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• Tutorials

  Step-by-step guide for building mini-projects

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  Introduction

  Flappy Bird is a simple and fun game, where the player controls the bird to fly through a few obstacles to reach its nest. There is only one control: press the SPACE key to make the bird flap.

  In this tutorial, you will learn to build a simple AI program to control the bird instead of manually.

  Note that this AI will be based on programming logic, rather than large language models (LLMs). That is due to 3 reasons:

  LLMs are too slow for such tasks: it usually takes a few seconds for LLMs to respond to each request, but we need to make the bird react and flap with a precision of milliseconds. LLMs are too unpredictable: LLMs are inherently random, and it is often hard to control them to generate precisely the same output every single time. In contrast, programming logic is much more predictable and reliable. LLMs are too expensive: It takes a lot of computation, and hence energy, to generate even a very simple output. To avoid such waste, when we can use programming logic to make a decision, we should do so.

  The same argument also applies in many other situations, and that’s why a significant portion of AI systems will continue to be implemented using programming logic.

  Now let’s get started with this simple AI program.

  Step 1 - Remix the Starter Project

  Open this link and remix the project:

  play.creaticode.com/projects/684dbd401c49cae4509533bd

  Step 2 - Read the Existing Code for “AI”

  In the “AI” sprite, there are 2 stacks of code.

  First, when the green flag is clicked, 3 parameters are set:

  How many columns (green pipes) are placed before the nest. The gravity for the bird’s falling speed; How much the bird rises up on each flap. AI parameters

  Below that, when the “start” message is received, this AI program will simply send out the “flap” message every 0.3 seconds. Each “flap” message will make the bird flap once. This is the most basic AI program, which we will improve in the next few steps.

  Flap loop

  Step 3 - Adjust the Game Settings

  When you click the green flag, you will find that the bird will fall to the ground. The falling speed will depend on your computer, but it will look similar to this:

  Bird falls

  This is because the “gravity” and “flap strength” are not fine-tuned yet. As an exercise, please adjust these 2 values. In general, “gravity” should be a number between 0 and -2 (such as -0.5), and “flap strength” should be a number between 4 and 20. Your goal should be to make the bird fly horizontally with a nice waveform trail like this:

  Wave flight

   

   

  Step 4 - A Shorter Wait Interval

   

  Currently, in the forever loop, we send out the “flap” message every 0.3 seconds, and the bird will stay at the same height. Suppose we want the bird to fly higher, then we need to use a shorter interval.

  Instead of 0.3 seconds, let’s use an interval of 0.03 seconds. This may be necessary if the bird needs to rise up very quickly.

  Change delay

  As a result, when you run again, the bird should reach the ceiling very quickly and stay there:

  Bird at top

   
   

  Step 5 - Skip some flaps

   

  Obviously, the current AI always makes the bird fly too high. A simple solution is to skip some flaps, so the bird will do a free fall to reach nests that are below its level.

  In general, to make smart decisions, an AI needs relevant sensing data. In this case, to determine whether the bird needs to fall a bit, we can compare these 2 variables:

  The bird’s Y position The Y position of the nest

  Your AI can access these 2 values using these 2 reporter blocks:

  Y sensing
   

  Now, can you change the forever loop so that the bird would not flap if it is already above the nest?

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

  Here is one way to do it: we put the broadcast block inside an “if-then” block, so only when the nest is above the bird would the bird make a flap:

  If nest is above

  Try to run the program a few times. The nest is placed at random heights, but the bird will almost always rise or fall to its level quickly:

  Bird matches nest

   
   

  Step 6 - Add a few columns

   

  Now let’s move on to the next challenge: make the bird fly through the columns (pipes). Change the “columns” variable to 4, which will add 4 columns:

  Set to 4 columns

  Obviously the bird will crash with the columns and fail. What can we do?

   
   

  Step 7 - Fly through all columns

   

  Similar to above, we need to provide data to the AI. Specifically, here are information about the columns:

  Each column has an opening at its center, and the Y positions of these openings are stored in the list named “columnYs”. The number of columns is given in the variable “columns”. The upcoming column has an index of “nextColumnIndex” in the list. For example, when the bird is facing the first column, nextColumnIndex is equal 1. After the bird flies through it, nextColumnIndex will automatically increase to 2.

  With these information, can you try to make the bird fly through all the columns? Don’t worry about the nest for now.

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

  In fact, all that we need to do is to replace “nestY” with the Y position of the upcoming column:

  Use columnY

   

  The bird should have no problem flying through all columns:

  Success with pipes

   

   

  Step 8 - Fly to the nest after all the columns

   

  For our last step, we need to combine our solution for columns and the nest. When the bird has passed the last column, the nextColumnIndex will be more than the columns variable, and that’s when we should target the nest instead. Can you implement this change?

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

  Here is an example solution:

  Switch to nest after pipes

  Here is the final demo:

  Final full run

   
   

  Extra Practices

   

  To practice what you have learned, here is an additional challenge for you.

  Currently, the bird would only start flapping if it is below the target height (of the nest or the center of the opening), so it might fall too much below the target. If the target is very low, then the bird might touch the ground before flying back up.

  Bird too low

  To ensure the bird is always safe, it should start to flap if it is too close to the ground (Y of -240).

• 2D Blocks

  How to use each 2D block

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  Introduction

   

  Cloud variables are a powerful tool in MIT Scratch for creating multiplayer programs. CreatiCode has enhanced them further, making them even more capable. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how cloud variables work in the CreatiCode playground.

   
   

  Basics of Cloud Variables

   

  When creating a new variable, you can check the “cloud variable” box:

  f702479b-a596-4ae5-b146-caf71bb4fce8-image.png

  If the project is shared and opened by other users, the value of that cloud variable will be synchronized across all their computers automatically.

  For example, imagine 10 users are running the same project at the same time. If one user changes the value of a cloud variable, the other 9 users will instantly see the updated value.

