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Andy Bush and Matt Hogan

Scratch is a powerful, visual programming language that provides a great introduction to the world of programming. By snapping blocks together, you can create amazing animations and games.

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Scratch is a powerful, visual programming language that provides a great introduction to the world of programming. By snapping blocks together, you can create amazing animations and games.

Over this four-week course, you'll learn how to navigate the Scratch programming environment, create your own programs, and share your creations. Along the way, you'll learn about the key programming concepts of sequence, repetition, selection, and variables, and how you can best make use of them. You'll also become part of the Scratch community, and remix other people's work.

What you'll learn

Over the following four weeks, you will:

  • Explain how to use the Scratch programming environment
  • Describe a range of Scratch commands and what they do
  • Produce Scratch programs that allow the user to interact with them with key presses, text answers, and motion
  • Demonstrate the key programming concepts of sequence, repetition, selection, and variables in Scratch programs

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Explain how to use the scratch programming environment
  • Describe a range of scratch commands and what they do
  • Produce scratch programs that allow the user to interact with them with key presses, text answers, and motion
  • Demonstrate the key programming concepts of sequence, repetition, selection, and variables in scratch programs

Syllabus

Week 1 – Sequencing in Scratch
Getting to know Scratch
Sprites, costumes, and backdrops
Sequencing in programming
Read more
Moving a sprite
Week 2 – Iteration, abstraction, and the Scratch community
Repetition
Creating your own blocks
Remixing and the Scratch community
Week 3 – Using conditions, selection, and variables in your projects
Conditions
Selection
Storing data in variables
Week 4 – The power of lists and extensions
Lists
Using extensions in Scratch
Final project

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
This free online course is designed for teachers and educators
Develops the necessary programming skills for students to create their own engaging educational games and develop their understanding of sequential thought and computational problem-solving
Facilitates teachers and educators to teach high-quality computing lessons in the classroom
Coursework involves building and developing educational games and creating fun learning initiatives that can help students engage with their learning materials

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Programming with Scratch with these activities:
Recall sequencing concepts in Scratch
Prepare for the lessons on sequencing by reviewing the basic concepts in Scratch.
Browse courses on Sequencing
Show steps
  • Review the concept of sequencing in Scratch
  • Practice writing simple sequences in Scratch
Solve Scratch sequencing puzzles
Reinforce your understanding of sequencing by solving puzzles and challenges.
Browse courses on Sequencing
Show steps
  • Find online or offline Scratch sequencing puzzles
  • Solve the puzzles to practice sequencing concepts
Learn about iteration in Scratch
Expand your knowledge of Scratch by exploring the concept of iteration.
Browse courses on Iteration
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on iteration in Scratch
  • Follow the tutorials to understand how iteration works
  • Experiment with iteration in your own Scratch projects
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Collaborate on a Scratch project with a partner
Enhance your learning by working with a peer on a Scratch project.
Browse courses on Scratch
Show steps
  • Find a partner with similar interests in Scratch
  • Discuss ideas for a collaborative project
  • Divide the tasks and work on the project together
  • Provide feedback and support to each other
Design a Scratch game that uses iteration
Apply your understanding of iteration by creating a fun and engaging game.
Browse courses on Iteration
Show steps
  • Brainstorm ideas for a Scratch game that uses iteration
  • Design the game mechanics and levels
  • Implement the game in Scratch using iteration
  • Test and refine your game
Enter a Scratch coding competition
Test your skills and gain recognition by participating in a Scratch coding competition.
Browse courses on Scratch
Show steps
  • Research and find suitable Scratch coding competitions
  • Develop an innovative and creative Scratch project
  • Submit your project to the competition
  • Attend the competition and present your project
Become a mentor for a beginner in Scratch
Deepen your understanding of Scratch by guiding and supporting a beginner.
Browse courses on Scratch
Show steps
  • Identify a beginner who is interested in learning Scratch
  • Offer your guidance and support as they learn the basics
  • Provide constructive feedback and encouragement
  • Celebrate their progress and achievements
Contribute to an open-source Scratch project
Expand your knowledge and make a valuable contribution to the Scratch community.
Browse courses on Scratch
Show steps
  • Find an existing open-source Scratch project that interests you
  • Review the project's code and documentation
  • Identify areas where you can contribute your skills
  • Submit your contributions to the project

