First, a quick hello
Hi! I'm a software engineer and lead.
Hi — I'm your guest today
Ryan
Software Engineer & Lead
I write code every single day.
Big problems & small problems
I've built all kinds of things.
Digital comics
Sound Analysis
From digital comics to sound & audio — big jobs and small ones.
A problem-solving adventure
Exploring Patterns
in Code
with Mr./Ms. ____
Meet our wizard
This is Branch.
Branch solves problems with spells — and every spell is really just instructions, like code.
Branch has a quest
A BIG problem.
Branch must light the Star Tower across the land. Too big for one spell!
Back to my job for a second
I solve big problems for a living.
My trick: take a giant goal, design how it'll work, then build it in small pieces — planning for every "what if" so people are happy.
Step 1 · Break it down
🌊1 · Travel the distance
🔑2 · Open the gate
3 · Light the tower
One big job → small expert jobs. That's decomposition.
Step 2 · A "what if" moment
IF 🌊 there's a river…
✓ Branch picks the bridge — and crosses!
IF this happens → THEN do that. A branch in the plan!
Step 2 · Another "what if"
IF 🔒 the gate is locked…
✓ Branch unlocks the gate — and walks through!
Same trick, new door: IF locked → THEN unlock it first. Another branch!
Step 3 · Don't repeat yourself
🪔🪔🪔
✨ new spell: Light
✨ spark→🔥 grow→🌟 blaze
Light!Light!Light!
Three lamps… casting every step each time is slow.
This isn't just magic
It's everywhere — even when you can't see it.
🧊Fridge lightIF the door opens → THEN light on
🔥Smoke alarmIF it smells smoke → THEN sound the alarm
🚦Traffic lighta function that repeats, all day
🧼Dishwasherone "wash" spell: rinse → soap → dry
🪄
Now you're
the wizard.
In your Scratch story — what "if-then" choice does your reader get to make?
Logical thinking is a superpower
You are a programmer, project-manager & problem-solver!