Random Shakespearean Insult Generator Lesson

Created Feb. 7, 2024 by STEMToolkit Administrator

Random Shakespearean Insult Generator

Time Required: 2-3 days

Stage 1 - Desired Results

Lesson Overview
  1. Discussion of wit in Shakespearean plays and how this wit was communicated through insults. Specifically, how do words communicate tone and how was Shakespeare a master at using words and language? Most Shakespearean plays can be used for this lesson.
  2. Discussion of coding and computer science, career opportunities, and why it is a good skill to be exposed to.
  3. Demonstration of a sample random Shakespearean insult generator, and discussion of the major concepts needed including arrays, functions, randomization, types, and string interpolation. Students will build arrays (lists of words) using found words from a Shakespearean play.
  4. Discussion on how to detect and debug errors.
  5. Time to build the insult generator using the provided resources for Swift Playgrounds, Scratch, or Raspberry Pi. All of these resources provide instructions and sample code. Beginners may follow the instructions and sample code to complete the code, but more advanced students may modify the provided code/instructions or create their own program from scratch.


PA Core Standards / Next Generation Science Standards
T & E EducationComputer ScienceCEWELA Education
  • 3A-AP-14
  • 2-AP-11
  • 3B-AP-22
  • 13.1.11.A
  • C.C.1.3.910.C
  • CC1.3.9-10.F


Essential Questions
  • How do words and phrases shape the meaning and tone of texts?
  • How can arrays be used to create more efficient and simplified code?


Students Will KnowStudents Will Be Doing
  • ELA specific vocab
  • Tone
  • Theme
  • Archaic Language
  • Computer Science vocab
  • Arrays
  • Debugging
  • Functions
  • Methods
  • Types
  • String Interpolation
  • Learners will find words within a Shakespearean play that would fit an insulting tone.
  • Learners will create a program that randomly selects the found words in order to generate insults.

Stage 2 - Instructional Processes & Differentiation

Instructional Process (i.e., Lesson Delivery)
  • Class discussions on Shakespearean wit and importance of coding and computer science.
  • Demonstration of creating a sample project
  • Hands-on work


Differentiation & Enrichment
Lower Achieving Students
  • Use provided sample code in its entirety and complete the arrays with found words from a Shakespearean play.
Higher Achieving Students
  • Modify the provided sample code to add additional functionality to what is provided.
  • Create a unique insult generator from Scratch using with original code using provided APIs.

Stage 3 - Assessment / Demonstration & Monitoring of Student Progress

Assessments (Formative and Summative):Performance Task(s)
  • Formal Assessment:
  • The final Shakespearean Insult Generator
  • Rubric
  • Selection of words (adjectives and nouns) from a Shakespearean work that match an insulting tone
  • Creation of a program that randomly generates a Shakespearean style insult

RESOURCES / LINKS / MATERIALS

Materials
  • This option is for the Swift Playgrounds app on the iPad.
  • Subscribe to access the Random Shakespearean Insults Playground Book
  • This is a completed Scratch project. View the code and modify.


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