stars the name of the box 2 what is inside A box with a name
The robot wants to remember a number. It keeps the number in a box with a name. This box is called a variable. stars = 2 puts 2 in the stars box.
fish = 4 say(fish)say shows the box
say(fish) shows what is in the fish box. The fish box holds 4. So the robot says 4.
stars = 2 stars = 7 say(stars)Put in a new number
You can put a new number in the box. The old number is gone. stars starts at 2, then becomes 7. So the robot says 7.
- set stars to 2add 1 to starssay stars
Add to the box
stars = stars + 1 adds 1 to the box. Take the number out and add 1. Then put it back. 2 + 1 = 3, so the robot says 3.
say(stars) says 4 say("stars") says the word stars Watch for quote marks
Here stars holds 4. say(stars) shows the number in the box, 4. say("stars") has quote marks. It shows the word stars instead.
For parents
Goal: Your child learns that a variable is a named box that holds a number, and that the number can change.
- Ask: what is the name of the box? What is inside it right now?
- Go line by line and say the number in the box out loud after each line.
- In the labs, your child guesses what the robot says, then counts real stars with a box. Keep a paper box beside you to track the number.
Away from the screen: Label a cup "stars" and drop in 2 buttons. Act out stars = stars + 1 by adding one button, then count what is inside.