Computer Science
Grade 3
20 min
What is a Branching Narrative?
Introduce the concept of choosing your own adventure stories and how they work.
What you'll learn
- Explain what a branching narrative is in your own words to a friend, including the idea of choices leading to different stories.
- Identify at least two different choices a character could make in a simple story that would lead to different outcomes.
- Create a short branching narrative with at least two different choices and three different endings using pictures or drawings.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define 'branching narrative' in their own words.
Identify the choices and outcomes in a simple story.
Explain how a choice changes the direction of a story.
Draw a simple map of a story with at least two branches.
Use 'If/Then' statements to describe a story's path.
Create a short, two-path branching narrative on paper.
Have you ever read a story and wished you could choose what the hero does next? 🦸♀️🤔 With branching narratives, you can!
Today, we'll learn about a special kind of story called a branching narrative, where your choices change the ending. It's like being the author and the main character at the same time! This helps us understand how computers make decisions.
Real-World Applications
Choose-your-own...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Branching NarrativeA story that has more than one ending. The reader makes choices that change which path the story takes, like branches on a tree.In a story about a knight, you might choose to 'fight the dragon' or 'sneak past the dragon'. Each choice leads to a different adventure.
ChoiceA moment in the story where the reader gets to decide what a character does. This is the spot where the story can branch.You find a mysterious door. Your choices are: 'Open the door' or 'Walk away'.
PathThe series of events that happen after you make a choice. Different choices lead to different paths.If you choose to 'Open the door', the path might lead you to a treasure room. If you 'Walk away', the path might lead you b...
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Core Syntax & Patterns
The If/Then Rule for Stories
IF [a choice is made], THEN [a specific path begins].
Use this to plan your story. Every time you give the reader a choice, you must also create a 'Then' part that describes what happens next. This is how computers follow instructions.
The Two-Paths Rule
Every Choice must lead to at least two different Paths.
To make a story branch, a choice point needs to have more than one option. If there's only one option, it's not really a choice and the story doesn't branch.
The Mapping Rule
Start -> Choice -> Path 1 / Path 2 -> Outcome 1 / Outcome 2
When you draw a map of your story, always start with the beginning. Then, draw lines from each choice to its different paths and outcomes. This helps you see your whole...
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Challenging
A story has three starting choices: Door 1, Door 2, or Door 3. Door 1 leads to the Treasure Room. Door 2 leads to another choice: a red path or a blue path. The blue path leads to the Treasure Room. Door 3 leads to a Trap. Which two different choices can end up in the same place?
A.Door 1 and Door 3
B.Door 2 and Door 3
C.The red path and the blue path
D.Door 1 and taking the blue path after Door 2
Challenging
In a digital story, a variable called 'has_shield' is set to TRUE if you choose to visit the blacksmith. Later, the story says 'IF has_shield is TRUE, THEN you block the dragon's fire.' How does this variable help make a branching narrative?
A.It makes the story have more words.
B.It lets the story 'remember' a past choice to create a future result.
C.It makes the computer run faster.
D.It guarantees a happy ending for the player.
Challenging
You are designing a story where the reader can get stuck in a loop. Which of these instructions would create a loop?
A.If you open the box, the story ends.
B.If you take the left path, you find a new choice.
C.If you choose the blue door, go back to the part where you first saw the blue door and choose again.
D.If you talk to the robot, it gives you a key.
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Frequently asked questions
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What is a Branching Narrative? is a Grade 3 Computer Science lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in What is a Branching Narrative??
You'll be able to: Explain what a branching narrative is in your own words to a friend, including the idea of choices leading to different stories; Identify at least two different choices a character could make in a simple story that would lead to….
Is "What is a Branching Narrative?" free to practice?
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How many practice questions are included with What is a Branching Narrative??
This lesson includes 27 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.