Abstract:
Fizz is a prototype programming environment for children which is based on a 2D physics simulator. Objects or shapes in a Fizz program behave with realistic physical properties: they fall, spin, slide, collide and bounce. Properties and behaviours of shapes are adjusted using a game-like menu system. Children can control the shapes by adding simple behaviours which are activated when particular events occur. Adding these behaviours is a simple way to program the shapes - when this event occurs then the shape does this e.g. when the rocket ship hits the planet the rocket ship explodes. The prototype was used successfully by hundreds of children in an Open Day situation and comments and suggestions for improvements were made.