How do we build computer games? We start with a grid!
In this lesson, we are going to explore how to place objects on a grid using Code.org's Game Lab.
The Grid
When we make images, we need a way to communicate exactly where each shape goes. The coordinate plane helps us to do that. Our coordinate plane has two coordinates, x and y. The x-coordinate tells us how far our shape is from the left of the grid. The y-coordinate tells us how far our shape is from the top of the grid. The black dots on the shapes help you be very specific about how the shape is placed on the grid.
Code.org's Coordinate Plane
Unlike the Coordinate Plane we use in Math class, (0,0) is NOT in the middle of the Code.org Coordinate Plane. Can you tell where it is?
Each line represents 1 pixel
We INCREASE X by moving to the RIGHT on the grid
We DECREASE X by moving to the LEFT on the grid
We INCREASE Y by moving DOWN the grid
We DECREASE Y by moving to the UP the grid
Intro to Game Lab
Vocabulary to Learn:
Bug - Part of a program that does not work correctly.
Debugging - Finding and fixing problems in an algorithm or program.
Algorithm - a set of directions that must be followed in a certain order
Program - An algorithm that has been coded into something that can be run by a machine
Co-ordinate Plane - an x,y grid used to place objects on the screen; also known as "The Grid"