Scratch Programming--Level 1, G1-4
(by Dr. Z)
Class Goal – Making games educational!
Learn the fundamental skills of programming in a playful, interactive way and through open
ended projects. Create your own programs in Scratch, while you can learn how to write
good/clean/effective code.
Course Outline
(Note: Each session may take between 1 and 3 lessons)
Session 1 – Introduction
WHAT IS SCRATCH?
● Scratch is a new programming language that makes it easy to create your own interactive
stories, animations, games, music, and art — and share your creations on the web.
● Scratch is designed to help young people (ages 7+) develop 21st century learning skills. As
they create and share Scratch projects, young people learn important mathematical and
computational ideas, while also learning to think creatively and logically, reason
systematically, and work collaboratively.
SCRATCH INTERFACE – Getting Started with Scratch
● website: http://scratch.mit.edu/
● Create an account (for free)
● Build new projects, remix, share and download projects
CLASS EXPECTATIONS
● Acquire coding/programming fundamental skills
● Learn via building Scratch Projects (stories, animations, games, music, and art)
● Classroom conduct code (attention/participation/respecting each other)
Session 2 – Basics of Scratch programming
– Scratch building blocks
– Example Projects (stories, animations, games, music, and art)
– Projects: short stories (Class meet and greet!)
Session 3 – Events
– Scratch blocks in Events – when something happens
– Scratch actions – Events trigger actions
– Project: Penguin Events
Session 4 – Controls (Motions/Sensing)
– Scratch blocks in Controls – controls actions of sprites
– Other blocks will be used: Variables/Motions/Sensing
– Game structure (thinking how a game should be built)
– Project: pong_ball game
Session 5 – Controls ( Looks/Sounds/Random acts)
– More on Scratch blocks in Controls
– Projects: catch bananas / dino dance / your story
Session 6 – Exploring Effects
– Mouse/Cursor trails using Effects of Looks
– Project: Design and Develop your own story by using Effects and other skills we’ve learned
by far (Examples: dance party, aquarium or festival games)
Session 7 – Math Function and DNA
– Think mathematically and biologically
– Project: Wave fun – Be creative
Teacher’s Note
Depending on the teaching/learning progress of the class as a whole,
each session above may take between 1 and 3 lessons. My teaching
philosophy is to show/explain the basic concepts & skills in order to lay a
solid foundation for coding. I encourage students to be creative in their
own capability; then I will help them complete their projects. I love to see
their big smiles, wide opened eyes and cheers when they see their projects
work as expected!