  Here’s what happens behind the scenes:

  User A changes a cloud variable using a “set variable to” or “change variable by” block. User A’s computer sends the new value to the CreatiCode server. The server broadcasts the update to the other 9 users running the same project. Each of those users receives the message and updates the cloud variable on their own computer.

   
   

  A Simple Example

   

  Here is an example project: play.creaticode.com/projects/68473cea3d952dd83a76d160

  It has one dog sprite with this code:

  3306fac4-3758-4577-8c80-213ef1781d5b-image.png

  When the program starts, the sprite keeps saying the value of the cloud variable “counter.”

  Whenever any user clicks the sprite, the value of “counter” increases by 1— and all other users running the same program will instantly see the new value.

  You can try this by opening the project in two browser windows (one normal and one incognito). Make sure you’re logged in, as cloud variables only work when you’re signed in. Of course, you can also try this with a friend on 2 computers.

  Here’s what it looks like across two sessions:

  cloudcounter.gif

   
   
   
   

  The “When Variable Changes” Block

   

  To make working with variables easier — especially cloud variables — CreatiCode has added a new event block:

  005ee1af-8126-487d-ba3c-e0ef2949e773-image.png

   

  This block runs whenever the selected variable changes (i.e., when its value becomes different). Note that if you set a variable to its current value, then this block won’t be triggered.

  It works with both regular and cloud variables. This means you no longer need a forever loop to constantly check the variable — you can run code only when the value actually changes.

  Here’s how we can rewrite the earlier example using this block:

  468d02fa-7699-44ef-9cbe-d9faa9608c38-image.png

  When the green flag is clicked, start a long wait so the program stays running. Cloud variable updates won’t work if the project isn’t running. When the sprite is clicked, increase the counter as before. When the counter changes, the sprite says the new value.

  You can try it here: play.creaticode.com/projects/684747163d952dd83a76d79c

   
   
   
   

  Number of Cloud Variables

   

  MIT Scratch limits you to 10 cloud variables per project. In CreatiCode, you can use up to 100. This allows you to build much more advanced multiplayer projects.

   
   
   
   

  Accepted Values and Update Frequency

   

  In MIT Scratch, cloud variables:

  Can only store numbers Can only update at most 10 times per second

  These limits were put in place to block users from building chat rooms, but they also make cloud variables harder to use.

  In CreatiCode, cloud variables support any type of value, with some important rules:

  If the value contains letters (a–z), it must pass a moderation check to filter inappropriate content. These values can only be updated once per second per user. That’s still fast enough for chat room projects.

  If the value does not contain letters, like 120 or "1_23_44", it bypasses moderation and can be updated up to 20 times per second per user. This is useful when you want to send multiple numbers in a single update. For example, to send X = 50 and Y = 80, you can combine them into one value of "50_80".

   
   
   
   

  Cloud Sessions

   

  In MIT Scratch, everyone running the same shared project receives the same cloud variable updates. To isolate groups, you’d have to make separate copies of the project.

  CreatiCode introduces cloud sessions, which limit cloud updates to just the users in the same session. If a user hasn’t joined a session, they’re placed in the default session.

  To join a session, use this block from the “Variables” category:

  d63c717b-72f7-479a-9595-71597766c20a-image.png

  This block takes about 1.5 seconds to run and should be used before updating any cloud variables.

  The session name is just a string that users agree to use. Only users in the same session will receive each other’s cloud variable updates—even if they’re running the same project.

  Here’s how to add the block to our earlier example:

  5371c2af-6f92-4375-a57a-cd55b3c0468a-image.png

   
   
   
   

  Private Cloud Variables for Clones (Advanced)

   

  In MIT Scratch, cloud variables are always global — shared across all sprites and clones. This creates problems when you’re working with clones.

  For instance, suppose a car sprite creates 2 clones: Clone 1 and Clone 2. If you use a global cloud variable like “facing direction,” then changing it to 90 will affect both clones — even if you only meant to rotate one.

  To fix this, CreatiCode lets you create private cloud variables for each sprite or clone:

  86ec028f-9c73-4591-8462-e4d99ee35191-image.png

  Now, each clone will have its own cloud variable, separate from the others. For example, all users’ “Clone 1” will share one variable, and “Clone 2” will share another.

   
   
   
   

  Example for Private Cloud Variables

   

  Here is an example project: play.creaticode.com/projects/6847575f1c49cae45091d685

  When the green flag is clicked, the original dog sprite hides and creates two clones, with IDs 1 and 2:

  20485574-7fe3-4327-97e4-d87f6cfbd749-image.png

  Each clone shows itself, says its clone ID, and moves to one side of the stage:

  884f5fda-d4cd-4209-8005-176279dc4986-image.png

  Now, when a clone is clicked, it increases its own private cloud variable called “direction” by 15. This triggers only that clone to rotate:

  dcf57267-c6f6-4929-ac99-c27ede0e9f1c-image.png

  As a result, when any user clicks on a dog clone, that specific clone rotates on every computer — but the other clone is unaffected:

  cloudcounter.gif

  We hope you enjoy these new features, and we can’t wait to see the amazing multiplayer projects you’ll build with them!

• 3D Blocks

  How to use each 3D block

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  Introduciton

   

  You can now add joystick-style user controls for your 3D games, which is a natural input method for users on touchpads and smartphones.

  Note that this new feature only works in 3D projects, and a 3D scene must be initialized first.

  joy.gif

   
   

  Add a Joystick

   

  A virtual joystick is made of 2 parts:

  A “base” that is composed of 2 circles. Whenever the pointer is pressed down, the base will not move as the pointer is dragged around it. A “puck” that is a smaller circle with a dot at its center. It shows the current position of the pointer relative to the base.

   
  a8027378-beb1-4d73-9a39-d4d128f4f0c5-image.png

  You can add a new joystick using the following block:

  4bb6149b-de59-4249-9f70-59f503e8e92e-image.png

   
  The inputs are:

  Left or Right: you can add a left or right joystick using this block. The left one only covers the left half of the screen, and the right one only covers the right half. Use this block 2 times to add both joysticks. Color1 and Color2: These two color inputs control the colors of the base and the puck. Scale: This is a scaling factor that controls the size of the virtual joystick. By default, it is 100, which means 100% of the default size. If you would like to double the size of the joystick, you can set this value to 200.

