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Introduction to Programming with Scratch

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.

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.

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

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

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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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Reviews summary

Engaging programming foundation with scratch

According to students, this course offers a largely positive and highly accessible introduction to programming using Scratch. Learners praise the clear and concise explanations from the instructor, making complex concepts like sequence, repetition, and selection easy to grasp. The hands-on activities and ability to create engaging animations and games are frequently highlighted as strengths, providing a practical and fun learning experience. While a few found the pacing occasionally slow, the course is consistently recommended as an excellent foundational step for absolute beginners, including young learners and educators, who want to understand core programming logic.

Teaches fundamental programming logic effectively.

"The focus on sequence, selection, and repetition is very strong."

"Couldn't ask for a better intro! The concepts of loops (repetition) and conditions (selection) were made so clear."

"It taught me fundamental programming ideas and how to implement them in Scratch."

Practical activities make learning fun and concrete.

"I loved the hands-on projects, especially creating my own games."

"The examples were engaging and showed practical applications."

"The hands-on exercises were key. I feel ready to explore more programming now."

Explanations are easy to grasp for absolute beginners.

"This course is absolutely fantastic for anyone new to programming! The way they introduce concepts... makes it so easy to grasp."

"Came into this with zero programming experience, and now I feel confident... The course excels at breaking down complex ideas into digestible parts."

"I've tried other programming courses and given up, but this one clicked! The visual nature of Scratch combined with the clear, step-by-step instructions made all the difference."

Pacing may be slow for those with some prior exposure.

"I found some parts a little slow, but overall, it's a solid start for beginners."

"My only minor feedback would be that some explanations could be a bit more detailed, but it's still effective."

"It covers the basics of Scratch well and gets you started with simple projects. I wish there were a few more advanced challenges."

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

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Prepare for the lessons on sequencing by reviewing the basic concepts in Scratch.

Browse courses on Sequencing

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Review the concept of sequencing in Scratch
Practice writing simple sequences in Scratch

Solve Scratch sequencing puzzles

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Reinforce your understanding of sequencing by solving puzzles and challenges.

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Find online or offline Scratch sequencing puzzles
Solve the puzzles to practice sequencing concepts

Learn about iteration in Scratch

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Expand your knowledge of Scratch by exploring the concept of iteration.

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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

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Collaborate on a Scratch project with a partner

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Enhance your learning by working with a peer on a Scratch project.

Browse courses on Scratch

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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

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Apply your understanding of iteration by creating a fun and engaging game.

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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

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Test your skills and gain recognition by participating in a Scratch coding competition.

Browse courses on Scratch

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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

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Deepen your understanding of Scratch by guiding and supporting a beginner.

Browse courses on Scratch

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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

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Expand your knowledge and make a valuable contribution to the Scratch community.

Browse courses on Scratch

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile App Developer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Developer

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

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.

Scratch 3 Programming Playground

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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.

Introduction to Programming with Scratch

What you'll learn

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Engaging programming foundation with scratch

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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