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Programming with Scratch will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Software Developer
As a Software Developer, you will be tasked with designing, implementing, and maintaining computer software. To excel in this role, you will need to have a solid understanding of programming languages and software development methodologies. This course in Introduction to Programming with Scratch will help build a foundation in programming concepts and provide experience in using a visual programming language, which can be useful for beginners or those new to programming.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers are responsible for writing and maintaining computer programs. This often involves working with a variety of programming languages and technologies. The Introduction to Programming with Scratch course can provide a foundation in programming concepts and experience in using a visual programming language, which can be helpful for those interested in a career as a computer programmer.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers apply engineering principles to the design, development, and maintenance of software systems. This often involves working with a variety of programming languages and technologies. The Introduction to Programming with Scratch course can provide a foundation in programming concepts and experience in using a visual programming language, which can be useful for those interested in a career in software engineering.
Web Developer
In a role as a Web Developer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining websites and web applications. This often involves working with a variety of programming languages and technologies. The Introduction to Programming with Scratch course will provide you with a foundation in programming concepts and experience in using a visual programming language, which can be a helpful starting point for those interested in web development.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analysts study the needs of an organization and design and implement computer systems to meet those needs. This often involves working with a variety of programming languages and technologies. The Introduction to Programming with Scratch course can provide a foundation in programming concepts and experience in using a visual programming language, which can be helpful for those interested in a career as a computer systems analyst.
Mobile App Developer
As a Mobile App Developer, you will be involved in the design, development, and maintenance of mobile applications for smartphones and tablets. This typically involves working with specific programming languages and software development kits (SDKs) for different mobile platforms. The Introduction to Programming with Scratch course can provide a foundation in programming concepts and experience in using a visual programming language, which can be beneficial for those interested in mobile app development.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts design and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer systems and data from unauthorized access or attacks. This often involves working with a variety of programming languages and technologies. The Introduction to Programming with Scratch course can provide a foundation in programming concepts and experience in using a visual programming language, which can be helpful for those interested in a career as an information security analyst.
Game Developer
Game Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining video games. This often involves working with a variety of programming languages and game development tools. The Introduction to Programming with Scratch course can provide a foundation in programming concepts and experience in using a visual programming language, which can be useful for those interested in game development.
Computer Network Architect
Computer Network Architects design, implement, and maintain computer networks. This often involves working with a variety of programming languages and networking technologies. The Introduction to Programming with Scratch course can provide a foundation in programming concepts and experience in using a visual programming language, which can be helpful for those interested in a career as a computer network architect.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use programming skills to extract insights from data. This often involves working with large datasets and using statistical and machine learning techniques. While this course does not delve into data science, it can provide a foundation in programming concepts that can be beneficial for those interested in a career in data science.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of database systems. This often involves working with a variety of programming languages and database technologies. The Introduction to Programming with Scratch course can provide a foundation in programming concepts that can be beneficial for those interested in a career as a database administrator.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation that explains technical products or concepts. This often involves writing user manuals, white papers, and other technical documents. While this course does not focus on technical writing, it can provide a foundation in programming concepts that can be beneficial for those interested in a career as a technical writer.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and close out projects. This often involves working with a variety of stakeholders and managing resources. While this course does not focus on project management, it can provide a foundation in programming concepts that can be beneficial for those interested in a career as a project manager.
Teacher
Teachers develop and implement lesson plans and instruct students in a variety of subjects. While this course does not focus on teaching, it can provide a foundation in programming concepts that can be beneficial for those interested in teaching computer science or related subjects.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts study the needs of an organization and design and implement solutions to improve business processes. This often involves working with a variety of technologies and stakeholders. The Introduction to Programming with Scratch course may provide a helpful foundation in programming concepts, but it is not directly related to the field of business analysis.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Programming with Scratch.
Is full of fun and challenging projects that will help you learn how to use Scratch to its full potential. It great resource for students who want to take their Scratch programming skills to the next level.
Provides step-by-step instructions for creating a variety of Scratch projects, from simple games to complex animations. It great resource for students who want to learn how to code in a fun and engaging way.
Explores the use of Scratch in education. It provides teachers with ideas for using Scratch to teach a variety of subjects, from math and science to language arts and social studies.
Great introduction to Python for beginners. It covers the basics of Python, as well as more advanced topics, such as object-oriented programming and data structures.
Great introduction to Java for beginners. It covers the basics of Java, as well as more advanced topics, such as object-oriented programming and data structures.
Great introduction to C++ for beginners. It covers the basics of C++, as well as more advanced topics, such as object-oriented programming and data structures.
Great introduction to JavaScript for beginners. It covers the basics of JavaScript, as well as more advanced topics, such as object-oriented programming and data structures.
Great introduction to SQL for beginners. It covers the basics of SQL, as well as more advanced topics, such as data manipulation and data retrieval.

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