Scratch Programming for Parents

What is Scratch?• An excellent introduction to programming

which fosters learning and creativity as kids play

What will my kids learn/improve?• Logic• Coordinates• Math• Controls• Loops• Sensors• Optimizing• Drawing

What is it like?

• Programming is fun

• They can create whatever they can imagine

• Activity you can do together

• The meaning of this weird symbol:

What can we create?• Anything you want: Art, animations,

interactive games, or anything you can imagine

Aquarium example• Learn about x and y

coordinates• Learn about sprites• Include bubble

sounds

From book “Scratch Programming For Teens

Maze example• Learn about keyboard

inputs (arrow up, down, left right)

• Control sprites interacting with each other as they touch

• Play a game that you created yourself– Unlock the door, get

the gem and get out the blue door

Chapter 7 from book “Super Scratch Programming Adventure

Windmill example• Create your own sprites

and buttons which control their behaviour

a: makes it spin

b: makes it bouce

c: makes it move around

• Pressing combination of keys makes it go wacky

Designed by my 7 year old

Scratch is easy to read

Easy to create or use existing costumes

Scratch is easy to use• Drag and Drop

• Many types of blocks

• Blocks snap together to create scripts

Projects are easy to share and extend

Scratch is free and it is easy to get started

• Provided from the MIT Media Lab• Use online:

– http://scratch.mit.edu/

OR• Download offline editor:

http://scratch.mit.edu/scratch2download/

There are many resources available