The Badge Archive

Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Brownie Coding Basics badge requirements.

Note: This is similar to the GSUSA VTK activity, but not the same. This is a simplified version compared to how GSUSA VTK uses it and teaches a lesson while doing so. Please see GSUSA VTK for expanded activity and lesson plan.

Items Needed

• Paper to write events and follow-up actions
• Pen or pencil

Instructions

1. Write four actions on the paper, each on its own line with a dash after it. These actions will be called Events.
   • Example:
     • Clap hands
     • Snap fingers
     • Bump fists
     • Wave hand
2. For each event, create a follow-up action. Write these actions next to each event on the paper. These will be called Follow-Up Actions.
   • Example:
     • Clap hands – Step forward
     • Snap fingers – Jump once
     • Bump fists – Say “Wow!”
     • Wave hand – Step backward
3. A leader or scout takes on the role of the User and stands at the front of the meeting space. The rest of the troop takes on the role of Computers and stands facing the User, ensuring there’s enough space between everyone for safety.
4. Play the Event Game:
   • The User performs one of the Event actions (e.g., clap hands, snap fingers).
   • The troop (as Computers) follows the algorithm by performing the correct Follow-Up Action that matches the User’s Event.
5. Scouts rotate roles, taking turns as the User and performing different Events. The group may rewrite the events and follow-up actions to change things up and replay the game.
6. (Optional) Discuss how Events trigger actions in coding and how the Follow-Up Actions won’t happen unless the Event occurs first.