The Magic 8 ball is a fun and interactive toy that has been around for decades. It is a sphere-shaped object filled with liquid and has a 20-sided die inside with various answers written on it. The user asks a yes or no question, shakes the ball, and then turns it over to reveal the answer. While the Magic 8 ball is just a toy and not based on any real magic or psychic powers, it can still be entertaining to use and can sometimes provide a bit of insight or guidance. However, it's important to remember that the answers given by the Magic 8 ball are random, and there is no scientific or supernatural basis behind them. Sometimes, when asking the Magic 8 ball a question, the answer that comes up may not be what we were hoping for.
Sometimes, when asking the Magic 8 ball a question, the answer that comes up may not be what we were hoping for. It can be disappointing or disheartening when the ball predicts a negative outcome. Whether it's asking about a relationship, a job opportunity, or any other aspect of life, hearing a negative prediction can be discouraging.
The Magic 8 ball predicts a negative outcome
8-Ball – Creating a “Magic 8 ball game using TouchDevelop
In this introduction to programming using TouchDevelop, students will create a “Magic 8-Ball” game. The game will work by asking the user to input a yes / no style question and will respond with one of it’s classic predictions such as: “Yes”, “Most likely” and “Outlook not so good”.
- Understand and use sequence in an algorithm
- Understand and use selection in an algorithm (IF, Else and Else if)
- Understand and data structures in an algorithm (for example, Lists, Tables or Arrays)
- Understand the importance of comments in code
- Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals; solve problems by breaking them into smaller parts. Select, use and combine a variety of software on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs.
- Use sequence, selection and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
- Use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work; detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
- Use two or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems.
- Make appropriate use of data structures [for example, lists, tables or arrays]; design and develop modular programs that use procedures or functions
- Web enabled device (PC, Tablet, Phone) with an up-to-date browser (Internet Explorer, Safari, Chrome)
- TouchDevelop Web App ( www.touchdevelop.com )
Introduction:
The Magic 8-ball is a fortune telling toy created by Mattel in the 1950s.
Image by CRASH:Candy, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license (Flickr image link)
The concept is simple. Ask the 8-ball a yes or no question and the 8-ball will reply with answers such as “Yes”, “No”, “Without a doubt” etc. (Seemingly being able to predict the future)
The Magic 8 Ball is made up of 20 responses – 10 positive , 5 negative and 5 neutral . The 20 answers are:
Positive answers:
● It is certain ● It is decidedly so ● Without a doubt ● Yes definitely ● You may rely on it ● As I see it, yes ● Most likely ● Outlook good ● Yes ● Signs point to yes
Negative answers:
● Don't count on it ● My reply is no ● My sources say no ● Outlook not so good ● Very doubtful
Neutral answers:
● Reply hazy try again ● Ask again later ● Better not tell you now ● Cannot predict now ● Concentrate and ask again
- Wikipedia (Magic 8-Ball) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_8-Ball
- Magic 8-Ball.org - http://www.magic8ball.org
Lesson Outline:
In this introduction to programming using TouchDevelop, students will create a “Magic 8-Ball” game. The game will work by asking the user to input a yes / no style question and will respond with one of it’s classic predictions such as:“Yes”, “Most likely” and “Outlook not so good”.
Starter:
Direct students to one of the online Magic 8-Ball games listed below. Instruct students to ask the Magic 8-Ball a series of yes / no questions and note down some of the answers. Ask students to note down any repeat answers.
Note: Use these sites at your own risk. TouchDevelop.weebly.com is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites.
- Ask the Magic 8 Ball – http://eightball.tridelphia.net
- The Magic 8-Ball - http://lord.xopl.com/ulpage3a/8-ball.html
- Interactive Magic 8-Ball - http://www.magicmgmt.com/gary/magic8ball/index1.html
Activity 1:
Direct students to the link below and ask students to follow the instructions.
Tutorial:
Step-by-step tutorial (Opens directly inside touchdevelop):
Worksheet:| magic_8_ball_tutorial.docx |
Extension:
1. Ask students to add comments to their script explaining how it works
2. Ask students to input all of the 20 classic answers. (See above) Hint: Students can change the answers if they wish however, they must keep to the format of 10 positive, 5 negative and 5 neutral answers
3. Challenge students to modify their script so that the 8-ball speaks the prediction out aloud using the Languages à speak text command. (See Chat-bot tutorial)
4. Challenge students to create an alternative version of the classic 8-Ball game in which the user has to shake their device (using the accelerometer features in TouchDevelop) to receive a prediction.
Plenary:
Direct students to swap places with a partner or person next to them and try out their Magic 8-Ball game. Instruct the students to suggest at least one improvement using the comment facility in TouchDevelop. After a few minutes, ask the students to return to their seats and make any suggested improvements.
Homework:
Students can continue to work on their Magic 8 Ball game and publish their script when they have finished.
Licence:
Unless otherwise specified, everything in this repository is covered by the following licence:
The Magic 8-ball is a fortune telling toy created by Mattel in the 1950s.
However, it's crucial to keep in mind that the Magic 8 ball's answers are not meant to be taken seriously or to dictate our actions or decisions. It's just a toy, after all. We should not let the negative prediction from the Magic 8 ball discourage us or influence our beliefs too much. It's essential to rely on our own judgment, intuition, and logic when making decisions. In life, there will always be moments where we face challenges or encounter situations that may not turn out as we had hoped. It's important to embrace these moments as opportunities for growth and learning rather than being discouraged by them. The Magic 8 ball may have predicted a negative outcome, but it doesn't mean that it's set in stone or that we are powerless to change it. Instead of relying on a random toy to guide us, it's important to trust ourselves and make our own decisions based on careful consideration and thoughtful analysis of the situation at hand. We have the ability to shape our own future and create positive outcomes through our actions and choices. So, the next time the Magic 8 ball predicts a negative outcome, take it with a grain of salt and remember that it's just a toy. We have the power to create our own destiny, and the Magic 8 ball's predictions should not define or limit us. Let's use our own judgment, resilience, and determination to overcome any obstacles that come our way and strive for the positive outcomes we desire..
Reviews for "The Magic 8 ball's warning: a negative outcome for personal goals."
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