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  1. Walker Race
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  1. Lighthouse
  2. Frog Frenzy
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  1. Security Zone
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  1. Solar House
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  1. Light Show
  2. Light Show Animation

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Gaming expedition

Mission 2 of 5

Gaming expedition: Mission 2 of 5

Frog Frenzy


Advanced

45 minutes

Grades 3 - 8
MISSION OBJECTIVE

Learn how to build a Game Controller and program the code for a game that uses (x,y) coordinates.

The Earth team has lost connection to a mining ship on Pipax, but our scientists have scrambled to get a primitive view and mining control back up! In this mission, code a game where ore randomly appears and use your Controller to play.

View student interface at make.playpiper.com
MISSION CHARACTERS

Scientist

Commander
Meet
the Cast
  Print Educator Guide   Student Worksheet    Student Quiz    Support
MISSION MATERIALS
MISSION RESOURCES Learning Goals Career Connections Hardware Diagram Code Diagram Tutorial Steps Blueprint Troubleshooting Tips
EXPANDED RESOURCES Term Glossary Standards Alignment
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MISSION MATERIALS

Computer with USB port and Chrome or Edge browser
Piper Make Base Station or Starter Kit
Game Controller
MISSION RESOURCES

Learning Goals

  1. Students will create hardware using tools such as a screwdriver.
  2. Students will review key electronics understandings, including wire and pin positions for specific inputs and outputs.
  3. Students will practice the computational concepts of
    • Loops: Running the same sequence multiple times.
    • Events: While a pin’s condition is on or off, another action happens.
  4. Students will create programs that use variables to store and modify data.
  5. Students will create programs that include events, loops, and conditionals.
  6. Students will practice organizing problems into smaller, manageable tasks.
  7. Students will create programs by incorporating smaller portions of existing programs to develop something new or add more advanced features.
  8. Students will test and debug a program or algorithm to ensure it accomplishes the intended task.

Career Connections

Software Quality Assurance Analyst: Salary $99,620/yr
Web and Digital Interface Designer: Salary $83,240/yr
Computer User Support Specialist: Salary $71,530/yr
Video Game Designer: Salary $83,240/yr

Hardware Diagram




Code Diagram




Tutorial Steps

Frog Frenzy

Blueprint

DOWNLOAD BLUEPRINT

Have an different version? Look for more information on the Support Page.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Is your Pico disconnecting after you test the Controller?
    • Check the program and wiring to make sure they are correct. The wires sent with your Game Controller might be different colors than depicted, which is fine. Follow the diagram to make the right connections.
    • Unplug your Pico, wait 5 seconds, and plug it back in.
    • Refresh your browser page.

Our customer support specialists are on hand to ensure your implementation of Piper runs seamlessly.
View Support Docs or Contact Support
EXPANDED RESOURCES

Term Glossary


Console Personal computers built for gaming (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch).

Modding Making "modifications" to how a game sounds, plays, looks, or functions, usually by users.

Graphic User Interface (GUI) A way to display information on the computer screen where the user can use a mouse or touchscreen to click various buttons. (CAT)

Playtesting Playing through new inventions or builds to find bugs, test their ease of use, and get new ideas to build on.

Virtual Reality (VR) Computer technology that makes someone feel like they are elsewhere. It requires a player to wear a headset and use input devices to play games.

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Standards Alignment


CSTA Framework   Game Controller Standards Alignment
ISTE Framework   Game Controller Standards Alignment
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