STEM 100 APUS Computer Coding and Syntax Project

This week you have a choice of activities.  You can choose either, but here is some guidance on making a selection.

Code

Choice one is a game to learn about computer code vs. syntax.  If you are not very familiar with coding, this is the choice for you.

Capture the Flag

Choice two is a Capture the Flag game.  If you code and/or are working on an IT related degree, this is the choice for you.

Capture the Flag Activity (CTF)
Computer security is a cornerstone of the information technology field. While you may not choose to
specialize in the IT security field; cyber security is important to understand conceptually. So regardless
of which of our programs you are interested in; let’s learn more about security through interaction in a
Capture the Flag game. The page below provides you the information you will need to begin the CTF,
and tools to progress from level to level.
https://overthewire.org/wargames/bandit/
Your goals are to solve puzzles, learn about computer syntax, and, of-course, capture the flags for as
many levels as you can.
Deliverables
Please upload a minimum 1-page document with the following information
1. What commands did you use to progress from level to level, and what did they do? Take notes
as you go through the levels.
2. What did you learn from this CTF?
3. Include a screenshot of your highest level.
Optional Resources on the topic of CTFs.
https://dev.to/atan/what-is-ctf-and-how-to-get-started-3f04
Here is an hour long lecture that goes in-depth on CTF official competitions:

A shorter version explaining CTF competitions:

Computer Coding and Syntax
Computer Programming is a cornerstone of the information technology field, and STEM in
general. While you may not choose to specialize in the IT field; programming is important to understand
conceptually. So regardless of which of our programs you are interested in; let’s learn coding through
interaction in a virtual gaming environment. First please take a moment and listen to the following
short 4 minute video.
https://devmountain.com/blog/what-is-syntax-in-computer-programming-javascript101/#:~:text=Syntax%20is%20the%20set%20of,we%20give%20the%20computer%20instructions
Now that you have learned the differences between coding and syntax from the video; let’s proceed to
our activity. CodeCombat lets you learn syntax and coding in an engaging environment. Let’s see how
far you can get!
https://codecombat.com/play
Deliverables
Please upload a minimum 1 page document with the following information
•
•
•
What is the difference between syntax and coding?
What did you learn using codecombat?
Include a screenshot of your highest level.
Criteria
Compared/Contrasted
syntax vs coding
Codecombat
evaluation
Writing Standards
Mastery
Met
Developing
40
Evaluated from multiple
viewpoints
25
Evaluated using one viewpoint
0
Does not properly evaluate
topic
30
Critically analyzed
20
Discussed but did not fully develop
0
Did not reference or evaluate
20
Submitted with only minor
spelling/grammatical
mistakes
10
Submission contained grammatical
and spelling mistakes but was still
able to be understood
0
Could not clearly follow
thought because of
spelling/grammar errors
10
5
Screen shot included
Described highest level reached
Level Documentation
0
No documentation of
Codecombat