOAT
• The second main type is a floating point, or just “float”
for short (a decimal).
• We can force Python to make something a float by saying
float(number).
• In group of two, predict what the following code will do:
• number = 3
• print(number)
• newNumber = float(number)
• print(newNumber)
• Now copy the code in python and compare the answer
with your prediction
INTEGER CASTING ACTIVITY
• Python will automatically change the data type for you a
lot of the time:
• In group of two, predict what the following code will do:
•
•
•
•
x = int(22)
y = int(7)
z = x/y
print(z)
• Now copy the code in python and compare the answer
with your prediction
• Here, the two integers have provided a floating point
answer and Python has changed the data type of z for
you.
STRING
• A string is a block of text.
• In Python we use the term “str” to mean a string.
• In group of two, predict what the following code will do:
• number = str(2)
• print("2 + 2 = ", number + number)
• Now copy the code in python and compare the answer
with your prediction
• This makes the value “2” into a string - so it is a word
rather than a number
IF FUNCTION (SELECTION)
Selection means selecting (or choosing) what to do next.
Should I cycle to school, or ask for a lift?
• If it’s a sunny day I might cycle.
• If it’s raining, I’ll ask for a lift.
Answer
print (“What is the weather like today?”)
answer = input ()
answer = str(answer)
if answer == “sunny”:
print(“I might Cycle to school”)
else:
print(“I’ll ask for a lift.”)
IF....ELIF....ELSE
Sometimes there are more than two options.
I could walk OR cycle OR get the bus OR get a lift.
As well as IF and ELSE, we can stick an ‘ELSE IF’ (or ELIF) in the
middle:
Write a pseudocode for the following code then try it.
print (“What is the weather like today?”)
answer = input ()
answer = str(answer)
if answer == “sunny”:
print(“I might Cycle to school”)
elif answer == “raining”:
print(“I get the bus”)
else:
print(“I’ll ask for a lift.”)
QUIZ
Create a new file and type in the following code:
print("What is 2 + 2?")
answer = input ()
answer = int(answer)
if answer == 4:
print("Well done")
else:
print("Sorry the answer was 4")
ACTIVITY


You can use a variable in a calculation, and use the same
variable to store the answer.
Predict the following code:
score = 112
score = score + 1
print(score)
ACTIVITY
Modify the your game by adding the scores and comments
score = 0 #this defines variable score, and sets it as zero
print("What is 2 + 2?")
answer = input ()
answer = int(answer)
if answer == 4:
print("Well done")
score = score + 1 #this increases score by one
else:
print("Sorry the answer was 4")

In group, discuss what the score does and the concept of
“score now equals itself plus one”
LIFE CALCULATOR
• Read the Life Calculator analysis
• Identify all input, output and process
• Make a flowchart using the symbols below
Arrow
LIFE CALCULATOR
• The system should enable the user to create a system which will
calculate their expected life based on the answer they give.
• The system needs to ask the user for their age, gender and name.
• If they are male, their life expectancy will be 78; if they are female they
will be 82.
• If they are a smoker, then they lose 7 years from their lifespan. If they
exercise, they gain 6 years, but lose 12 if they don’t.
• Supporting Manchester United can also have an impact. If they do, the
stress can take 5 years off their lives.
• It would be nice if the there was a validation check to see if age was too
high or low when entered.
• You need to identify the input and output of this system as you design it
and think about the question that you will ask.
LIFE CALCULATOR
Start
INPUT
name
End
INPUT age
INPUT Life
EXP
INPUT
gender
N
Life EXPT-5
Y
N
Life EXPT-6
Male or
Female?
Man U?
F
Life EXPT=
82
Life EXPT +
6
Y
Smoke?
Exercise
?
M
Life EXPT=
78
Y Life EXPT - 7
LIFE CALCULATOR AGE VALIDATION
Start
INPUT age
Age >
100?
N
Y
Too Old
Y
Age < 5?
N
End
Too Young
LIFE CALCULATOR PYTHON SOLUTION
LIFE CALCULATOR PYTHON SOLUTION
LIFE CALCULATOR SMALL BASIC
LIFE CALCULATOR SMALL BASIC
SABOTAGE
• Open your program
• Swap seat with a partner
• Look through your partner program
• Think of two thing you can do to the
program to make it stop working
• Change or edit your partner code so
that the whole program does not
work
RESOURCES
• Go on https://www.dropbox.com
• Login with the following detail
• Username: [email protected]
• Password: computing
Survey
• https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NOEFirstFeedback
CONCLUSION
• Start simple
• Always design it on paper first
• Can just do top level design – no details first
• Iterate
• Do it in small basic or Scratch first
• Recreate it in Python
• If you get stuck ask: CAS has a Forum – No question
too simple, small or stupid
• Allow students explore different solution and share
with their peers and yourself
• Enjoy!