4. Programming in Scratch

In this unit you will be introduced to the Scratch programming environment and begin by reverse-engineering some existing games. You will then progress to planning and developing their own games, learning to incorporate variables, procedures (using the Broadcast function), lists and operators. They should be able to create a fully working game with lives, scoring and some randomisation of objects. Finally they will learn to test and debug their programs.

1. movement

Understand that Scratch is a programming environment that allows you to create games, animations and other simulations
Understand what is meant by an algorithm
Create a sprite and write code to make it move and bounce
Produce design ideas for a Scratch project

LESSON PRESENTATIONWATCH THIS LESSONWATCH HOW TO CREATE A SCRATCH ACCOUNTWATCH HOW TO MAKE A SPRITE MOVE IN SCRATCHVideo: Make a sprite bounce off another sprite

2. lives and scoring

Define a variable
Write algorithms which use variables to hold values such as Number of Lives Left or Score in a computer game
Understand the purpose of comments in a program
Annotate a program with comments

LESSON PRESENTATIONWATCH THIS LESSONVideo: Adding Variables to a Scratch Game

3. adding a new level

Understand the purpose of repeat loops and procedures (“broadcasts”)
Use a broadcast in your own Scratch program

LESSON PRESENTATIONWATCH THIS LESSONVideo: How to use Broadcasts in ScratchVideo: Editing backdrops in Scratch with code

4. randomising the behaviour of sprites

Learn what each of the operators in the Scratch Green block menu does
Use the Pick Random block to position objects randomly on the screen
Understand the use of the operators <, =, >, and, or, not.
Use some of these in a Scratch game

LESSON PRESENTATIONWATCH THIS LESSONVideo: How to make Sprites move randomlyVideo: Randomise Sprite starting positionsLink: Fish GameLink: Moon MissionLink: FruitCraftRPG

5. shooting and SOUND

Learn programming techniques to add shooting at a target into a game
Learn how to adjust x and y coordinates to control the position of a sprite
Learn how to add sound to a Scratch game

LESSON PRESENTATIONWATCH THIS LESSONVideo: Throwing a projectile in ScratchVideo: Shooting projectiles in ScratchLink: Find Sounds

6. Completing Your Game

Complete your game using the skills you have learned

Link: FPS ExampleLink: Ruin RescueLink: Star Wars vs DroidsLink: Get to the Portal

7. preparation for assessment

Be able to apply your knowledge in answers to a range of questions
Be able to highlight areas of strength and any gaps in your understanding of developing games in Scratch