Python Turtle Assignment: Challenge 1 – Getting Started

Step 1: Import the Turtle Module

We need to import the turtle module to start using it in our code.

This line should be added at the top of your Python script:

# Add the following import statement at the top of your code
import turtle
            

Action: In your code editor, type import turtle at the top of your script.

Step 2: Create a Turtle Object

Now we need a screen for the turtle to draw on, and then create the turtle (our "pen").

# Add these lines after your import statement
# This creates a screen and a turtle named "pen"
screen = turtle.Screen()
pen = turtle.Turtle()
            

Action: Add these lines to create your screen and turtle.

Step 3: Move the Turtle Forward

To draw, we move the turtle forward a certain distance. Let's move it forward by 100 units.

# Add this line to move the turtle forward 100 units
pen.forward(100)
            

Action: Add pen.forward(100) to move the turtle forward.

Step 4: Turn the Turtle Right

To eventually form a square, we need to turn the turtle right by 90 degrees after drawing each side.

# Add this line to turn the turtle right by 90 degrees
pen.right(90)
            

Action: Add pen.right(90) to rotate the turtle 90 degrees.

Step 5: Repeat Moving and Turning

Repeat the forward and turn steps three more times to complete the square.

# Add these lines to draw all four sides of the square
# First side (already done): pen.forward(100) then pen.right(90)
# Second side
pen.forward(100)
pen.right(90)

# Third side
pen.forward(100)
pen.right(90)

# Fourth side
pen.forward(100)
pen.right(90)
            

Action: Add these lines to complete the square.

Step 6: Simplify with a Loop

Instead of writing the forward and right steps four times, use a loop to make the code cleaner:

# Replace the repeated steps with this loop
for _ in range(4):
    pen.forward(100)
    pen.right(90)
            

Action: Use the loop to replace the repetitive code.

Step 7: Keep the Window Open

To view your drawing, keep the window open until you click it by using screen.exitonclick():

# Add this line at the end of your code to keep the window open
screen.exitonclick()
            

Action: Add screen.exitonclick() at the end of your code.

Complete Code

Here’s the full code for Challenge 1:

# Full Code: Copy and paste into a file and run
import turtle

# Set up the screen
screen = turtle.Screen()
screen.title("Challenge 1: Draw a Square")
screen.bgcolor("lightyellow")  # Optional: Change background color

# Create a turtle named "pen"
pen = turtle.Turtle()
pen.color("blue")      # Set the pen color
pen.pensize(3)         # Set the pen size

# Draw a square using a loop
for _ in range(4):
    pen.forward(100)   # Move forward by 100 units
    pen.right(90)      # Turn right by 90 degrees

# Finish drawing and keep the window open until clicked
screen.exitonclick()
            

Enhancements (Optional)

Try experimenting with:

• Change Pen Color: pen.color("green")
• Change Pen Size: pen.pensize(5)
• Change Background Color: screen.bgcolor("lightblue")
• Change Turtle Speed: pen.speed(2)

Expected Outcome

When you run the program, a window titled "Challenge 1: Draw a Square" will appear with a blue square on a light yellow background. The window remains open until you click on it.