Block-Based & Text Coding Flashcards
7 cards from real STEM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Block-Based & Text Coding flashcards as text
A high school STEM teacher introduces MicroPython on micro:bit to students who know Scratch. What is the primary new challenge students face?
Answer: Students must write syntactically correct text code without block scaffolding
Moving to MicroPython requires students to type syntactically precise text code, removing the scaffolding that block environments provide.
Which instructional strategy best supports equity when teaching block-based coding to students with limited prior technology experience?
Answer: Use pair programming so experienced and novice students collaborate
Pair programming leverages peer learning and distributes knowledge, supporting equity by giving less-experienced students access to guided collaboration.
In Scratch, a student creates a variable called 'lives' and sets it to 3, then decreases it each time a sprite touches an obstacle. This models which game design pattern?
Answer: Lives or health tracking
Decrementing a 'lives' variable on collision directly models the game design pattern of tracking a player's remaining lives or health points.
What does the CSTA K-12 CS Standards mean by 'decomposition' as a computational thinking practice?
Answer: Breaking a complex problem into smaller, manageable sub-problems
Decomposition means breaking a large, complex problem into smaller sub-problems that are easier to design, code, and debug individually.
A teacher uses Hour of Code activities to introduce coding. What is the primary curricular goal of these activities?
Answer: Provide a low-barrier entry point that builds interest and basic coding awareness
Hour of Code activities are designed as accessible, motivating introductions that spark interest in coding without requiring prior experience.
Which assessment method is most authentic for evaluating student mastery of block-based coding concepts?
Answer: Student-created project that solves a real problem with documentation of design choices
Creating an original project that solves a real problem requires students to apply coding concepts authentically and demonstrates genuine mastery.
When integrating block-based coding into a math lesson on coordinate planes, which Scratch feature is most directly relevant?
Answer: x and y position blocks for sprite movement on the stage
Scratch's stage uses a coordinate system where sprites are positioned by x and y values, directly reinforcing coordinate plane concepts from math.