6.3.5 Cmu Cs Academy [patched] May 2026

Since CMU CS Academy updates their curriculum frequently and specific exercise numbers can shift, Unit 6.3 generally focuses on Keyboard Input. Specifically, 6.3.5 is typically an exercise where students learn to move a shape using onKeyPress and onKeyRelease to create smooth movement (handling the "sticky key" issue).

Below is a guide on the concepts taught in this section and a walkthrough for a standard "Shape Mover" exercise.

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The Objective: From Text to Graphics

The primary goal of 6.3.5 is to bridge the gap between backend data processing and frontend visual output. Students are usually tasked with reading a CSV (Comma Separated Values) file and plotting the data using a Bar Chart, Line Graph, or Scatter Plot. 6.3.5 Cmu Cs Academy

This exercise reinforces the idea that coding is a tool for problem-solving. Instead of just drawing shapes, students are drawing shapes based on external, real-world variables.

1. Reading CSV Files

The foundation of the exercise is importing data. Instead of manually typing lists like data = [10, 20, 30], students learn to read from a file. The typical pattern involves: Since CMU CS Academy updates their curriculum frequently

• Importing the csv library.
• Opening a file using with open('filename.csv') as file:.
• Using csv.reader to parse the file into a list of lists or processing it row by row.

2. The key Parameter

The onKeyPress(key) function receives a string argument. For arrow keys, the strings are:

• 'up'
• 'down'
• 'left'
• 'right'

1. The Core Concept: Event-Driven Movement

In previous units, you used app.step() to make things happen automatically. In Unit 6.3, you switch to Event-Driven programming. The code only runs when the user presses a key. The Objective: From Text to Graphics The primary goal of 6

Educational Goals

• Practice handling mouse drag events (onMouseDrag)
• Use appends to a list to store shapes
• Combine mouse coordinates with random colors

Step 2: Set Up the Function Template

In CMU CS Academy’s graphics environment, you would write:

def alternating_colors(rows, cols):
    grid = []  # This will become a list of rows
    # Your nested loops here
    return grid