- Code Savvy Educate
Tips for Integrating with Scratch
Chances are you have already heard or seen something about Scratch. For those of you who might not know, Scratch is a block-based programming platform that empowers students to unleash their creativity by designing and developing their own interactive games, stories, and animations. What truly makes Scratch remarkable is that it offers educators a fantastic and free resource to bring students into the world of technology and programming. However, as open-ended and exciting as Scratch is, it can often leave educators wondering, “Where do I even start?”
We want to help with that! In this blog post we will just barely scratch (ha-ha) the surface on the different ways to integrate CS into lessons and activities. On top of that we will share some helpful resources and tools to kick-start your journey of teaching and learning with Scratch!
First 30 Days Activity: CS & Me
Introducing Scratch at the start of the year is a fun and engaging way to get to know your students alongside introducing them to a new platform they will be exploring throughout the year. This integrated lesson begins by facilitating conversations about our identities and having students think about who and what represents who they are. Students then take their ideas to create an original Scratch project that reflects different aspects of who they are. You can access this complete lesson plan here.
Scratch + Science: Conductivity Experiments
This lesson combines both Scratch and the MaKey MaKey (an invention kit that allows for students to turn everyday objects to computer keys). In this Scratch + Science project, students will be testing different materials to determine if they are conductive or not. Students will craft a simple circuit with the MaKey MaKey and then write a program in Scratch to signal an output message if their circuit is closed. Thanks to JoyLabz, there is a complete grab and go lesson ready for educators! We also created a starter project to help students and educators see what type of program they would need to write in Scratch for this experiment.
Scratch + Math: Programming Formulas
This lesson introduces students to variables and guides them in programming a basic Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion in Scratch. Its adaptability extends to other conversion formulas, making it a versatile resource. We owe thanks to Mike and Ashley for their contributions to csandmath.org, a site that offers various ways to integrate math and computer science, especially through Scratch. You can access this lesson plan and a completed Scratch project for more details.
Scratch + English Language Arts: Interactive Posters
In Minnesota, CS and English Language Arts are coming together in education, thanks to the state’s commitment to CS opportunities for all students- the drafting and writing of CS Integrated Standards are well underway. Currently, there are integrated standards written for K-12 in Science, English Language Arts, and the Arts. Specifically in English Language Arts, there is an integrated standard that is mentioned at almost every grade level, K-12. This specific series of standards emphasizes the creation and sharing of digital work for specific purposes and audiences. Scratch seamlessly integrates into this particular standard. One particular example we want to highlight is the creation of Interactive posters. Where Scratch can be paired with the Makey Makey to bridge the physical and digital worlds. JoyLabz has created a lesson plan to demonstrate this combination in action.
Scratch + Music: Build-A- Band
Build-A-Band is part of the Creative Computing Curriculum developed by members of the Creative Computing Lab at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Within this specific lesson, students will have the opportunity to create their own virtual bands in Scratch. They will do this by selecting and programming a variety of sprites with interesting and unique sounds. Students will explore new concepts in programming like sequences, loops and events to create an original project! This is a fantastic opportunity to introduce students to the world of music composition. You can access the complete lesson resource here and a completed Scratch Project for more details.
💡💻 Want to build out your own Scratch Educator Toolkit? We have two upcoming professional development workshops for educators this month!
September 16th (Virtual) 8AM-12PM
What You’ll Learn:
Introduction to Scratch and its features
Hands-on activities to get started programming in Scratch
Strategies for integrating Scratch into your lessons
Takeaway: Valuable classroom resources to implement Scratch with confidence.
September 30th (Virtual) 8AM-12PM
What You’ll Learn:
Intermediate Scratch coding techniques
Creative project ideas for diverse subjects
Assessment strategies for Scratch-based assignments
Takeaway: Materials and resources to level up your Scratch programming skills and support you in Scratch Integration.
We hope these integration examples have inspired and equipped you with valuable resources to introduce exciting computer science opportunities through Scratch to your students this year. If you have any questions or wish to connect with us, don’t hesitate to reach out at educators@codesavvy.org.
As you begin this new school year, remember that we recognize and appreciate the dedication and impact you bring to your students’ lives. Wishing you a fantastic start to the year ahead!
The Code Savvy Educate Team