Explore Block Programming with Free Scratch

Students are introduced to block programing for the first time and are given several sets of tasks to complete to show that they were able to follow directions an able to customize their program to their individual taste. They enter a competition periodically perhaps every fourth or fifth period to select the top programs from the class by demonstrating to another elementary class.

Author: Harry C Guess III
Grade Level: 6-8
Standard Framework: ISTE
Standards: ISTE Standards for Students and Teachers
Materials: Website, https://scratch.mit.edu/

OVERVIEW

Activity Overview:

Students are introduced to block programing for the first time and are given several sets of tasks to complete to show that they were able to follow directions an able to customize their program to their individual taste. They enter a competition periodically perhaps every fourth or fifth period to select the top programs from the class by demonstrating to another elementary class.

Meta description

  • Subject Area: Computer Science, Reading/Language Arts, Technology, Engineering, Music, Art
  • Grade Level : 6-8
  • Computer Science Domains:
    • Computing Systems, Algorithms and Programming
  • Computer Science Principles:
    • Collaborating Around Computing, Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems, Creating Computational Artifacts, Testing and Refining Computational Artifacts
  • Materials:
  • Considerations:
    • Follow written and oral directions. Collaborate without other students without ‘copying’ or ‘cheating’.

Lesson Plan

Overview

Students are introduced to block programing for the first time and are given several sets of tasks to complete to show that they were able to follow directions an able to customize their program to their individual taste. They enter a competition periodically perhaps every fourth or fifth period to select the top programs from the class by demonstrating to another elementary class.

ASSESSMENT PRE/POST-TEST

Use ‘None’ if you do not have answer.

  1. Name the program that you have done coding in to date?
  2. What is a ‘conditional choice’ in programing? You may use None also.
  3. Where can you save your program in Scratch? Computer; Cloud; Flash-Drive; in your memory?
  4. Before you started Scratch, do you think you would enjoy ‘programming’?

OBJECTIVES

Students will be able to use and do the following:

  1. Student create an interactive program using cue cards but are able to customize it to their choice.
  2. Share with one another with out coping.

CATCH/HOOK

How would you like to make your own personal MUSIC, VIDEO, GAME, Etc?

ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS

Scratch Cards for Students found free at the following location = https://resources.scratch.mit.edu/www/cards/en/scratch-cards-all.pdf (large file pdf - 10.6MB)

It is best if you log in as a teacher before downloading the pdf file of Scratch Cards for Students. They need to be printed in color and assembled together in groups for each student. Students doing sound should bring a set of ear plugs for listening to their output. A student takes a set and uses the cards to make their unique Scratch Program along the lines of the new output that is demonstrated in the set of cards. The visual, auditor, motion or whatever is different for each student as their design is along the lines of the suggested set of cards but they have individual unique choices as to the particular output.

Supplements

Any items in this section are the property & under the license of their respective owners.

REVIEW

Check you spreadsheet to see who has not finished all the Scratch Flash Card Sets.

STANDARDS

TypeListing
CS DomainsComputing Systems, Algorithms and Programming
CS PrinciplesCollaborating Around Computing, Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems, Creating Computational Artifacts, Testing and Refining Computational Artifacts
Other Content StandardsISTE Standards for Students and Teachers