Scratch Programming: Key Terms

Introduction to Scratch Programming Key Terms

Add Backdrops

• This is integrating visual backgrounds into a graphical project.
• It enhances the aesthetics and sets the scene or environment.
• It creates a more immersive experience.
• Backgrounds can be selected and changed during runtime.
• Backgrounds should be relevant and clear.

Add Sprites

• This is importing/creating graphical objects that represent characters or items.
• This enhances visual engagement.
• Sprites can have animations and states.
• They rely on coordinate systems.
• Sprite collision handling is vital.
• Sprite Sheets optimize performance.

Create an Account in Scratch

• Allows users to save and share projects.
• Allows users to connect with the community.
• Gives access to many creative resources.
• Visit the Scratch website and click "Join Scratch" to start.
• Provide username, password, and parent's email.
• Follow Scratch's community guidelines.

Create an Appropriate Password

• Involves upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters to enhance security.
• Passwords should be a minimum of 12 characters.
• Avoid easily guessable information.
• Use a password manager.
• Update passwords regularly.

Create Storyboard

• Planning software features and user interactions visually.
• It uses sketches/diagrams to outline user journeys and system responses.
• Storyboards visualize user experiences.
• Storyboards map out functionality before coding begins.
• Use paper sketches, wireframes, or digital design software.
• Storyboards include user actions, outcomes, and scenarios.
• Review storyboards with stakeholders to ensure alignment.

Create Their First Program

• Introduces students to coding concepts and logic.
• Start with simple tasks like printing text or calculations.
• Familiarize yourself with the development environment.
• Debug to identify and fix errors.
• Practice frequently to reinforce concepts.

Demonstrate Knowledge of Techniques for Sprite Movement Using Event Blocks

• This is using predefined commands to control character actions.
• This enables animations and interactive experiences.
• Event blocks can handle user input.
• Loops are used for continuous movement.
• Conditionals manage different movement states.
• Coordinate systems are essential for determining sprite positions.
• Collision detection enhances interactivity.

Describe the Functionality of Each Component in Scratch

• Scratch features sprites, backdrops, scripts, and blocks.
• These enable users to create interactive stories via drag-and-drop mechanics.
• Sprites are characters within the Scratch environment
• Backdrops set the scene for the project.
• Scripts are collections of code blocks.
• Blocks represent coding functions.

Distinguish Between Output With and Without Loops

• Output with loops generates repetitive results.
• Output without loops provides static results.
• Loops can run a block of code multiple times.
• Without loops, the program runs each command sequentially creating fixed output.
• Common loop types include 'for', 'while', and 'do-while'.

Distinguish Between Repeat and Forever Blocks

• Repeat blocks execute a defined number of times.
• Forever blocks continue indefinitely until interrupted.
• Use repeat blocks for fixed iterations where the end count is known.
• Forever blocks are ideal for continuous actions, such as event listeners.
• Always ensure a forever block has a way to stop to prevent infinite loops.

Duplicate Scripts

• Occur when identical or similar code segments are repeated.
• Duplicate scripts can leading to maintenance and debugging challenges.
• Identifying duplicate scripts helps improve code readability.
• Version control can help track changes.
• Refactoring eliminates duplicate scripts by consolidating functionality.
• Automated tools assist in detecting duplicate code snippets.

Explore Projects Made on Scratch

• A platform enabling users to create and share interactive stories, games, and animations.
• Scratch utilizes a block-based coding language.
• Users can remix existing projects.
• The community provides feedback and support.
• Encourages problem-solving through project design and implementation.

Identify Different Parts of the Scratch Interface

• The Stage, Sprites list, Code area, and Blocks palette.
• The Stage displays the project output.
• The Sprites list manages characters and objects.
• The Code area is where users assemble code blocks to create scripts.
• The Blocks palette contains categorized programming blocks.

Move and Turn a Sprite

• Altering its position and orientation on the screen.
• Sprites can be moved using variables that represent their coordinates.
• Turning a sprite involves changing its angle or rotation properties.
• Movement can be linear or animated.
• Movement depends on user input, enhancing interactivity.

Move a Sprite in All Directions

• Manipulating its position based on user input or predefined logic.
• Common methods include using keyboard input or mouse movements to detect direction.
• Coordinate systems help define sprite positioning on the screen.
• Velocity and acceleration can enhance movement realism.
• Looping structures continuously check for input to update sprite positions.

Move Sprites Forward and Backward

• Adjusting their position on the screen, allowing for interactions in visual applications.
• Forward movement increases the sprite's position along the x or y axis, while backward decreases it.
• Movement can be controlled by user inputs.
• Velocity can be constant or variable.
• Collision detection should be considered.

Rename Projects

• Changing the name of a project in code or development environments.
• Always update project dependencies to reflect the new name.
• Check version control systems for branches or tags that may need renaming.
• Use automated tools when available.
• Communicate changes clearly with team members.

Save and Share Projects Online

• Allows for collaboration, version control, and accessibility.
• Utilize platforms like GitHub or GitLab.
• Ensure the code is well-documented to facilitate collaboration.
• Learn about branching and merging to manage different project versions.
• Consider using README files to provide project summaries and instructions for users.

Use Different Options to Add Backdrops

• Enhances visual appeal in projects.
• Different options include built-in images, user-uploaded files, and online resources.
• Built-in images offer simple access and quick implementation.
• User-uploaded files can personalize projects but require proper formatting.
• Online resources provide vast image libraries, but check usage rights.

Use Different Options to Add Sprites

• Enhances flexibility in game design.
• Sprites can be added via code, image files, or graphic editors.
• Drag-and-drop interfaces simplify sprite addition for beginners.
• Using sprite sheets can optimize performance.
• Understanding coordinate systems is crucial for placing sprites accurately.

Use Loops to Reduce Repeating Blocks

• Allows programmers to execute code multiple times.
• This enhancing code efficiency and maintainability.
• Common loop types include for, while, and do-while.
• Nesting loops can handle multi-dimensional data structures.
• Properly using loops can decrease execution time.

Use Random Keys for the Movement of Sprites

• Enhances unpredictability in games.
• Random keys can generated using functions like Math.random().
• Ensure a clear mapping between keys and sprite actions.
• Integrate randomness within limits to avoid chaotic movement.
• Test various randomization strategies.