   
   

  Read joystick properties

   

  You can read the properties of a joystick using this reporter block:

  232b6132-f657-4750-8c3c-ff51abe69ddc-image.png

   
  It has 2 inputs:

  Side: left or right Property: x or y: the position of the puck relative to the center of the base. Note that both x and y are between -1 and 1. For example, if the puck is at the right edge of the base, then x will be 1 and y will be 0. dir: the direction of the puck relative to the base in degrees, which is between -180 and 180. Distance: the distance of the puck from the base between 0 and 1. pressed: whether the joystick is pressed down. 0 means not pressed down, and 1 means it is pressed down. This should be the first value to check, since if the joystick is not pressed down, then all the other properties are not valid.

   
   

  Remove all joysticks

   

  You can use this block to remove all the joysticks you have added so far:

  a2e02fc4-f3bc-474b-9f7f-35f17a72c3e8-image.png

   
   

  Demo

   

  In this demo program, we first add a 3D glass object, then add 2 virtual joysticks of different colors and scales. Then we enter a forever loop: whenever the left or right joystick is pressed down, we read its properties into a few variables, and also rotate the 3D glass based on the “dir” property:

  blocks (42).png

   
  Here is the project link:

  play.creaticode.com/projects/673e98585e434ba9fd49f96a

• Live Books

  Free K-12 books that you can use in combination with the CreatiCode platform to learn coding and technologies. Their content will be continuously updated based on your feedback.

  ChatGPT for K-12 Students - Understand, Build, Innovate
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  What’s a Prompt?

   

  DALL·E 2023-10-20 20.10.21 - Cartoon style image showcasing a cute chatbot labeled 'ChatGPT'. The chatbot has large friendly eyes and a digital screen on its chest displaying a bl.png

   

  You’re already familiar with ChatGPT, but let’s go deeper into the mechanics of your interactions: the prompts. Every message you send to ChatGPT is actually a prompt. Instead of thinking of a prompt as a standalone question or command, imagine it as your contribution to an ongoing dialogue with ChatGPT. This isn’t just a Q&A session; it’s more like a flowing conversation where each prompt serves a specific role.

  Here are the core types of prompts you’ll use:

  Questions: These are straightforward inquiries that seek a direct answer. For instance, “ChatGPT, how does photosynthesis work?” or “What is the square root of 64?”

  Requests: This type is for when you need ChatGPT to perform a specific task. For example, “ChatGPT, summarize this chapter for me,” or “Create a list of renewable energy sources.”

  Information: These prompts add extra context or clarification to the conversation. Maybe ChatGPT misunderstood a previous prompt, or perhaps you want to add more detail to get a better answer. For example, “I meant to summarize the chapter about World War I, not World War II,” or “By renewable energy, I’m referring to sources that are not fossil fuels.”

  In a real-world chat with ChatGPT, you’ll often use a mix of these types of prompts. You could start with a question, then make a request based on ChatGPT’s answer, and provide additional information to clarify or steer the conversation.

  Understanding these different types of prompts allows you to have a more dynamic and meaningful conversation with ChatGPT. With this knowledge, you’re better equipped to make ChatGPT a valuable tool for learning, creating, and exploring.

   
   

  Building a Great Prompt: The CORE Framework

   

  If you are just having a casual chat with ChatGPT, you can pretty much speak your mind freely in your prompts. However, when your goal is to ask ChatGPT to carry out a task and deliver satisfactory results, the prompt often needs to be more complex and structured.

  Although there are many ways to write a prompt, some are more effective than others in getting a high-quality response. You may often hear others giving very different opinions on what ChatGPT can do: some people may tell you ChatGPT is awesome and can do great things, while other people may say ChatGPT is very confused and can’t get anything useful out of it. Most of the time, this difference is caused by the difference in the prompts they have used. ChatGPT is like a gold mine, and a well-written prompt is like a well-calibrated metal detector that allows you to find gold in it.

  To help you get started, let me introduce a simple but powerful framework called CORE. It stands for Context, Objective, Requirement, and Example. Using these four elements, you will be able to create prompts that bring out the best in ChatGPT, giving you answers that are as awesome as you hoped they would be.

   
   

  Context: Setting the Stage

   
  Context is like the setting in a story. It tells ChatGPT the background details: who you are, what you are trying to do, and why you’re asking ChatGPT for help. Good context is like giving ChatGPT a backstage pass to your situation. Without it, ChatGPT might give you an answer that’s sort of like a one-size-fits-all t-shirt — kind of okay but not a great fit. For example, if you ask ChatGPT “How can I earn some coins?”, its answer will be very different depending on whether you are talking about “Super Mario” or real life.

  Usually, an easy way to describe the context is to start with “I”, such as “I’m a 6th-grade student, and I need to …”, “I am trying to …”, or “I need your help with …”. Alternatively, some people prefer to start with “You” (i.e. ChatGPT), such as “You are helping me with …”, or “You are talking to a 6-th grade student”.

  Sometimes, you may need to provide additional information or reference to ChatGPT in the context. For example, if you need ChatGPT to help summarize an article, then you need to include that article in your prompt. Your prompt may look like this:

  I am reading an article about the French Revolution: [insert the entire article] It is a bit too long. can you summarize it for me?

