Learn TurtleBlocks

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ನೋಡಿ

Introduction

TurtleBlocks is a fun activity in which you learn how command a little robotic turtle to draw pictures and designs for you. Turtle-blocks does only one thing and tries to do it very simply and very well: bring geometry and art together through programming. Like the Logo programming language turtle geometry has a central role. However the main focus of TurtleBlocks is static artistic images.

Basic information

ICT Competency	ICT for creating generic resources
Educational application and relevance	Turtle Blocks is an activity with a Logo-inspired graphical "turtle" that draws colorful art based on snap-together visual programming elements.
Version	Python version
Other similar applications	[Scratch]
The application on mobiles and tablets	Currently there is no mobile app for TurtleBlocks but there is a App called turtleDraw, this app also same as turtleBlocks.
Development and community help	[1] [2]

Overview of features

The Turtle follows a sequence of commands. You specify the sequence by snapping together puzzle like blocks. Its "low floor" provides an easy entry point for beginners. It also has "high ceiling" programming, graphics, mathematics, and Computer Science features which will challenge the more adventurous student.

Installation

1. The application is part of the Ubuntu custom distribution.
2. In case you do not find it on your computer, you can install by choosing “Turtle Blocks” in Ubuntu Software Centre
3. If you would like to install through the terminal follow these steps below:
   1. Open terminal by clicking (Ctrl+Alt+T),
   2. Once Window page is open, in front of dollar($) symbol just type below command.
   3. sudo add-apt-repository ppa:alanjas/turtleblocks
   4. sudo apt-get update
   5. sudo apt-get install turtleblocks

Working with the application

Functionalities

Step 1 - TurtleBlocks can be opened from Application→ Education→ TurtleBlocks	Step 2 - Once you open TurtleBlocks you can see the window like this. This contain 9 programming palettes. First one is Turtle palette. This palatte contain some blocks, that blocks are used to control the movement of turtle.
Step 3 - This palette called pen palette. The blocks of this palatte are used to control the attributes of the turtle's pen.	Step 4 - This color palette contain some blocks. That blocks can be used with the set-pen-color block in place of a number block.
Step 5 - This palette called number palette. The blocks in this palette relates to arithmetic and boolean operators.	Step 6 - The blocks in the flow palette control program flow.
Step 7 - This is palette of variable blocks. These blocks are for defining variables and subroutines. Without actions.	Step 8- This palette holds any blocks that have been put in the trash. You can drag blocks out of the trash to restore them. The trash palette is emptied when you quit Turtle Art.
Step 9 - Here we have to follow very lengthy code to write square.	Step 10 - Here we can draw the square by using very short code.
Step 11 - In flow palette select repeat block and set number as 4 to write 4 sides.	Step 12 - To move the turtle select forword block in turtle palette set the measurement.
Step 13 - Then select the right block in turtle palette to turn the turtle in right side and set the measurements.	Step 14 - After entering all the code press start button turtle will draw square.

Saving the file

Click File > Save to save the file. It will be saved in .tb format

Export and publishing files

Like in most applications, a file can be exported to a image, svg, icon, odp,logo and python formats.

Advanced features

TurtleBlocks boasts the unique ability to create physical manifestations of turtle designs out of various materials using laser and vinyl cutters. This feature sets TurtleBlocks apart from other block-based turtle programming environments, such as TurtleArt, that focus on creating colored pictures

Installation

Method of installation	Steps
From Ubuntu software Centre	Steps - Applications → Ubuntu Software Center → in right side search box search as “TurtleBlocks” → Click on Install. (If it asks any authentication, Enter your Ubuntu login password)
From Terminal	Steps - Open terminal by clicking (ctrl+Alt+T), Once window page is open, in front of dollar($) symbol just type below command.Sudo apt-get installed TurtleBlocks Now, Enter your ubuntu login password(it will be hide) then press Enter.
From the web	Steps - Follow the below link for Installing through web, but again it will take you through software center. https://apps.ubuntu.com/cat/applications/precise/turteblocks/
Web based registration	Steps -

The application on mobiles and tablets

How to install – currently there is no mobile app for TurtleBlocks but there is a App called turtleDraw, this app also same as turtleBlocks.

Ideas for resource creation

Programming Tool

References

Source:http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Turtle_Art_student_guide
https://llk.media.mit.edu/courses/readings/TurtleArt.pdf

How to use template

{{subst:Explore_an_application}} on the page you create for your tool. Page Name should be "Learn ToolName"