Logic with Scratch
Elementary School – Wizard Level I – Class 2
About Logic with Scratch
Scratch is a preferred introductory programming platform for younger students. Logic with Scratch builds on critical, foundational skills learned in the previous class, such as variables, data types, lists, arrays, loops, and operators. These skills easily transfer to other languages as students advance from this popular block language to writing code. Every lesson is spent creating a game or animation that teaches skills that uses the skills learned so far. By the end of the class, students will have the ability to code complex Scratch games and animations.
Learning Objectives
When students complete Logic with Scratch, they will be able to:
- Learn fundamental programming concepts such as custom blocks, lists, variables, and loops
- Understand tools to apply logic to sprites and other Scratch elements
- Gain a solid understanding of programming logic and computational thinking
1. Let’s Revisit ScratchRevisit Scratch basics plus new concepts.In this lesson, students create a fun game utilizing movement and rotation. We revisit moving along the x and y axes’ with operators using random numbers.
- 2. Fun With VariablesLearn the critical concept of variables – useful in any language.
In this lesson, students will store and use different types of data as variables. Students learn how to use data blocks to talk with a space alien.
- 3. Getting Started with ListsMake the leap from single variables to lists.
In this lesson, students learn how to use lists to store related data. Students will join two lists while making an interesting random name generator project.
- 4. Making New Custom BlocksMake code more efficient by creating custom blocks.
In this lesson, students create custom blocks in order to reduce repetition of code. Students create a challenging game using custom blocks, loops, variables, and complex operators.
- 5. Paint App – Midterm IUse the pen extension to create a paint app.
In this two-part lesson, students install the paint extension and create a paint app using variables and complex operators. The result is the first half of an impressive app that lets the user change the color and size of the pen to create works of art.
- 6. Paint App – Midterm IIUse custom blocks and functions to finish a paint app.
In this lesson, students finish the paint app started in lesson 5 by adding an eraser feature and buttons to draw shapes. Custom blocks and functions are used to create the additional features and complete this creative mid-term project.
- 7. Time BlocksHandle and manipulate time.
In this lesson, students are introduced to the time blocks in Scratch and create an exciting bomb-diffuser game using the time blocks, broadcast messages, and variables in Scratch.
- 8. The Senses of ScratchGather input with the Scratch sensing blocks.
In this lesson, students learn to use the Scratch sensing blocks to determine mouse movements and distances between objects. Students build a shark and fish game using if-then loops, sensing blocks, and complex operators.
- 9. Basic AlgebraAdvanced algebraic calculations.
In this lesson, students learn about the “text to speech” extension in Scratch and create a talking calculator which make some basic algebraic computations. Students utilize custom blocks, variables, and complex operators to complete the project.
- 10. Scratch ExtensionsNested loops and the pen extension.
In this lesson, students continue to build on their knowledge of the pen extension and use nested loops, wait blocks, variable and sensing blocks to create a fruit cutting game.
- 11. Final Project – IDriving home your Scratch skills
In this lesson, students get to incorporate multiple backgrounds, movement blocks, loops, and sound effects to create part one of an impressive driving project. They’ll combine all the skills learned in the first two classes and put their computational thinking skills to use in part one of this final project.
- 12. Final Project – IIComplete a portfolio-quality driving game.
In the final lesson, students complete their game by adding collision detection and scoring. The completed game is a true showcase of the solid foundation programming concepts and skills students have gained over 12 weeks.
Minecraft Capstone Class
Our goal is to make programming as entertaining for kids as playing games. Minecraft is loved as a game by kids worldwide. We use a special mod of Minecraft that allows us to use it as an interface to practice all the programming concepts that students learned in Wizard Level 1.
Class Schedule
All students start in Animation and Gaming in Scratch at Wizard Level I. If you have previous coding experience, take the Advanced Placement test. Returning students can continue with the class where they left off.
Course Duration & Time Commitment
All courses are 12 weeks long. A Wizard will receive a certification for their achievement at the end of the course.
Expect a weekly time commitment of 2-3 hours. 1 hour of class time, plus 1-2 hours of practice time, with instructors support throughout, including weekends.
100% Guarantee
Our goal is to make all our students successful. If your child is not happy with our program, please notify us within the first four class sessions and you will receive a full refund.