   

  Examples of Using Context

   

  Math Homework Help: Less Effective Prompt: “Help me with fractions.” Effective Prompt: “I’m a middle school student struggling with my math homework on fractions. Can you help me?” Explanation: The effective prompt specifies that it’s a middle school student needing help with homework. This helps ChatGPT tailor the explanation to a middle school level, making it more accessible for the student.
    Science Fair Project on Renewable Energy: Less Effective Prompt: “How do solar panels work?” Effective Prompt: “I’m working on a science fair project about renewable energy, specifically focusing on solar panels. How do they work?” Explanation: This prompt sets the stage for a more educational and project-focused response, informing ChatGPT that the user isn’t just curious but has a specific academic goal.
    Writing a Poem for English Class: Less Effective Prompt: “How do I write a poem?” Effective Prompt: “I have an English class assignment to write a poem about nature. How do I get started?” Explanation: The effective prompt makes it clear that the task is for an English class assignment about nature, allowing ChatGPT to offer more targeted tips and suggestions.
    Learning to Play a New Instrument: Less Effective Prompt: “Tips for learning the guitar.” Effective Prompt: “I just joined my school’s music club and chose to learn the guitar. Any tips?” Explanation: The context specifies that the user is a beginner who has joined a music club. This helps ChatGPT provide tips that are suitable for someone who is new to playing the guitar and perhaps working in a group setting.

  Each of these examples shows how a little bit of context goes a long way in getting a response that really fits what you need.

   

  Objective: What’s the Mission?

   
  Once you’ve set the stage with your context, it’s time to get down to business with the Objective. This is where you tell ChatGPT exactly what you want it to do for you. You’re essentially giving it a mission to complete. Without a clear objective, ChatGPT would have to guess what it needs to do, and sometimes may take the wrong action.

  For example, imagine you tell ChatGPT “I failed my math test today”. If you don’t say anything else, most likely ChatGPT will offer some advice on how to improve your math skills. However, if you say “I failed my math test today. How should I tell my parents about it?” you will get very different answers.

  Usually, the objective should contain a verb that describes the action that ChatGPT needs to take, such as “explain”, “describe”, “list”, “design”, “summarize”, etc.

   

  Examples of Great Objective Descriptions

   

  Math Homework Help: Less Effective Prompt: “I’m a middle school student struggling with my math homework on fractions. Help me.” Effective Prompt: “I’m a middle school student struggling with my math homework on fractions. Can you walk me through how to solve ( \frac{1}{2} + \frac{3}{4} )?” Explanation: The highlighted objective clearly asks for a walkthrough on solving a specific fraction problem. This directs ChatGPT to provide a step-by-step solution tailored for a middle school student.
    Science Fair Project on Renewable Energy: Less Effective Prompt: “I’m working on a science fair project about renewable energy, specifically focusing on solar panels. How do they work?” Effective Prompt: “I’m working on a science fair project about renewable energy, specifically focusing on solar panels. Please explain how they convert sunlight into electricity.” Explanation: The highlighted objective narrows down the query to ask how solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. This specificity guides ChatGPT to deliver a more focused explanation, ideal for a science fair project.
    Writing a Poem for English Class: Less Effective Prompt: “I have an English class assignment to write a poem about nature. How do I get started?” Effective Prompt: “I have an English class assignment to write a poem about nature. Please give me a template or outline to start my poem?” Explanation: By asking for a template or outline, the highlighted objective specifies the type of assistance needed. This helps ChatGPT provide a useful starting point for writing the poem.
    Learning to Play a New Instrument: Less Effective Prompt: “I just joined my school’s music club and chose to learn the guitar. Any tips?” Effective Prompt: “I just joined my school’s music club and chose to learn the guitar. Please list the basic chords I should start with.” Explanation: The highlighted objective asks for specific information on basic chords, directing ChatGPT to provide a beginner’s guide that’s useful for someone in a school music club.
   
  By stating your objective clearly, you’re setting up ChatGPT for success, making it way more likely that you’ll get the answer you’re really after. Up next, we’ll add even more finesse to our prompts by introducing requirements and examples.

   
   

  Requirement: The Nitty-Gritty Details

   

  After you have laid out the Context and Objective in your prompt, ChatGPT would know what it needs to do. However, there are many different ways to carry out the same task, so we need to provide some requirements that specify how to do it.

  There are many things you can include in your requirements. For example, you might specify the tone, such as “formal” or “casual,” or the length, like “detailed” or “brief.” You can even specify a limit on the number of words, though ChatGPT may not be able to strictly control its output word count. You could also ask for the answer to be formatted in a particular way, like a list of bullets or a paragraph. You may also tell ChatGPT what you don’t want in your requirements.

  In many ways, the requirement is very similar to the rubrics your teacher gives you for some assignments. So imagine you are a teacher assigning a task to ChatGPT, then design your rubrics for ChatGPT to follow.

  One commonly used technique in writing the requirement is to assign a “role” to ChatGPT. For example, you can say “Write the answer as an expert in …”, and ChatGPT will use the tone and level of details that are typically used by experts. On the other hand, if you say “Pretend you are 5 years old”, then ChatGPT’s response will look like written by a very young kid with very simple words and sentences.

   

  Examples of Giving Requirements

   

  Math Homework Help: Less Effective Prompt: “I’m a middle school student struggling with my math homework on fractions. Can you walk me through how to solve ( \frac{1}{2} + \frac{3}{4} )?” Effective Prompt: “I’m a middle school student struggling with my math homework on fractions. Can you walk me through how to solve ( \frac{1}{2} + \frac{3}{4} )? Please use simple language and show all steps.” Explanation: The highlighted requirement specifies the language level and detail needed, ensuring that the explanation is both understandable and comprehensive for a middle school student.

   

  Science Fair Project on Renewable Energy: Less Effective Prompt: “I’m working on a science fair project about renewable energy, specifically focusing on solar panels. Please explain how they convert sunlight into electricity.” Effective Prompt: “I’m working on a science fair project about renewable energy, specifically focusing on solar panels. Please explain how they convert sunlight into electricity. Keep it concise but include the basic science behind it.” Explanation: The requirement narrows down the focus to a concise explanation while still including the basic science. This helps prevent ChatGPT from writing lengthy explanations.

