About This Book
Nova faces a defender who reads every move. She tries to go the same direction every time, but the defender is always there, blocking her path. Frustration mounts as every attempt fails.
Nova learns that basketball requires making smart decisions based on what you see. The crossover dribble—changing direction based on what the defense shows—helps her create space and succeed.
Watch the Story
🎓 What You're Learning
🐍 Python Concept
Conditionals (if/then)
Making decisions based on conditions
if defender_left:
go_right()
else:
go_left()
🏀 Basketball Skill
The Crossover Dribble
Changing direction based on what you see
📚 For Ages
Grades 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Perfect for all skill levels
📋 Curriculum Standards
CSTA Standards:
1B-AP-12, 1B-AP-13
Common Core Math:
MP.2, MP.7
🎯 Learning Objectives
- Understand that conditionals make decisions
- Create conditional patterns using blocks
- See connection between blocks and Python if statements
- Write Python if/else statements
🎮 Try the Exercise
Practice the crossover dribble in the game! See if you can make smart decisions and create space just like Nova did.
Play the Game
Exercise Complete!
You've unlocked the next section.
🎓 What You Learned
🏀 Basketball Skill: The Crossover Dribble
You learned that:
- Watching and reacting is key to success
- Changing direction based on what you see creates opportunities
- Making smart decisions helps you succeed
- Adapting to the situation is important
💻 Coding Concept: Conditionals
You learned that:
- Conditionals make decisions based on conditions
- If/then blocks create decision-making programs
- Python if statements work the same way as blocks
- Decision-making is a fundamental coding skill
Example Python code:
if defender_goes_left:
crossover_right()
else:
go_straight()
📚 Curriculum Connection
This connects to:
- CSTA: 1B-AP-12, 1B-AP-13
- Common Core Math: MP.2 (Reason abstractly), MP.7 (Use structure)
- NGSS: ETS1-2 (Generate solutions)
🚀 What's Next?
Great job completing the Decision Crossover exercise! You've learned that coding uses if/then to make decisions.
📖 Ready for Book 3: The Pattern (In & Out Dribble)
Why Book 3 comes next:
You've mastered decision-making with conditionals. Now you'll learn to create patterns and repetition using loops—the next logical step in your coding journey!
What You'll Learn in Book 3:
- Python: Loops and repetition (for loops, while loops)
- Basketball: In & Out dribble (creating patterns, breaking them)
- Concept: Building expectation through repetition, then breaking the pattern
- Grades: 3-8 (same curriculum pathway)
Continue to Book 3: The Pattern →