Lesson Plan

Lesson: Visual Effects

Time: 40+ mins

Introduction

New Code Blocks

Vocabulary

• Normal image: An image from the camera feed, where the image appears as though you’re seeing a reflection in a mirror
• Flipped image: An image from the camera feed, where the image is flipped from left to right
• Video transparency: Term used to describe the state of how clearly the video on the Stage can be seen through

Objectives

• Use “set transparency” blocks to set the Stage to partial transparency
• Use visual effect code blocks to match the Actor’s dance moves
• Create a music video
• Create a dancing game with button Actors that flip the Stage

Materials

• Computers or iPads (1 per student) with a working camera and student account access to Tynker.com
• Headphones (1 per student)

Warm-Up (5 minutes)

Getting Started (5 minutes)

Activities (30 minutes)

• This short video introduces the Visual Effects lesson.

• This video introduces two coding concepts: “Flipping the Camera” and “Video Transparency.”
• The “turn video on flipped” and “set transparency” blocks are introduced.
• Explain that the “turn video on flipped” block flips the image from left to right—not up and down.

• This short video introduces the Dance-Off puzzle module.

• In this puzzle module, students need to use visual effect code blocks to set the video to partial transparency and match the Actor’s dance moves.
• Tell students to use the drop-down menu on the “set transparency” block to change the parameter. A smaller number increases the video’s transparency on the stage, and a larger number decreases the video’s transparency.
• Make sure students use the drop-down menu on the “turn video” block to change the parameter to “on-flipped” when the Actor’s switch direction.
• Give a hint: Tell students the Actors switch direction after 6 seconds.

• This short video introduces the Music Video DIY (do it yourself) activity.

• In this DIY, students will create a music video featuring tunes and locations from around the world!
• Remind students to attach the “forever” block under the “set video transparency” block.
• How to play: Tell students to click the play button and encourage them to dance to the tune. Notice how the music and scenes automatically change every five seconds.

• This short video introduces the Dance Moves DIY activity.

• In this DIY, students will program a dancing game with button Actors that flip the Stage!
• How to play: Tell students to wave their hands behind the buttons in time with the beat.

• Students will be tested on Visual Effects concepts.

Optional Activities (20 minutes each)

• Tell students to open “Module 6: Music Video” and experiment with their code.
• Encourage them to program their music video to change the tune and location when the Stage is clicked. Hint: Use a “when screen clicked” block.

• What is the difference between "turn video on" and "turn video on-flipped?” (“turn video on” displays a normal image, “turn video on-flipped” displays an image that’s flipped from left to right)
• What is transparency? How would you change your video's transparency? (Transparency describes the state of how clearly the video can be seen through. You can change the video’s transparency by adjusting its value between 0-100.)
• What does a high transparency value do to a video, compared to a low transparency value? (At a transparency value of 0, only the video will be visible. At a transparency value of 100, only the stage Background will be visible.)

Standards