   

  Writing a Poem for English Class: Less Effective Prompt: “I have an English class assignment to write a poem about nature. Please give me a template or outline to start my poem?” Effective Prompt: “I have an English class assignment to write a poem about nature. Please give me a template or outline to start my poem? Make sure to include at least three different poetic devices.” Explanation: The requirement specifies the inclusion of different poetic devices, guiding ChatGPT to offer a more educational and enriching starting point for the poem.

   

  Learning to Play a New Instrument: Less Effective Prompt: “I just joined my school’s music club and chose to learn the guitar. Please list the basic chords I should start with.” Effective Prompt: “I just joined my school’s music club and chose to learn the guitar. Please list the basic chords I should start with. Pretend you are an experienced music teacher.” Explanation: By asking ChatGPT to take on the role of an experienced music teacher, the highlighted requirement ensures that the guide will be intuitive and well-designed.

   

  By being meticulous with your requirements, you’re fine-tuning the ChatGPT’s responses to fit like a glove. You get to be the director of how you want your information served.

   
   

  Examples: Show and Tell

   

  So, you’ve given ChatGPT the context, objective, and even the fine details of your requirements. What’s left? Examples! While this step is optional, it can be incredibly effective in getting the response you’re after. If you find ChatGPT’s answers are not what you expect, but you don’t know how to change the objective or requirements, then it is probably a good time to provide some examples directly.

  Examples can illustrate the style, tone, or format you prefer. If you’ve ever heard the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” well, in this case, an example can be worth a thousand guidelines. It’s like giving ChatGPT a mini “preview” of your ideal answer.

   

  Examples of Providing Examples

   

  Math Homework Help: Less Effective Prompt: “I’m a middle school student struggling with my math homework on fractions. Can you walk me through how to solve ( \frac{1}{2} + \frac{3}{4} )? Please use simple language and show all steps.” Effective Prompt: “I’m a middle school student struggling with my math homework on fractions. Can you walk me through how to solve ( \frac{1}{2} + \frac{3}{4} )? Please use simple language and show all steps. For example: ( \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{4} = \frac{1 \times 4 + 3 \times 1}{3 \times 4} = \frac{4 + 3}{12} = \frac{7}{12} ).” Explanation: The example provides a sample walkthrough for adding fractions, setting the expectation for the style and format of the answer.

   

  Science Fair Project on Renewable Energy: Prompt: “I’m working on a science fair project about renewable energy, specifically focusing on solar panels. Please explain how they convert sunlight into electricity. Keep it concise but include the basic science behind it.” Explanation: For this prompt, it is not easy to provide an example since you would have to include an entire paragraph that explains another concept.

   

  Writing a Poem for English Class: Less Effective Prompt: “I have an English class assignment to write a poem about nature. Please give me a template or outline to start my poem? Make sure to include at least three different poetic devices.” Effective Prompt: “I have an English class assignment to write a poem about nature. Please give me a template or outline to start my poem? Make sure to include at least three different poetic devices. For example, start with a simile, include some alliteration, and end with a metaphor.” Explanation: The example outlines the structure and poetic devices desired, providing ChatGPT with a blueprint for crafting the template or outline.

   

  Learning to Play a New Instrument: Prompt: “I just joined my school’s music club and chose to learn the guitar. Please list the basic chords I should start with. Pretend you are an experienced music teacher.” Explanation: For this prompt, it is also not easy to provide an example, and it might not be necessary.

   

  In short, providing an example is like giving ChatGPT a cheat sheet for acing your query. It’s your way to make sure you get the answer that fits your needs to a T.

  With this, you’ve completed the C.O.R.E framework, and you’re all set to craft prompts that will make your interactions with ChatGPT as fruitful as possible.

  Absolutely, a hands-on activity is a fantastic way to cement the understanding of the CORE framework. Here’s how you could set up this educational exercise:

   
   

  Hands-On Activity: Fix that Prompt!

   

  You’ve learned about the C.O.R.E framework — Context, Objective, Requirement, and Example. Now it’s time to put your knowledge to the test! Below are some less effective prompts that lack one or more elements of the CORE framework. Your mission is to figure out what’s missing or poorly written, and then rewrite the prompt to make it better.

  For each case, you can try both the original and the improved versions on ChatGPT to see how they compare. Does your prompt yield a better answer? You can keep improving your prompt until you see a clear improvement.

  You can use this chat project to run the tests:

  https://play.creaticode.com/projects/6531b7e60fdce080a4481c1d
  
  

   

  Prompts for Analysis and Improvement Prompt: “Tell me about the solar system.” Hints: Is the context clear? What’s the objective here? Any requirements or examples?

   

  Prompt: “I need to write a story for my class.” Hints: Who are you? What exactly do you need for your story? What should it look like?

   

  Prompt: “I am preparing for my Spanish exam. How do I improve?” Hints: Which area are you looking for improvement?

   

  Prompt: “I’m hosting a party. Give me a recipe for salads.” Hints: Any dietary restrictions? How detailed should it be?

   
   

   
   

  Follow-Up Prompts: It’s a Conversation, Not a Monologue

   
   
  DALL·E 2023-10-28 00.10.54 - Minimalistic illustration with the phrase 'Follow Up Prompt' in bold and clear letters positioned at the top center. Below, there is a user on the lef.png

   

  You’ve got your CORE framework down, but let’s be real — nobody’s perfect. It’s rare to get exactly what you need from ChatGPT with just one prompt. And guess what? That’s totally okay! Working with ChatGPT is more like a conversation than a monologue. Sometimes, you need to clarify, adjust, or even backtrack to get to the answer you’re looking for.

  The key to effective follow-up prompts is to identify what went wrong (or what could be better) with the initial response. Is ChatGPT missing some background information? Were your original requirements unclear? Did your example mislead the model? Once you spot the issue, your follow-up prompt can address it, refining ChatGPT’s understanding and output.

  Don’t worry if you have to go through several iterations. The goal is to gradually narrow down to the most accurate and helpful response, and that usually takes a bit of back-and-forth.

   

  Common Issues and How to Address Them Through Follow-Up Prompts

   

  Missing Background Information

  Explanation: Sometimes ChatGPT doesn’t have enough context to give a tailored response. This usually happens when the initial prompt is too vague or general. In such cases, you’ll likely get a broad or generic answer that might not meet your specific needs. The key is to pinpoint what additional information would make your question clearer and include that in your follow-up prompt.

  Example 1: Initial Prompt: “Tell me about photosynthesis.” Initial Response: “Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll pigments.” Follow-Up Prompt: “I’m interested in understanding how chlorophyll plays a role in photosynthesis. Could you elaborate?” Improved Response: “Absolutely! Chlorophyll is essential for photosynthesis in plants. It’s the molecule in plant cells that absorbs sunlight and uses its energy to convert CO2 and water into glucose and oxygen.” Example 2: Initial Prompt: “Explain the concept of renewable energy.” Initial Response: “Renewable energy is energy that is collected from resources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, and rain.” Follow-Up Prompt: “Can you focus on how solar energy is harnessed and converted into electricity?” Improved Response: “Certainly! Solar energy is harnessed using photovoltaic cells commonly found in solar panels. These cells convert sunlight directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect.”

   

  Misleading Descriptions

  Explanation: At times, the words you use in your prompt might inadvertently guide ChatGPT down the wrong path. For example, asking for a “quick recipe” could still yield a complex dish if ChatGPT’s definition of “quick” differs from yours. It’s important to clarify any terms or phrases that could be interpreted in multiple ways.

  Example 1: Initial Prompt: “Give me a quick recipe.” Initial Response: “How about Beef Bourguignon? It’s a delightful French dish, although it takes about 2 hours to make.” Follow-Up Prompt: “I’m looking for something quick and easy to prepare. Do you have a recipe that takes less than 30 minutes?” Improved Response: “Of course! A quick and easy option would be a classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. You’ll need spaghetti, garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil, and it takes just about 20 minutes to prepare.” Example 2: Initial Prompt: “How do I become popular?” Initial Response: “Gaining popularity can involve a myriad of factors such as your social media presence, networking skills, and even your charisma.” Follow-Up Prompt: “I was referring to becoming well-liked among my local community members. Do you have any tips for that?” Improved Response: “Ah, I understand. In a local community setting, becoming well-liked often involves being actively involved in community events, being kind and approachable, and showing genuine interest in the well-being of others.”

   

  Unclear Requirements

  Explanation: If you have specific requirements for how you’d like the information to be presented, it’s crucial to state them clearly. Whether you want a detailed explanation, a summarized list, or any other specific format, not stating this clearly can lead to getting a response that doesn’t meet your expectations. Always specify your requirements in your prompt or follow-up to get the answer you’re looking for.

  Example 1: Initial Prompt: “Write me a poem about the ocean.” Initial Response: “The ocean’s waves dance to and fro, a ballet of nature, don’t you know.” Follow-Up Prompt: “Could you write the poem in a sonnet form?” Improved Response: “The ocean’s waves in moonlight gleam so bright, a dance of liquid sapphire through the night. Each crest and trough an artist’s stroke, it seems, a living, breathing, ever-changing dream.” Example 2: Initial Prompt: “Tell me how to take care of a dog.” Initial Response: “Taking care of a dog involves feeding, exercise, grooming, and regular veterinary check-ups.” Follow-Up Prompt: “Could you provide the information in a detailed list format?” Improved Response: "Certainly! Here’s a detailed list: Feeding: Choose nutritionally balanced food and provide fresh water. Exercise: Daily walks and playtime are essential. Grooming: Brush regularly and keep nails trimmed. Vet Visits: Annual check-ups and vaccinations are a must."

   

  Misleading Examples

  Explanation: Sometimes, you might use an example to indicate the style or format you’re interested in. But if your example isn’t spot-on, ChatGPT might take it too literally or misunderstand your intention. Be mindful of the examples you use and make sure they align closely with what you’re actually looking for.

  Example 1: Initial Prompt: “Write me a story like Harry Potter.” Initial Response: “In a dystopian future, young Sarah discovers she’s a tech wizard capable of controlling machines with her mind.” Follow-Up Prompt: “I meant a fantasy story set in a magical world.” Improved Response: “Ah, got it. In the magical kingdom of Eldoria, a young orphan named Tim discovers an ancient wand that bestows upon him incredible magical powers.” Example 2: Initial Prompt: “Suggest a hearty dinner recipe.” Initial Response: “How about a seafood paella?” Follow-Up Prompt: “I was thinking of something more along the lines of a meat and potatoes kind of meal.” Improved Response: “Ah, I see. How about a classic meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes? It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy.”

   

  Needs Additional Information

  Explanation: Even when you think you’ve provided enough details, sometimes ChatGPT might still need more information to give you the best possible answer. This could be additional context, specific preferences, or other factors that weren’t included in your initial prompt. If the initial response is lacking, think about what additional details could make it more precise.
   

  Example 1: Initial Prompt: “What laptop should I buy?” Initial Response: “The ideal laptop depends on various factors, including what you’ll be using it for, your budget, and personal preferences.” Follow-Up Prompt: “I’ll mainly be using it for video editing.” Improved Response: “For video editing, you’ll want a laptop with a strong processor, at least 16GB of RAM, and a high-resolution display. MacBook Pro and Dell XPS 15 are good options.” Example 2: Initial Prompt: “What pet should I get?” Initial Response: “Choosing a pet depends on your lifestyle, living situation, and personal preferences. Dogs and cats are popular choices, but there are also birds, fish, and small mammals like hamsters.” Follow-Up Prompt: “I should add that I live in an apartment.” Improved Response: “If you live in an apartment, you might consider smaller pets that require less space. Small dog breeds, fish, or even a rabbit could be a good fit.”

