App Planning Worksheet Activity

:video_game: Activity Time!

Time needed: 30-40 minutes

What you'll do: Become a real app designer! You'll plan out your very own mobile app idea from start to finish, just like professional developers do. Plus, you'll build an awesome Timer App to practice your skills! :alarm_clock::iphone:

Before You Start:

:white_check_mark: Think about an app idea you'd love to create
:white_check_mark: Have paper and pencil ready for sketching
:white_check_mark: Watch all three planning videos
:white_check_mark: Get your creative thinking cap on!
:white_check_mark: Remember: Every great app starts with a great plan!

Learn from the Pros! :emoji:

Watch these awesome tutorial videos to become an app planning expert:

Video 1: Getting Started with App Planning

Video 2: Designing Your App Features

Video 3: Creating Your App Prototype

:bulb: Watch all three videos before starting your worksheet - they'll give you amazing ideas!

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Part One: Plan Your Dream App! :memo:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Get Your Worksheet Ready
   • Click here to get the App Planning Worksheet
   • Click "File" -> "Make a copy"
   • Name it: "Your Name - My Awesome App Idea"
2. Fill Out Your App Plan
   • App Name: Give your app a catchy name!
   • Purpose: What problem does your app solve?
   • Target Users: Who will love your app?
   • Features: List 3-5 cool things your app will do
   • Design: Sketch your app screens (stick figures are totally fine!)
3. Make It Awesome
   • Think about colors and buttons
   • How will users navigate your app?
   • What makes your app special?tip :bulb: Need Ideas? Think about:

• A game you'd love to play
• Something to help with homework
• An app to connect with friends
• A tool to organize your hobbies

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Part 2: Build the Timer App Challenge! :alarm_clock:

Your Mission:

Create a working Timer App that can count down and alert you when time's up!

Timer App Features You'll Build:

1. Input Field - Where users type how many seconds
2. Start Button - Begins the countdown
3. Pause Button - Temporarily stops the timer
4. Stop Button - Completely resets the timer
5. Display - Shows the countdown in real-time
6. Alarm - Plays a sound when timer reaches zero!

Building Tips:

1. Start Simple

   • First, make the timer count down from 10 seconds
   • Then add the input feature

2. Test As You Go

   • Try each button after you program it
   • Make sure the countdown displays correctly

3. Add Polish

   • Choose a fun alarm sound
   • Make the display big and easy to read
   • Add colors to make it look professional

Testing Checklist:

Before submitting, make sure: :white_check_mark: Start button begins countdown
:white_check_mark: Timer counts down correctly
:white_check_mark: Pause button freezes the timer
:white_check_mark: Stop button resets everything
:white_check_mark: Alarm plays at zero
:white_check_mark: User can enter custom times

:bulb: Tip

:dart: Pro Tip: Test with different numbers like 5, 10, and 60 seconds to make sure your timer works for any input!

:trophy: Challenge Yourself!

Want to make your Timer App extra special? Try adding:

• Different alarm sounds to choose from
• A progress bar that shrinks as time runs out
• Color changes as time gets low (green -> yellow -> red)
• The ability to save preset times (like "2 minutes" or "5 minutes")

Submit Your Amazing Work! :tada:

When your Timer App is working perfectly:

Submit Your Timer App Challenge Here!

Remember to:

• Double-check all features work
• Test with different time amounts
• Make sure your app looks neat and organized
• Feel proud of what you created!

You're an App Developer Now! :star2:

Congratulations! You've learned how to plan apps like a professional AND built a real working timer app. These are the exact same skills that developers use to create the apps on your phone. Keep practicing, keep creating, and who knows - maybe one day millions of people will use an app YOU designed!

Remember: Every app started as an idea on paper, just like yours! :rocket: