← Back home

Trace Point Shapes

Plot coordinates to recreate shapes with precise setxy movements and pen controls.

  • Math
  • Hard
  • 5 min
  • 9-12

Round 1/10

Coordinate Tracing

Score 0

Difficulty: ...

Points: ...

Plot exact coordinates with setxy to trace the highlighted outline.

How to Play

How to Play

  1. Study the glowing outline on the coordinate grid (axes span from -10 to 10).
  2. Use penup to lift the pen, setxy <x> <y> to jump to specific coordinates, and pendown to draw.
  3. Chain together points to trace the entire figure. Use repeat when patterns emerge.
  4. Run your program, compare it with the reference outline, then adjust coordinates or order to close gaps.

Knowledge Background

This experience cements ordered pairs, quadrants, and coordinate transformations. Students learn to read and plot points accurately, understand horizontal vs. vertical movement, and appreciate symmetry.

Why This Helps Kids

Coordinate graphing often feels abstract; this game makes it tangible. Learners see instant consequences of swapping x/y values or changing signs, building intuition they’ll later apply to slope, linear equations, and geometry proofs.

Extensions & Teacher Tips

  • Challenge students to label key vertices or calculate distances between points using the coordinate grid.
  • Ask them to predict where the turtle will end after executing a repeat block.
  • Create blank grids on paper so learners can plan their code before typing.
  • Shift to Program Turtle Shapes for free-form art or back to Trace Path Shapes to compare turning-based vs. coordinate-based movement.