   

  Understanding these common pitfalls and knowing how to navigate them can greatly improve your interactions with ChatGPT. A good prompt often requires some iteration and fine-tuning, so don’t hesitate to refine your questions in follow-up prompts.

   
   

  Hands-On Activity: Mastering the Art of Follow-Up Prompts

   

  Objective

  In this activity, you will practice writing follow-up prompts to fine-tune ChatGPT’s responses. You’ll start with some initial prompts that are intentionally less effective. After getting the initial responses, you’ll identify issues based on the categories we’ve discussed and write follow-up prompts to address them. Finally, you’ll evaluate the improved responses to see if they meet your expectations.

  Guidelines for a Great Response Relevance: Does the response answer your question directly and completely? Clarity: Is the response easy to understand, with no ambiguous or confusing parts? Depth: Does the response provide a sufficient level of detail? Tone: Does the tone of the response match what you were looking for (e.g., formal, casual, educational, etc.)? Formatting: Is the response formatted in a way that makes it easy to read and understand?
    Initial Prompts “Tell me how solar energy works.” “What’s a good meal I can make quickly?” “How can I make my bedroom more comfortable?” “How do I get better at playing basketball?” “Explain how a car engine works.”
    Steps Step 1: Copy one of the initial prompts and put it into the same chat project used in the previous activity. Step 2: Examine the response you get. Identify any issues based on the categories we’ve discussed (Missing Background Information, Misleading Descriptions, Unclear Requirements, Misleading Examples, Needs Additional Information). Step 3: Write a follow-up prompt to address the issue(s) you’ve identified. Put your follow-up prompt into ChatGPT. Step 4: Again, examine the new response. Is it improved? Does it meet the guidelines for a great response? If not, go back to Step 3 and write another follow-up prompt. Step 5: Once you’re satisfied with the response, move on to the next initial prompt and repeat the process.
    Example of the Process Initial Prompt: “Tell me how solar energy works.” Initial Response: “Solar energy works by capturing the sun’s energy and turning it into electricity for your home or business.” Issues Identified: Missing Background Information, Unclear Requirements Follow-Up Prompt: “I’m doing a project on renewable energy sources. Can you explain how solar panels capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity, in a detailed manner?” Improved Response: “Certainly! Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells, which contain semiconductors. When sunlight hits these cells, it energizes the electrons, creating an electric current. This electricity is then converted from DC to AC and can be used to power your home. Solar inverters and battery storage systems can also be used for a more constant energy supply.” Evaluation: The improved response is relevant, clear, detailed, educational in tone, and well-formatted, meeting all the guidelines for a great response.

  Feel free to go through all the initial prompts to get the most out of this hands-on activity. Remember, the key to a meaningful interaction with ChatGPT often lies in the art of the follow-up prompt!

   

   

  Chapter Summary

   
  In this chapter, we explored the CORE framework to craft effective prompts for ChatGPT. The CORE framework consists of Context, Objective, Requirement, and Example, each adding clarity and precision to your questions. We illustrated this with detailed examples and explained how to fix common issues through follow-up prompts. Hands-on activities were included to offer practical experience in writing both initial and follow-up queries. By mastering these principles, you’re set to get the most relevant and accurate responses from ChatGPT.

   
   

  Project - An Improved Chat App

   

  It’s time to do some coding now. Please follow this tutorial to build an improved chatbot.

• Programming

  How to design and develop a solution program

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  Prerequisite The For-Loop Block The Repeat Block The Repeat Until Block The Forever Block

   

  What are Loops?

  A “loop” is a block for playing other blocks repeatedly. Below are some loop blocks you can use on the CreatiCode playground;

  
   

  What are Nested Loops?

  When you put one loop inside another loop, it becomes a “nested loop”. You can even have a third loop inside the inner loop.

  
   

  How Nested Loops Work?

  When you run a program with a nested loop, the inner (child) loop will work like a normal loop. However, because of the outer (parent) loop, the inner loop itself will be repeated.

  Here is a step-by-step example:

  Step 1: The main loop is played.

  
   

  Step 2: The Nested loop is started.

  
   

  Step 3: The blocks inside the nested loop are played until the condition of the nested loop is completed.

  
   

  Step 4: The blocks after the nested loop are played (if there are any).

  
   

  Step 5: The main loop is restarted.

  Note: All of the above 5 steps keep repeating until the condition of the main loop is completed.

  For example, as shown below, “repeat until ” is the nested loop, which keeps the monkey moving until it touches the edge of the stage. And “repeat (5)” is the main loop which repeats the nested loop 5 times.

  
   

  Use of Nested Loops

  We use Nested loops when we want to repeat multiple blocks at the same time, until multiple conditions are completed.

  For example, as shown below, nested loops are used to make the monkey move and eat bananas at the same time.

  
   

• Tools

  Design tools, math tools, collaboration tools, programming tools

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  Welcome to the CreatiCode Playground

   

  The CreatiCode Playground is a fun online platform where you can create and share projects using Scratch blocks. It builds on the open-source MIT Scratch framework but adds exciting new tools and features to make your projects even more awesome!

  This tutorial will guide you through the basics of using the CreatiCode Playground, perfect for beginners to block-based coding. If you’ve used MIT Scratch before, it is recommended that you quickly skim through and check out what’s different.

  Let’s dive in and get started!

   
   
   
   

  Create a New Account with Email and Password

   

  Good to Know: If you have a Google email, you can sign in directly without creating a new account!

