Programming and Probability
This was our math project, for our exhibition in December 2016. We were tasked with creating a game, after learning much about both programming and probability. The game could be anything - a shooter, an RPG, a real-time strategy, etc; the only rule was that some random event could happen in it. This could be an enemy spawning, shooting, a dice roll, etc; but there had to be something with a probability attached to it.
The Purpose
The purpose was not only to create a game, but to also achieve a higher understanding of probability and the math around it so that we have a better understanding of its uses in our modern world. We also learned a lot about the fundamentals and basics revolving around programming, code writing, and thinking outside the box.
The Two Parts
Programming: This half of the project was us being tasked with creating the aforementioned video game. This game could be either based on a pre existing game, or we could come up with an entirely new one. Many of my classmates recreated board games, or recreations of old video games, which is what I did. The game had to have at least one event in it that had a probability - mine had four - the number of enemies spawning was a random number between 30 and 80, the shots per minute was randomized, where they spawn was randomized, and how much damage they dealt was also randomized.. The tools we used for this game was the engine behind StarLogo Nova, but some people chose to create their programs in Java or Scratch.
Probability: This half of the project we studied the mathematical outlook of probability. We learned about observed and theoretical probability, spending weeks learning and solving problems dealing with various probabilities for different events. When the project was launched, it was split into benchmarks, and this is how it was graded. We started with deciding what our game was, how would we implement it, and some challenges we may face. The second benchmark was coming up with the probability(ies) needed for our game. After this, our third benchmark was the game itself -the fourth benchmark was calculating the probability that is in our game. My answer to the question, "What is the probability an alien ship that is spawned in the first wave would destroy the player in the first hit - the answer was 10 in 10000 or 0.1%. After this, we had to reflect on our DP, which is this piece.
My Games:
My game was a recreation of Space Invaders, the classic game from the early 1980's, in which a player is controlling a spaceship against waves of alien hordes. Because of the limitedness of our programming capability, I had it so that the bunkers in which the players can hide behind are not present, adding an extra challenge to the game. I also could not find out how to control the rate of fire, so within seconds the player is swarmed by bullets. But other than those two issues the game works fine, I even invite you, the reader, to play it below!
The Purpose
The purpose was not only to create a game, but to also achieve a higher understanding of probability and the math around it so that we have a better understanding of its uses in our modern world. We also learned a lot about the fundamentals and basics revolving around programming, code writing, and thinking outside the box.
The Two Parts
Programming: This half of the project was us being tasked with creating the aforementioned video game. This game could be either based on a pre existing game, or we could come up with an entirely new one. Many of my classmates recreated board games, or recreations of old video games, which is what I did. The game had to have at least one event in it that had a probability - mine had four - the number of enemies spawning was a random number between 30 and 80, the shots per minute was randomized, where they spawn was randomized, and how much damage they dealt was also randomized.. The tools we used for this game was the engine behind StarLogo Nova, but some people chose to create their programs in Java or Scratch.
Probability: This half of the project we studied the mathematical outlook of probability. We learned about observed and theoretical probability, spending weeks learning and solving problems dealing with various probabilities for different events. When the project was launched, it was split into benchmarks, and this is how it was graded. We started with deciding what our game was, how would we implement it, and some challenges we may face. The second benchmark was coming up with the probability(ies) needed for our game. After this, our third benchmark was the game itself -the fourth benchmark was calculating the probability that is in our game. My answer to the question, "What is the probability an alien ship that is spawned in the first wave would destroy the player in the first hit - the answer was 10 in 10000 or 0.1%. After this, we had to reflect on our DP, which is this piece.
My Games:
My game was a recreation of Space Invaders, the classic game from the early 1980's, in which a player is controlling a spaceship against waves of alien hordes. Because of the limitedness of our programming capability, I had it so that the bunkers in which the players can hide behind are not present, adding an extra challenge to the game. I also could not find out how to control the rate of fire, so within seconds the player is swarmed by bullets. But other than those two issues the game works fine, I even invite you, the reader, to play it below!