C & R Section 7.1 and 7.2 Scratch

Scratch Overview

• Scratch is a visual programming language that allows students to create interactive stories, games, and animations.
• It helps students develop creative thinking, systematic reasoning, and collaborative work.

Ways to Code in Scratch

• There are two ways to code in Scratch: offline and online.
• Offline: download Scratch 3 and install it from the Microsoft Store or directly from the download page.
• Online: go to the Scratch website and create an account, using a fun username and password, without sharing personal details.

Scratch Interface

• Scratch is a block language, where blocks are clicked and dragged into the script area to create a program.
• Blocks are organized by color and grouped by their function.
• The sprite is the character or object that the blocks tell what to do.

Interface Components

• Block palette: where coding blocks are found, organized by color and grouped by function.
• Script area: where code is assembled, a script is a program that does something.
• Stage: where the script is run, showing what is happening.
• Extensions: where extra blocks can be added to the selection.
• Backdrops: where the scenery or background for the project can be chosen.

Important Tips

• Save files regularly, with a descriptive name, either online or by downloading to a computer.
• To open a file, click the folder button or load from a computer.
• Tutorials are available for more fun projects and learning.

Starting a Project

• Start with the "when green flag" block, which is yellow and found under "Events".
• Add the "move" block, which is blue and found under "Motion".
• Connect the blocks and run the script by double-clicking or clicking the green flag.

Creating a Walking Animation

• Use the "repeat" block, which is orange and found under "Control", to make the cat walk.
• Add the "next costume" block, which is purple and found under "Looks", to make the cat appear to walk.
• Add the "wait" block, which is orange and found under "Control", to slow down the animation.
• Experiment with numbers, repeat times, and wait times to customize the animation.

Adding Scenery and Sprites

• Click on "Backdrops" to add scenery or background to the project.
• Click on "Choose a sprite" to add another sprite to the project.
• Browse through the available sprites or search for specific ones.