6. Monster Expression

In this video you will program your monster to say a statement that goes along with an expression.

To start, drag out a say block and add a one flag clicked block to it.

Awesome.

Since the current emotion is sad, write a sad sentence or message in the say block.

This example writes I ran out of ice cream.

When you test this the creature shows a sad expression and says the sad line.

Awesome.

Next, write a happy phrase.

This example says, so, I went to the store to get more.

To set the expression add a set feeling block above the happy statement and type in happy.

Test this.

This works, but you have to keep adding say and set feeling blocks to create more animation, which feels repetitive.

As you gain more experience as a computer scientist, you'll notice when you're creating similar code and figure out ways to make the code reusable.

This will save you time when building projects.

A function allows you to reuse code with different inputs, or parameters, so that the functionality is different each time.

Create a function that tells the monster what to say and which feeling it will display.

To start make a new block and name it something that makes sense for the project.

This example names the block show feelings.

To tell the function what the monster should say, add a parameter or input.

For this project, the monster should say a statement and express an emotion.

To say a statement click add input.

Name this string something like monster statements.

A string is a sequence of characters or numbers, including spaces and punctuation marks.

Click OK.

Great.

Next, place a say block under the define block and add the monster statements block inside it.

Any blocks placed under the show feelings block will run whenever the monster's feelings change in your animation.

You've defined the show feelings block to say the monster statements.

Test this function so far.

Replace the say blocks with show feelings blocks and copy the statements over.

Click the flag to test.

Cool, the monster says the message.

Next, animate the monster's expression at the same time.

Right click the define block, click edit, then add another string input.

Name it something like monster feelings.

Click OK.

Next, add a set feelings block above the say block and place the monster feelings argument inside it.

When the show feelings block is used, the monster feelings value in the block will be set in the variable and will change the monster animation.

A new blank appears in the show feelings blocks.

Type in the emotion associated with each statement.

You no longer need the set feeling blocks under both one flag clicked stacks, so delete them.

Test it out.

Great, the show feelings block uses the first input to make the monster talk and the second input to animate the monster's expression.

The code is much shorter and more manageable, because of the functions.

To make your monster have a neutral expression at the start of the program, go to the set feeling block and type calm.

Add more show feelings blocks to give your monster personality.

Check out the costumes tab to see the different feelings costumes in the starter project.

When you finish click share, so that others can see your project.

Also, go to the project page and give the project a creative title and description.

Now it's your turn.

Program a function to make your monster say a statement and change its expression at the same time.

Code your function using one flag clicked and the show feelings block.

Add more show feelings blocks to give your monster personality.

Give your monster even more expressions by exploring the add ons.