CSC 216/s08/strive for happiness

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What is Polymorphism?

The problem

Describe what you are attempting to teach students by this exercise.

Polymorphism is derived from Greek, meaning "many forms". Therefore, in Java, polymorphism is using a super class variable to refer to a subclass object, the "many forms" of the super class variable. It is useful because interfaces and inheritance to be used more abstractly.

A game loosely based on "Let's Make A Deal" would be played.

2 teams would see a walk-through of 1 person going through the motions of choosing 1 of 4 doors and seeing what's behind each of the doors.

Behind each door would be an animal. Each animal would have maybe 2 methods, such as talk() or daySleeper().

A follow up of the exercise would be that each team would be given lines of code to order correctly (from the exercise)....or.....each team would attempt to write the code in order to make the walk-through work in a specified/requested fashion from the Powerpoint slide listed on the overhead. For example: Make an animal that is a carnivore, talk.

Participants and props

The whole class would participate and be divided into 2 teams.

5 students would participate in the front of the class.

Teams would be vying for "the prize". Incentive might be a victory trophy (cans of soda, candy bars, 1 extra point on the exam or homework).

Props would 8.5" x 11" paper with writing on it.

4 students would be each be holding 3 pieces of paper: 1 with a number on the "door" and another with code on it. The code would be hidden behind the "door numbered" piece of paper. The code would list the animal type. The last piece of paper would be a method.

What else do you need (e.g., old tennis ball, Powerpoint slides, software).

There may be a Powerpoint slide still up on the screen with the rules listed as a reminder.

The script

Describe how to do your exercise.