Mission 5

Summary

In this mission, participants guide Dash to explore the distant gas giants, Uranus and Neptune. Dash will orbit around both planets, capturing photos to document the journey. The mission emphasizes the use of a new coding block called 'variables' to precisely set distances for Dash's movements between planets. A bonus challenge encourages learners to research Uranus and Neptune and decorate models of the planets based on their findings. Participants are reminded to save their work and share it with their coach, making this a fun and educational coding adventure.

Takeaways

• 🚀 Mission 5 involves traveling to Uranus and Neptune, the furthest planets in the solar system.
• 🪐 Pluto is not considered a planet in this mission.
• 🛰️ Dash starts at E1 and must travel to Uranus, orbit it, then continue to Neptune and orbit it as well.
• 📸 Photos must be taken while orbiting each planet to gather evidence and data.
• 😄 The planets are personified, with the narrator joking about getting Neptune to 'smile' for the photos.
• 🔧 A function block should be created to simulate Dash taking photos of the planets.
• 🔢 A new coding block called 'variable' is introduced, which sets specific distances for Dash to travel.
• 🌍 The variable block helps Dash calculate the distances between planets, like Uranus to Neptune.
• 🎓 The bonus task involves learning about Uranus and Neptune and decorating them based on this knowledge.
• 💾 Teams must save their code using their team name and mission number and submit a video to the coach.

Q & A

What is the main objective of Mission Five?

The main objective of Mission Five is to send Dash to orbit Uranus and Neptune, take photos of both planets, and gather evidence as the second ship to reach these distant planets.

Why does the speaker emphasize that Pluto is not a planet?

The speaker emphasizes that Pluto is not a planet to clear any potential confusion, reinforcing that Uranus and Neptune are the furthest recognized planets in our solar system.

What is the specific task for Dash at Uranus and Neptune?

Dash needs to orbit Uranus and Neptune and take photos of both planets while ensuring to capture them 'smiling' in the process.

What coding concept is introduced for this mission?

A new block in coding, called a 'variable,' is introduced. The variable will be used to set a number that will guide Dash on how far it needs to travel to reach each planet.

How is Dash supposed to navigate from Uranus to Neptune?

Dash will use a variable to travel the exact distance from Uranus to Neptune after orbiting Uranus.

What additional bonus task is mentioned in the mission?

The bonus task involves learning about Uranus and Neptune and decorating the planets based on the knowledge gained about their unique characteristics.

What should the team do after completing the mission?

After completing the mission, the team should save their code under their team name and mission number (Mission 5) and share a video of the process with their coach.

What is the significance of the 'planetary photo' function?

The 'planetary photo' function is a custom function that simulates Dash taking a picture of the planets during its orbit, which is essential for gathering data.

Why does the speaker ask Dash to make the planets 'smile'?

The speaker is personifying the planets for fun, suggesting the planets should 'smile' when Dash takes a photo, making the task more engaging and entertaining.

What is the purpose of using variables in this mission?

Variables help set specific distances for Dash to travel between the planets, ensuring precise navigation and the completion of the mission efficiently.