Creative Code. Colourful Thinking.
Lesson 1
Use Mu Editor to write Python Turtle commands and compare them with Scratch movement blocks.
Use these stages to move from reading code to creating your own version.
To understand how Scratch commands connect to Python Turtle code.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to run and modify a simple Turtle program, explaining why command order changes the output.
Scratch vs Python
Stretch: Circle or list any words you recognise from Scratch.
Look at the short Turtle program before running it. Think about what the turtle will draw first.
Read the code first. Do not run it yet.
from turtle import *
forward(100)
right(90)
forward(100)What path do you think the turtle will draw? Which command changes direction?
Open Mu Editor
Type the code below
Run and experiment
Watch how to open Mu Editor and get ready to write your Turtle code.
Type this code into Mu Editor and run it.
from turtle import *
forward(100)
right(90)
forward(100)
right(90)
forward(100)
right(90)
forward(100)Typing the code yourself helps build Python fluency and debugging skills.
Pause the video and try each step in Mu Editor before continuing.
Look closely at the code and connect each line to what the turtle does on screen.
What happens if the angle changes?
What happens if the loop repeats more times?
Which line controls colour?
Change one part at a time so you can see what each command controls.
Type this model into Mu Editor, then modify one command at a time.
from turtle import *
color("purple")
pensize(3)
forward(100)
right(90)
forward(100)
right(90)
forward(100)
right(90)
forward(100)Typing the code yourself helps build Python fluency and debugging skills.
Create your own Turtle artwork using sequence, movement and repeated turns.
Draw a simple shape using Turtle commands.
Add colour and pen size changes.
Create a small artwork using repeated movement and turns.
Example code and output.
Use the example to connect the Python instructions with the visual result.
Example code
from turtle import *
forward(100)
right(90)
forward(100)
right(90)
forward(100)
right(90)
forward(100)This WAGOLL shows a successful Turtle program created using sequence and movement commands.
Explain what you learned and identify the next improvement you would make.
Change the angle and predict how the Turtle path will change before you run the code.