How might students create an awesome digital nametag and learn something in the process? In this introductory Scratch project, students will create their name using letter sprites and use code to animate each letter when clicked.
Learning Objectives
- Create simple algorithms using a small number of blocks in Scratch.
- Use algorithms to animate your name using letter sprites.
What You’ll Need
Hands-on
- Device with a web browser and connection to the internet
- Scratch account
Minds-on
- Creativity
- Computational thinking
- Communication
Introduce students to simple algorithms using a small number of blocks in Scratch by having them create their name using letter sprites. Students will use code to animate each letter when clicked. Scratch can have a steep learning curve as there is a lot you can create with the platform. However, these resources are scaffolded to gradually introduce a variety of Scratch concepts and tools.
- What process did you have to go through in order to remove errors (debug) and/or get the program to do what you wanted? How did you work through a difficult challenge?
- What is something you learned while working on this project today?
- What are you proud of in your project?
- What other projects could you do using the same concepts/blocks we used today?
- How can you use what you learned today in future projects?
For Students
- If students are more experienced coders, have them start with reverse engineering; have those who are interested watch this video to learn how to reverse engineer a project.
- Have students explore what else they can create in Scratch by trying out new blocks and reviewing previous and/or other projects to get ideas. What changes are made?
- Explore the code of other peers in their class, or on a project studio dedicated to this project. Have them ask questions about each other’s code.
For Teachers
- If time permits and students are interested in this project, encourage students to explore what else they can create in Scratch by trying out new blocks and reviewing previous projects to get ideas for this project.
- How might you integrate the use of Scratch into other subjects?
- How might you use Scratch to increase learning of 21st century skills?
- Try using one of these unplugged lessons with students: List of 100+ unplugged lessons and resources.