Introduction to Scratch
Scratch is a visual programming language that allows students to create their own interactive stories, games and animations. As students design Scratch projects, they learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively. Scratch was created by the Lifelong Kindergarten group at MIT Media lab and is available for free download at http://scratch.mit.edu. Once Scratch is downloaded to a computer, you do not need Internet access to create a project.
Scratch is designed especially for ages 8 to 16, but is used by people of all ages. Millions of people are creating Scratch projects in a wide variety of settings, including homes, schools, museums, libraries, and community centers.
Uses of Scratch: Scratch is made to learn basics programming concepts with fun. It is a tool for creating interesting games, stories, and more block-based programming. It has its own paint editor and sound builder. Anyone can start learning programming from Scratch even they do not have previous knowledge about programming languages and programming concepts.
In this platform, we do not need to write code to perform operations, things are done just by drag and drop, just like visual basic. It is the best platform to start basic programming by creating attractive animation effects. There are so many features available in Scratch, such as video games, animations, stories, sound, events, etc. It is a free platform created by the Lifelong Kindergarten group at MIT in the Media lab. It is developed in ActionScript and JavaScript and is compatible with any operating system. It has been translated into more than 70 languages and used in most parts of the world.
If you’re already familiar with computer programming, you may find it more beneficial to learn text-based programming languages like Python or Java instead. While Scratch is a great way to get started, these more complex programming languages are the ones actually used day-to-day in computer science jobs.
Elements of Scratch
There are the following four main elements of Scratch and they are:
- Programming Palette
It contains all the essential tools which are required to program a sprite to do or say something. Every element of a program, such as a loop, condition available in the programming palette.
2. Stage Area
This is a place where everything takes place, such as animations, turtle graphics either in a small or normal size, with a full-screen option also available. It uses X and Y coordinates to monitor action with 0, 0 being the stage center. All the action by a sprite is performed here.
3. Sprites
These are the main characters of the program. It is a graphical element that is programmed using a programming palette. All the action is performed on the sprites. By default, with a cat avatar display on the sprite panel, users can also draw their own sprite.
4. Script
In the script, everything defines what kind of operation should be done by sprites. It tells the characters what to do or say. Every single sprite is programmed with a script.
Other Benefits of Coding in Scratch
In addition to being a great entry point for anyone to jump into the world of coding, learning to code in Scratch also helps kids strengthen a variety of important life skills. While exploring the infinite possibilities for projects in Scratch, the following skills are repeatedly practiced and sharpened.
Artistic Design & Creativity
For a cohesive game, your child will need to create a set of characters — called “sprites” — that will be the subjects of the game. Scratch has a large library of preset sprites and backgrounds, but it also lets you draw your own designs.
Planning Skills
To plan out the mechanics of their game or story, your child will need to figure out how multiple parts of their code or design will work together. Practicing brainstorming in Scratch helps kids develop strong planning and organizational skills that are transferable across multiple areas of life.
Logical Thinking & Problem-Solving
Creating projects in Scratch makes your child a better programmer, and familiarizes them with how computer science works. By practicing basic logical thinking and problem-solving coding concepts, your child will be prepared to tackle higher-level computer science or even accelerate their learning in other subjects like math or science.
Advantages of scratch
- The interface design of scratch is simple so that it is easier to understand for kids as well as for adults.
- It allows students to develop 21st-century skills with the help of technology.
- It is generally designed for kids. So that they can easily learn a new computer language.
- It is free to use.
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