  Here’s how to sign up using an email and password:

  Go to creaticode.com.
    Click the “Join” button in the top-right corner.
  Join Button
    Choose whether you’re a student or a teacher.
  Student or Teacher
    Fill out the sign-up form with your details, then click “FREE SIGN UP”.
  Note: The “Full Name” field is your username, and it doesn’t have to be your real name.
  Sign-Up Form
    If you’re 13 or younger, you’ll need to provide a guardian’s email (like a parent or teacher). Your account won’t work until your guardian approves it.
  Guardian Approval

   
   
   

  Sign In to Your Account with Email and Password

   

  Here’s how to sign in using your email and password (created by you or your teacher):

  Visit creaticode.com.
    Click the “Join” button at the top.
    On the next page, click “SIGN IN” in the top-right corner to open a dropdown menu.
  Sign-In Dropdown
    Enter your email and password, then click “Sign In”.

   
   
   
   

  Sign In with a Google Account

   

  If you have a Google account (like a Gmail or school email), signing in is super easy — no need to sign up!

  Go to creaticode.com.
    Click “Join” in the top-right corner.
  Join Button
    Click “SIGN IN” in the top-right corner, then select the “Google” button in the dropdown.
  Google Sign-In
    Enter your Google email and password to sign in.

  Tip: Always use the same sign-in method (either email/password or Google) to avoid any mix-ups.

   
   
   
   

  Explore Projects from the Community

   

  Scratch — and by extension, CreatiCode — is all about Create → Share → Remix! You can make a project (like a game), share it for others to play and give feedback, and even let others “remix” it to create their own versions. It’s a fun way to inspire each other!

  To check out projects shared by others:

  Click the “Explore” link at the top of the page.
    The top four rows show Editor’s Pick projects — cool demos that highlight what you can build on CreatiCode.
  Explore Projects
    Below those, you’ll see all community projects. Use the two dropdown menus on the right to sort them: Time Period: Choose a timeframe, like the past month or year. Sorting Method: Pick how to sort projects: Trending: Most likes. Popular: Most views. Recent: Newest projects. Inspiring: Most remixes.
  Sort Options

   
   
   
   

  Understand Project Stats

   

  Each project has a preview image with three key stats below it to give you a quick idea of its popularity and complexity:

  Love Count: How many users clicked the heart button to mark it as a favorite. View Count: How many times the project has been played. Block Count: How many coding blocks are in the project. A higher number usually means a more complex project.
  Project Stats

   
   
   
   

  Search for Community Projects

   

  With so many projects in the community, searching helps you find exactly what you’re looking for! Here’s how:

  Type a keyword (like “car”) in the search box and press Enter. You’ll see projects with that word in their name.
  Search Bar
    Click the small triangle in the search box to add filters, like finding only 3D projects or projects with a specific number of blocks.
  Advanced Search

   
   
   
   

  Check Out a Project’s Home Page

   

  When you click on a project, you’ll land on its home page, which has everything you need to explore it. Here’s what you’ll see (from top to bottom):

  Green Flag: Click this to play the project. Remix Button: Make your own copy of the project to edit. See Inside Button: Peek at the project’s code blocks and assets in the editor. !Report: Flag the project for the CreatiCode team if it has anything inappropriate. App Link: Send a link to the project as an app via email. Project Link: Get a direct link to the project. Comments: Share your thoughts (like compliments or ideas) and read what others have said. Remixes: Check out other users’ versions of this project, created by copying and modifying it.

   
  Project Home Page

   
   
   
   

  Remix a Project

   

  Want to put your own spin on a project you like? It’s easy!

  Click the orange “Remix” button on the project’s home page. A copy of the project will appear in your CreatiCode Playground. Make any changes you want, then share your version with the community!

   
   
   
   

  Share or Publish Your Project

   

  Your projects are private by default, so you can experiment without anyone seeing your work. When you’re ready to show it off, you can share or publish it.

  Sharing lets others play your project, view its code blocks, and remix it. This is called “open-source” because the code is open for everyone to see and use. Publishing lets others play your project, but they can’t see the code or remix it. This is called “closed-source” and is great for sharing finished projects, like a puzzle game where the secrets in the code must remain hidden.

  When sharing, you can choose who sees your project:

  Share: Open to all users. Share with friends: Only your CreatiCode friends can see it. Share with password: Only users with the password you set can access it. Share Unlisted: Not shown in Explore or search results — only users with the direct link can see it. Make private: Hide the project from everyone.
   
  Sharing Options

   
   
   
   

  Create a New Project

   

  Here’s how to make a new project:

  Click the “Create” link in the top navigation bar.
    Your new project comes with two default sprites: Sprite1: A cute dog with costumes for walking in all four directions—perfect for animations! Empty1: A blank sprite for your own ideas.
  Default Sprites
    If you don’t need the dog, just delete Sprite1 and start fresh!

   
   
   
   

  Browse Your Projects in “My Stuff”

   

  The “My Stuff” page is your hub for managing all your projects. To get there:

  Click the folder button in the top-right corner or select “My Stuff” from the dropdown menu.
  My Stuff Button
    You’ll see a list of all your projects, showing each project’s name, last modified date, and view count.
  My Stuff Page
    Use the menu on the left to filter projects by shared, published, or private. Click “See inside” on any project to open and edit it.

   
   
   
   

  Search for Projects in “My Stuff”

   

  If you have lots of projects, finding the right one is easy with the search box:

  Type a project name in the search box (upper or lower case doesn’t matter).
  My Stuff Search
    Tip: Give your projects clear, memorable names so you can find them quickly later!

   
   
   
   

  Find Blocks in the Block Palette

   

  The block palette on the left side of the Playground lists all the coding blocks you can use. Here’s how to use it:

  By default, the palette is folded to give you more workspace. Click any block category to open it.
    Want to keep it open? Click the “pin” button.
  Block Palette
    With tons of new blocks in CreatiCode, use the search box to find specific ones quickly. Clear the search by clicking the “X” button.
  Block Search

   

  You’re now ready to explore, create, and share in the CreatiCode Playground! Have fun building your projects and remixing others’ ideas. If you get stuck, revisit this tutorial or ask a teacher for help. Happy coding!