It is not necessary to have any computer programming experience to be successful in this course. You will not have to memorize and write lines of code.
What will be helpful is to keep in mind that computer programming is a set of commands and logical arguments written for a computer to so people can use computer tools, programs, and games. Computer programming has become much more visual and easier to create over the past few years, thanks to "blocky" commands. Blocky commands look like fun and colorful interlocking puzzle pieces. Each piece represents a command you can give your computer and it often has a variable that can be modified for a particular purpose. Scratch's blocky components were created with all of its computer code is built in and behind the scenes. Therefore, most anyone ages 8 - 108 can create simple to fairly complex programs and activities using Scratch.
Module # 1
Why Teach Students Programming:
In this module, students will learn and demonstrate their knowledge of:
- The benefits students can gain from learning computer programming.
- The world wide need for more computer programmers.
- How "blocky" programs allow people create programs without memorization.
- The types of projects can be created with Scratch.
- Programs similar to Scratch or derived from it.
Module # 2
The Basics of Scratch
In this module, students will learn and demonstrate their knowledge of:
- The history of Scratch.
- The difference between sprites and images.
- Using Scratch's built-in sprites.
- Creating your own sprites.
- How is "blocky" activities the same and/or different than coding?
- Scratch's block categories.
Module # 3
First Project Basics
In this module, students will learn and demonstrate their knowledge of:
- Adding movement to a sprite.
- Adding sound to a sprite.
- Changing the colors of a sprite.
- Making a sprite appear to speak.
- Making a sprite appear to think.
Module # 4
Adding Interactivity
In this module, students will learn and demonstrate their knowledge of:
- Adding eight types of events that can be triggered by the different keyboard buttons.
- Adding clickable "Buttons" to give the player several choices during the activity.
- How to add make your game keep score.
- How to signify that the game is over when a specified score is reached.
Module # 5
Math Concepts
In this module, students will learn and demonstrate their knowledge of:
- The four operations.
- Random numbers.
- Comparing numbers.
- Logic and logical arguments.
- Creating variables.
- Using variables.
Module # 6
Logic
In this module, students will learn and demonstrate their knowledge of:
- The Stop block.
- The Wait block.
- The Forever block.
- Repeating actions.
- The Broadcast block.
- Conditional statements.
- Nested control statements.
Module # 7
Adding Sound
In this module, students will learn and demonstrate their knowledge of:
- Linking sounds to a sprite.
- Playing Scratch's sounds.
- Recording and playing your own sounds.
- Adding narration to your story.
Module # 8
Costumes and Background Changes
In this module, students will learn and demonstrate their knowledge of:
- Adding and changing costumes.
- Adding and changing backgrounds.
- Graphic special effects.
- Changing the size of a sprite.
- Working with multiple sprites.
Module # 9
Classroom Management and Scratch Accounts
In this module, students will learn and demonstrate their knowledge of:
- Student accounts.
- Sharing.
- Collaborating.
- Remixing.
- Backing up files and standalone player.
- Appropriate content.
- Cloud data.
- Resources for help.
Module # 10
Planning Scratch Lessons correlating to the Common Core
In this module, students will learn and demonstrate their knowledge of:
- Developing skill sets and criteria lists.
- Locating completed relevant projects online.
- Collaboration with colleagues.
Course Objectives:
At the completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain the benefits of teaching students how to program with Scratch.
- Create a variety of Scratch projects that include sprites, sounds, math operations, variables, and logic.
- Use and manage the various Scratch account features including "sharing" and "remixing" activities.
- Develop Lesson Plans for Scratch Activities that are in alignment with the Common Core.