Block-Based Coding (Scratch)

General Information

• Tools: Scratch (MIT platform).


• Materials: Step-by-step guides for creating games and animations, project templates.

Module 1: Introduction to Scratch and Programming Basics

Objective: Familiarize students with Scratch, basic coding concepts, and the Scratch interface.

Lessons:

• Lesson 1: Introduction to Scratch and Block-Based Coding
  
  
  
  • What is Scratch and why is it used for learning programming?
  
  
  • Understanding the Scratch interface: stage, sprites, scripts, and blocks.
  
  
  
  


• Lesson 2: Setting Up Scratch and Creating a New Project
  
  
  
  • Create a new Scratch project.
  
  
  • Explore the Scratch workspace, toolbar, and blocks.
  
  
  
  


• Lesson 3: Sprites and Costumes
  
  
  
  • What are sprites and costumes?
  
  
  • How to select, edit, and add new sprites.
  
  
  • Assigning animations to sprites using different costumes.
  
  
  
  


• Lesson 4: Understanding the "Events" Block
  
  
  
  • The role of events in interactive applications.
  
  
  • Using the "when green flag clicked" and "when key pressed" blocks.
  
  
  
  


• Lesson 5: Basic Movements: The "Motion" Blocks
  
  
  
  • How to use the "move" and "glide" blocks for sprite movement.
  
  
  • Practical: Make a sprite move across the screen.
  
  
  
  

Module 2: Game Development Basics with Scratch

Objective: Introduce students to game design concepts and develop basic interactive games using Scratch.

Lessons:

• Lesson 1: Introduction to Game Design
  
  
  
  • The elements of a game: characters, objectives, obstacles, and levels.
  
  
  • How Scratch can be used to create games.
  
  
  
  


• Lesson 2: Setting Up Your Game Project
  
  
  
  • Create a new game project in Scratch.
  
  
  • Define your game’s objective and design your game screen.
  
  
  
  


• Lesson 3: Working with Sprites for Game Characters
  
  
  
  • Designing characters with Scratch sprites.
  
  
  • Use multiple costumes and animations for characters.
  
  
  
  


• Lesson 4: Using the "Control" and "Sensing" Blocks for Interactions
  
  
  
  • How to use the "touching" and "mouse-pointer" sensing blocks to detect user actions.
  
  
  • Practical: Make a character respond to keyboard input.
  
  
  
  

Module 3: Advanced Projects and Creative Coding with Scratch

Objective: Expand students' skills by introducing more advanced features and creative projects, including animations and advanced games.

Lessons:

• Lesson 1: Introduction to Advanced Projects
  
  
  
  • Overview of advanced projects: games, interactive stories, and animations.
  
  
  • Setting creative goals for a project.
  
  
  
  


• Lesson 2: Working with Multiple Sprites and Backdrops
  
  
  
  • Use multiple sprites for characters, enemies, and background elements.
  
  
  • Switching backdrops during the game.
  
  
  
  


• Lesson 3: Advanced Movements and Animations
  
  
  
  • Combining multiple movement blocks to create complex animations.
  
  
  • Use "glide" and "turn" blocks for fluid sprite motion.
  
  
  
  


• Lesson 4: Complex Game Mechanics (Lives, Health, and Time)
  
  
  
  • Implement lives and health systems using variables.
  
  
  • Add time limits or countdowns to add challenges.
  
  
  
  

Additional Features

• Weekly Assignments: Develop projects based on the lessons to reinforce skills.


• Quizzes: Assess understanding of Scratch blocks, game mechanics, and coding concepts.


• Capstone Project: Create a fully functional interactive game or animation for a final presentation.


• Resources: Access to project templates, Scratch tutorials, and online community support for feedback.