Scratch 2.0

STEAM U Credit:

Credit depends on SMART Goal, how many tools you use, and time committed to project. Credit will be given upon completion of project.

About Scratch

Scratch allows you to create games, animations, and simulations. Scratch is computer programming using blocks. Blocks are “pieces” of computer code that tell a computer program how to behave.

For example, the blocks that are shown here tell the computer to change the color of the cat, or sprite, every second for a total of 10 color changes. By using different block combinations and different sprites, you have endless creative possibilities.

Challenge

Project Editor

When you create in Scratch, you will see this window, called the Program Editor. This is where you have all the resources and tools necessary to create your own program.

Stage

The stage of the Program Editor shows all of your current characters and objects. It is also where you can see your program in action as you edit it. What you see on the stage is how your program will actually look and behave, so refer to it often when developing and testing your program.

Sprite List

Scratch calls persons, places, and things “sprites”. All sprites used in your program show up in the sprite list. Scratch comes with a collection of pre-made sprites to use, but you can also upload or create your own if you cannot find exactly what you are looking for.

To find a new Sprite click on the character icon above the sprite list. This opens a Sprite Library. Simply choose a new sprite and it will be added to your sprite list and appear on the stage. To upload a sprite image, click the folder icon. To create your own, click the paintbrush icon.

Blocks

Blocks are commands that control the behavior of a sprite. For example, some blocks tell a sprite to move and turn. Others allow you to change the appearance of a sprite. Notice the shapes of different blocks - there are tabs and notches in each block to help you figure out how they fit together.

Scratch organizes blocks using palettes. The palette categories can be seen at the top of the blocks section. In art, the term “palette” refers to the board that holds paint. An artist picks colors from a palette to use in a painting. In Scratch, the word “palette” refers to the commands that are available to the computer programmer. Each color represents a different set of block commands.

The main Scratch palettes are Motion, Looks, Sound, Pen, and Control.

Scripts Area

This script tells the fish to move 10 steps, twice.

In order to control Sprites, you must drag the blocks into the scripts area of the workspace. Only the blocks in the scripts area control the sprites. This is where you create your program by combining blocks into chains of commands. Click the green flag to run the script, and then watch the stage to see how the sprite behaves.

Note: Every sprite you have in your program has its own script code. To switch between each sprite's script area, just click the "Scripts" tab above the blocks section and then select the sprite from the sprite list that you want to build a script for.

Tips and Help

Scratch includes Step-by-Step Guides and How To tips. Use these to help explore the Scratch Project Editor and to help answer questions. Refer to this section if you want a good introductory program example to get you started.

Tutorials

Here are Some basic Videos to Help you

How to Make Sprite Move Forward

How to Make Sprite Spin

How to Change Your Sprites Color

Make your Sprite Dance

Make Your Sprite Follow the Mouse

Make your Sprite Glide

Make Your Sprite Jump When you Clap

Make your Sprite Spin When You Say Something

Get Started Using Scratch 2.0

If this is your first time using Scratch (or you just need a refresher), then I would suggest trying any of the tutorials listed below. They are a great way to learn some of the basics of Scratch.

Choosing the Right Project to Make in Scratch

Scratch is a deceptively powerful program to use. If this is your first time working in Scratch, it is easy to over-estimate what you can accomplish over a two week period. Before you begin your SMART goal, it may be helpful to spend some time really trying to think about what you'll need to learn to do in order to build the game of your dreams. I've included an example of some brainstorming you might do if you were trying to make a game such as Flappy Bird.

Flappy Bird Brainstorming

How do I make Flappy Bird move up and then fall back down after pressing the button on the keyboard/mouse? That looks like gravity.
It looks like Flappy Bird isn't really moving on the screen, but instead the pipes are moving. How can I get them to move across the screen? Also, it looks like they end up in different positions each time, too!
How will the game know that I've scored a point when I go through the pipe without getting hit?