More Magpie

Activities

1. (Optional, depending upon Internet access) Getting acquainted with existing chatbots
   • Compare features/limitations of two chatbots
   • Directed lab activities for 15-45 minutes
   • Exercises and questions suggested
2. Introduction to the simple Magpie code
   • Directed lab activities for 1-3 hours
   • Understand basic search/replace algorithm
   • Reading and modifying basic class
   • Utilize if statements and simple String operations
3. Better keyword detection
   • Directed lab activities for 1-2 hours
   • Introduction/use of Java API for strings
   • Review code for search algorithms and consider possible modifications to detect single words
   • Trace code and record results
4. Responses that transform sentences
   • Directed lab activities for 1-2 hours
   • Constructing more complicated responses
   • Analyze code and reflect on alternative string-matching possibilities
5. Arrays and the Magpie (extension activity)
   • Directed lab activities for 30 minutes
   • May be covered after the first activities — when arrays introduced.
   • provides natural application and context for arrays

Timing and Content within AP CS A

• Designed for use early in an AP CS A course
• Provides practice with if statements and algorithms
• Provides context for practice with Strings

created 18 January 2013 last revised 24 February 2013

previous