CoSpaces Solar System Tutorial

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to create a Solar System model using the CoSpaces Mergecube environment. This guide will take you through the process of adding planets, creating paths for them to follow, and coding their movements around the sun. By the end of the tutorial, you'll have a functional and interactive solar system model.

Step 1: Setting Up Your CoSpaces Environment

• Begin by opening CoSpaces and creating a new project.
• Select the Mergecube environment to utilize its features effectively.
• Familiarize yourself with the interface, including the toolbox and the 3D space where you'll be working.

Step 2: Adding the Sun

• Drag and drop a sphere from the toolbox to represent the sun.
• Resize the sphere to make it larger than the planets, ensuring it's the focal point of your solar system.
• Change the color of the sphere to a bright yellow or orange to mimic the sun.

Step 3: Adding Planets

• For each planet, drag and drop additional spheres from the toolbox.
• Resize each sphere based on the relative size of the planets (e.g., larger for Jupiter, smaller for Mercury).
• Change the colors of the spheres to match the planets (e.g., blue for Earth, red for Mars).

Step 4: Creating Planetary Paths

• Use the "Path" tool in CoSpaces to create circular or elliptical paths around the sun for each planet.
• Adjust the path's radius according to the distance of each planet from the sun.
• Ensure paths are clearly visible by selecting contrasting colors.

Step 5: Coding Planet Movements

• Select a planet and open the coding interface.
• Use the following code snippet to initiate movement along the path:

  on start {
      move forward on path (planetPath)
  }
  

• Replace planetPath with the name of the path you created for that specific planet.
• Set the speed of the planet's movement to create a realistic orbit.

Step 6: Adding Interactivity

• Add user interaction by coding the planets to react when tapped.
• Use the following code snippet to display information about each planet:

  on tap {
      show message ("This is [Planet Name].")
  }
  

• Replace [Planet Name] with the actual name of the planet.

Step 7: Testing Your Solar System Model

• Once all planets and paths are set up, enter the play mode in CoSpaces.
• Observe the movements of the planets along their paths, ensuring they orbit around the sun correctly.
• Test the interactive features to ensure messages display as intended.

Conclusion

You've successfully built an interactive Solar System model in CoSpaces! You added planets, created paths for them to navigate around the sun, and implemented coding for movement and interaction. As a next step, consider adding more features like moons or additional information about each planet to enhance the experience. Enjoy exploring your new solar system!