Hour of Code: Frozen Fractals Lesson Plan

Overview

In this code activity, students use the Turtle module in the Blockly visual programing language or Python programming language to learn about computational thinking, programming and geometry. Students are introduced to computational thinking concepts, including control structures such as loops which control the flow of a program.

The activity is structured as sequence of interactive notes and questions that students are challenged to answer. Students are introduced to the turtle, which draws lines and shapes on the computer screen. As students learn how to manipulate the turtle, drawing lines, changing angles and drawing shapes, they are challenged to draw snowflakes of increasing complexity.

This activity would work well in a maths class as a practical application of angles and angle calculations, or a science class investigating the formation and geometry of snowflakes.

Learning objectives

Students will:

• learn how to draw by moving a turtle forwards on the screen
• learn about angles and how to turn the turtle
• learn change the colour and thickness of lines drawn by the turtle
• learn about loops/iteration to repeat instructions
• do angle calculations to draw lines around a point
• use logic and problem solving skills to answer simple questions

Extended activities

Dive deeper into the science of snowflake formation

• Why do snowflakes form a hexagonal shape?
• Are no two snowflake really alike?

Investigate other examples of maths in nature

What do snowflakes, sunflowers and shells have in common? They're all beautiful and have interesting mathematical properties! Read about lots more examples.

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