Scratch Resources
A number of resources available on the STEM eLibrary useful for teaching and learning how to use Scratch
Scratch Without Games
This resource consists of eleven worksheets explaining how to use some basic commands in the programming language Scratch. Each sheet explains how the appropriate blocks are set up in Scratch, an example of their use and a number of exercises for use in the classroom.
The commands covered are:
• IF uses a variable and the IF statement to check whether the variable has a certain value.
• IF ELSE uses an input and a variable to test for a specific word being inputted.
• RNG makes use of the random number generator.
• Branching 1 explains how the broadcast and the receive blocks are used.
• Branching 2 is a continuation of the previous sheet containing further examples.
• AND uses two inputs and the AND block to check whether the inputs meet both conditions.
• Assessment 1 sets a number of tasks requiring the use of variables, the IF command, the AND command and the use of the random number generator.
• Making lists
Scratch cards
This collection of twelve Scratch cards is designed to provide a quick way to learn how to code using the language Scratch. The front of the card describes to the students what can be done; the back explains how to do it. Each card can be printed and folded to A5 size for use with students.
The activities cover how to change the colour of a sprite, make the sprite move when a sound is played, make the sprite change directions using the arrow keys, make a sprite say something, make the sprite glide to a different location on the screen, make the sprite follow the mouse, make the sprite whirl round when required, animate by switching between sprites, use the random function and keep a score in a game.
Getting Started with Scratch
This resource explains the basics of using Scratch. Beginning with how to make the sprite move, further explanations show how to add sound, dance, start a procedure using the green flag, change colours, start a procedure using a key press and add further sprites.
The simple, clear instructions make this resource suitable for students who are beginning to explore Scratch for the first time.
Super Scratch Programming Adventure
Aimed at primary level this resource provides an introduction to Scratch and includes activities in which children learn about sprites and how to create programmes in which they move and react in different ways. The booklet provides background information on Scratch and the fundamentals of programming. It also contains an illustrated guide for two classroom activities using Scratch they are:
Breaking the Spell! – Children learn about sprites and coordinates and how to programme them to perform different actions. They learn how to debug the programme they have created.
A Space Odyssey! – Children design new costumes and program a sprite’s movements, and reactions, they also add various effects.
Creating, Learning and Programming with Scratch Guides
The programming language Scratch enables students to create characters which are able to dance, sing, and interact with one another. Students are able to create images that whirl, spin, and animate in response to movements of the mouse and integrate images with sound effects and music clips. Students can create an interactive birthday card for a friend, or an interactive school report.
In completing the required tasks, students learn the principles of mathematical and computational needed to achieve the desired outcome. As students create programs in Scratch, they learn core computational concepts such as iteration and conditionals and gain an understanding of important mathematical concepts such as coordinates, variables, and random numbers.
Bit and Byte go fishing with Scratch
This resource provides an introduction to Scratch for younger students. It features two children making a version of the basic demo FishChomp game by stacking up blocks and discussing the process involved.
The basic principles of programming covered include: stacking up blocks to make actions, fixing bugs, getting help and using ideas from other projects.
We Are Programmers: Creating an Animation
The Rising Stars Year Three planning unit uses Scratch to create an animated cartoon from characters designed by students. The resource contains detailed planning of each stage of the lesson, accounting for all groups of learners.
In the lesson students learn how to use the paint tool in Scratch to create a sprite and a background. Students create an animation by translating a storyboard into a series of scripted instructions for graphic objects.
The planning has useful links, core steps and extensions and assessment guidance.
