The TechnoRace course has 21 assignments divided into six sessions.

Ideal for Computer Science, STEM, Coding, or Game Development Unit

TechnoRace has 21 assignments divided into six Sessions. The first three assignments introduce Scratch. Afterwards, all remaining assignments have the students develop an original game. Coding tasks increase in difficulty as they master computer science concepts. The gradual progression of skills means that no prior experience is required. Learn coding from Scratch.

Session 1: Start from Scratch

Students are introduced to Scratch, an online coding platform. To start, they explore the program to learn about common tools and terminology. Once familiar with the programming environment, students compete in a racing adventure. Afterwards, they experiment with the code to alter the player's experience. This exploration provides a foundation for building their own game.

Session 2: Become a Game Developer

Students become game developers. They invent a storyline for a rescue mission. In it, the player races against time to reach a goal. Along the way they must collect treasure and avoid obstacles. Once students have a plan, they begin to build the game board. First, they insert sprites onto the stage to act as the player, treasure, obstacle, and goal. Next, they use the Paint Editor to create an imaginary world. Afterwards, they build a simple script that will play theme music throughout the game.

Session 3: Let's Get Moving

Students create game controls. The fun starts with an exploration of Motion blocks. They build a script that moves the goal sprite, so it attracts attention. Next, the game developers transfer their knowledge to build controls using the arrow keys. Once the player can move around the imaginary world, students learn how to use logic to prevent walking through objects. Students in need of a challenge can build a script that teleports or launches the player at hyper speed. It is time to get moving!

Session 4: Avoid Obstacles to Win

Students test the player's skill by restricting their movements. To begin, they code a looping script that moves a sprite on the stage so that it temporarily blocks the player. Next, the game developers design code that causes the player to slow down if it touches the obstacle. With this script complete, students apply their knowledge to stop the game when the player reaches its goal. For those wanting to add even more interest, they can switch backgrounds when two sprites collide, or the game is over.

Session 5: Collect Treasure

Students design scripts that allow the player to collect points. The first task is an exploration of the Looks blocks to change the appearance of treasure, so players take notice. Next, students learn about variables. They apply this knowledge to calculate points when a player touches an object such as a coin or jewel. To enhance the game, students can elect to use the Paint Editor to customize the animation of a sprite.

Session 6: Time is Up

Students complete the game by adding a timer to increase the difficulty level. They apply their knowledge of variables to build scripts that track time. When a limit is met the game ends. Upon completion, students invite others to test the story action and provide feedback. It is going to be a race to the finish!

Optional Scratch Coding for Kids Lessons

• Digital Footprints in Scratch: Explore guidelines for Scratchers.
• Upload a Sprite: Learn about copyright and find characters online.
• Jump to Hyper Speed: Build a script to launch a player very quickly.
• Flash a Backdrop: Change the background to finish a game or when an action happens.
• Paint a New Costume: Discover the Paint Editor Tools and make unique sprites.
• Add Comments: Describe coding choices for other programmers.