Spark an interest in computer science! In this STEM project, students become coders that design a fun Activity Studio for kids using Scratch. Through discovery and exploration, they learn how to create a series of hands-on activities that children will enjoy playing. The young programmers apply computational thinking to sequence coding blocks. They learn how to construct scripts to develop animated scenes, mazes, interactive stories, and games. Additional challenges extend coding skills to create artwork, compose music, produce a diorama, and more! After each project, students complete coding journal logs to help them to think like a programmer.
- Scratch Coding Activities for Beginners
Designed especially for elementary and middle school, lessons explain how to build games, puzzles, animations, art, and music using Scratch. Make an activity studio that is jam-packed with original creations such as a treasure hunt, maze, silly story, or target game.
- Support Stem Education and the Maker Movement
Ignite an interest in computer science. Empower students to think like a programmer. Support learning with visual samples, planning sheets, design instructions, and coding journal logs. Using the free online Scratch program, students develop coding knowledge and experience.
- Programming Resources
TechnoCode includes a digital Teacher Guide and Student Workbook. Teach coding in Scratch for beginners with easy, illustrated, step-by-step instructions. Worksheets may be printed or used in PDF format. Assessment tools include debugging challenges, marking sheets, quizzes, and a skill checklist.
- Develop Computational Thinking
Hands-on activities explain how to construct scripts that sequence events, loops, and conditions. Fun exercises build vital skills in computer programming. Use TechnoKids’ developmental series of coding projects in Scratch to build progressive computer science skills in Primary, Junior, and Middle School grades.
Session 1 Become a Programmer
Students are introduced to programming. They design animated scenes using Scratch. To start, they learn about the importance of computer programs and technology in daily life. By answering a series of questions, they begin to think like a programmer. Afterwards, students study the Scratch interface to label the parts. Once familiar with the environment, they discover how to stack blocks of code together to form a script that makes a character talk. Once they have mastered some of the basics, they explore the Scratch libraries to make a scene of two friends having fun.
Session 2 Build an Aquarium
Students create their first project for the Activity Studio. It is an animated aquarium. To start, they explore Scratch Motion blocks to discover how they can be used to make sprites move across the stage. Next, they learn how to use the Paint Editor to design a fish tank that has a custom backdrop. Afterwards, students use forever and if then blocks to control the fish swimming. To practice coding skills, a list of challenges provides a creative spark. Upon completion, the project is prepared for viewers. Students are then given the option to share the file with the Scratch community and classmates.
Session 3 Design a Maze
Students create their second project for the Activity Studio. It is a maze game. This activity provides an opportunity for students to practice coding skills from Session 2 to solidify their learning. To start, they complete a planning sheet to organize their ideas. Next, they use Scratch to create a puzzle that has players help a character find a way to the end of a path using arrow keys. To make the project unique, a list of challenges helps to make a one-of-a-kind maze. Upon completion, the game is prepared for players.
Session 4 Broadcast a Story
Students create their third project for the Activity Studio. It is an animated story about a magical place. To start, they explore the Looks blocks to discover how they can be used to change the appearance of the main character and setting. Next, they enhance storytelling by triggering actions to occur when there is a switch in the backdrop. Afterwards, they direct the timing of events by sending messages to sprites using the Broadcast blocks. To practice coding skills, a list of challenges provides a creative spark. Upon completion the project is shared with viewers. Students are then given the option to ask a peer to review their story using a checklist.
Session 5 Engineer a Game
Students create their final project for the Activity Studio. They apply their coding skills to develop a game. To start, they use a planning sheet to determine the objective, scoring system, timing, and coding structure. Next, they discuss their design with a partner to assess if it is suitable for young children. Afterwards, students follow instructions to build and test the code. Challenges are included to foster originality. Upon completion, the project is prepared for players.
Session 6 Curate an Activity Studio
Students build an Activity Studio for kids. It will have a collection of Scratch projects including an animated scene, maze, story, and game. To gain player feedback a link to the studio will be shared. Based on observation and questioning, students will make recommendations upon how they can improve their Activity Studio.
Optional Coding in Scratch Challenges
- Dance to the Beat: Sequence motion with sound.
- Draw Artwork: Understand coordinates by drawing with the pen.
- Invent an Instrument: Edit sound clips to compose music.
- Build an Interactive Diorama: Share facts about nature or an historical event.
- Develop a Treasure Hunt: Find the hidden items in a scene.
- Chat with a Sprite: Use variables to talk with the computer.
- Remix a Scratch Project: Create something new from an existing project.
Scratch for Kids – Programming for Beginners
Spark an interest in computer science! In this STEM project, students become coders that design a fun Activity Studio for kids using Scratch. Through discovery and exploration, they learn how to create a series of hands-on activities that children will enjoy playing. This is one of a series of TechnoKids coding projects in Scratch to build digital literacy and computer science skills. Teachers can use the projects with grades one through nine to teach a series. Or, just pick one, as each can be completed as a standalone project.
- Apply computational thinking to tackle problems
- Plan and organize ideas to develop a program
- Build scripts to produce an animation, game, or story
- Debug errors to find and fix a mistake in a script
- Reflect upon program development using a coding journal
- Set the appearance and movement of a sprite
- Trigger a script to run using multiple methods
- Control when or if actions happen using conditions
- Create variables to track game play such as score or timer
- Direct the timing of events using broadcasting
Write a Review
5.0
We just finished the Scratch assignments and my students loved it!
5.0
The program is great and easy to follow. Good resources are included.
5.0
TechnoCode is really helpful for our teachers and they claim that the assignments are fantastic for their students.
5.0
I'm loving TechnoKids!