The BlockBooks Series is a collection of three interactive e-books, covering the topics of Generative Art, Simulation and Robotics. They are available in both iBooks and PDF formats. The iBooks edition can be read using iBooks on any iPad. The PDF edition may be read using any PDF reader, available on vast array of platforms and devices.

Each book contains a mix of HD tutorial videos, engaging activities and project-oriented challenges. Within these are interactive questions. These range from those with simple "slide to reveal" answers to others that can be typed and stored within the book itself (or within your web browser for the PDF edition) and even submitted online for assessment. Many questions even link directly into Piazza for organised, structured and moderated student discussions.

Aidan Lane, Bernd Meyer and Jonathan Mullins
With contributions by Jon McCormack

In this e-book you will learn about generative art with the aid of Scribble (see below). Through a series and tutorials and activities, you'll be introduced to drawing shapes with a pen, motion, filling, transparency, variables, random numbers, conditionals, parameters, recursion and more!

Download version 1.1 (released Nov 26, 2012):

• iBook Textbook (for Australia, Canada, U.K. and the U.S.)
• iBook Standard (for all other countries)
• PDF with Online Enhancements

Note: the iBooks edition comes bundled with all tutorial videos, allowing them to be viewed offline, along with extra interactive features not possible with the PDF edition.

Scribble (Desktop Application)

Scribble is a fun way for people of all ages to learn about Generative Art using a simple drag-and-drop programming interface. Scribble programs can be written by anyone, even without prior coding experience. To get started, download Scribble for your operating system and check out some of the example files included with the program.

Aidan Lane, Bernd Meyer and Jonathan Mullins
With contributions by David Albrecht

In this e-book you will learn about agent-based simulation and modelling with the aid of Cellular (see below). After a series and tutorials and activities, you'll be stepped through the challenges of simulating crowds, ants colonies, bacteria, predator / prey scenarios and more!

Download version 1.1 (released Nov 26, 2012)

• iBook Textbook (for Australia, Canada, U.K. and the U.S.)
• iBook Standard (for all other countries)
• PDF with Online Enhancements

Note: the iBooks edition comes bundled with all tutorial videos, allowing them to be viewed offline, along with extra interactive features not possible with the PDF edition.

Cellular (Desktop Application)

Cellular is a block-based programming environment for creating agent-based simulations. Different types of agents can be created, and their behaviour controlled by constructing scripts using a drag-and-drop interface. Agents can move around in a virtual space, and interact with each other and the environment. Agent-based simulation can be used to simulate any number of things, from the behaviour of insect colonies to the spread of a virus through a community. To get started, download Cellular for your operating system and check out some of the example files included with the program.

Aidan Lane, Bernd Meyer and Jonathan Mullins
With contributions by David Albrecht

In this e-book you will learn how to program a LEGO^® NXT robot using Enchanting (see below). You'll begin with a series and tutorials and activities, which will teach you how to use the NXT brain, motors and variety of sensors (touch, ultrasonic, sound and light). Then you'll be stepped through the challenges entitled: Velociraptor, Robot Sumo, Bomb Squad, Maze Solver, The Mountaineer and more!

Download version 1.1 (released Nov 26, 2012):

• iBook Textbook (for Australia, Canada, U.K. and the U.S.)
• iBook Standard (for all other countries)
• PDF with Online Enhancements

Note: the iBooks edition comes bundled with all tutorial videos, allowing them to be viewed offline, along with extra interactive features not possible with the PDF edition.

Enchanting (Desktop Application)

Enchanting is an easy-to-use graphical programming tool, designed specifically for LEGO^® MINDSTORMS NXT robots. This open-source software is primarily developed by SABRE (Southern Alberta Robotics Enthusiasts) and based on BYOB (Build Your Own Blocks), which itself is developed by the University of California, Berkley.

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If you are interested in receiving updates on the availability of Monash course materials for BYOB applications in the secondary-to-tertiary curriculum, please register your interest below.

If you have any questions or comments regarding these materials, you can also contact .

CS4HS Victoria

CS4HS Victoria (Australia) is headed by Associate Professor Steven Bird of the University of Melbourne and co-organised with Associate Professor Bernd Meyer (Associate Dean Education) of Monash University and Paula Christophersen of the VCAA (Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority).

CS4HS (Computer Science for High School) is an initiative sponsored by Google to promote Computer Science and Computational Thinking in high school and middle school curriculum. With a grant from Google's Education Group, universities develop 2-3 day workshops for local high school and middle school CS teachers. These workshops incorporate informational talks by industry leaders, and discussions on new and emerging CS curricula at the high school and middle school level.

www.cs4hs.com, 2012