Mini Project | Rock-Paper-Scissors Game Development

Overview

In this activity, students will work in pairs to create a Rock-Paper-Scissors game using Python. This project will help them apply their programming skills while reinforcing concepts like functions, conditionals, and loops. Students will start by developing their game in a Jupyter Notebook, which allows for easy testing and iteration, and they will have the option to convert their notebook into a Python script later.

Context

This project is designed as a one-day exercise where each pair of students will conceptualize, develop, and test their Rock-Paper-Scissors game. The activity will be structured into several steps to guide students through the development process.

Activity Steps

Step 1: Project Setup

• Choose Your Tools: Students will set up their development environment using Jupyter Notebooks.
• Create a New Notebook: Name it rock_paper_scissors.ipynb.

Step 2: Define Game Rules

• Outline the Game Logic: Discuss the rules of the game:
  • The player can choose Rock, Paper, or Scissors.
  • The computer randomly selects one of the three options.
  • Determine the winner based on the rules:
    • Rock crushes Scissors
    • Scissors cuts Paper
    • Paper covers Rock

Step 3: Implement the Game in Notebook

• Coding the Game:
  1. Import Required Libraries: Use the random library to allow the computer to make random choices.
  2. Define Functions:
     • Create a function to get the player's choice.
     • Create a function to get the computer's choice.
     • Create a function to determine the winner based on player and computer choices.
  3. Game Loop: Implement a loop that allows players to play multiple rounds until they choose to quit.

Step 4: Testing and Debugging

• Play & Test: Pairs should run their game in the notebook to ensure it works as expected. They should check for any bugs or logical errors and fix them.

Step 5: Optional Enhancements

• Extra Features (Optional): Students are encouraged to add additional features such as:
  • Keeping score of wins, losses, and ties.
  • Adding a user interface using libraries like tkinter (for advanced students).

Step 6: Convert Notebook to Script (Optional)

• After completing their game in Jupyter Notebook, pairs can convert their notebook into a Python script (rock_paper_scissors.py) if they choose. This step is optional and can serve as an additional learning experience on how to structure code for scripts.

Project Submission

• Final Code Submission: Each pair will submit their completed Jupyter Notebook (rock_paper_scissors.ipynb) along with any additional features they implemented. If they converted their notebook to a script, they should include that file as well.
• Documentation: Include comments in the code explaining key parts of the implementation and any challenges faced during development.
• Submit the link to pull request in Student Portal.

Individual Reflections

• After completing their projects, each student will share feedback in brief about 1-2 minutes each.
• The reflection, you should try to address each of the below:
  • What they enjoyed most about working on the project.
  • Any challenges they encountered and how they overcame them.
  • Key programming concepts they learned through this exercise.