Learning To Program With Scratch

Learn how to write your own computer programs with the fantastic free Scratch software. Through this series of lessons you will learn to design, make and test your own computer programs, including interactive games, quizzes and simulations. You will also develop your debugging skills helping you to become a master programmer!

1 - Object properties

1IntroductionIntroduction
2Object propertiesObject properties
3Object actionsObject actions
4Combining actions and propertiesCombining actions and properties
Programming challengeProgramming challenge
Developing DebuggingDeveloping Debugging

2 - Using loops

1IntroductionIntroduction
2Using loopsUsing loops
Programming challengeProgramming challenge
Developing DebuggingDeveloping Debugging

3 - Sensing a computer input

1Keyboard inputsKeyboard inputs
2Mouse inputsMouse inputs
3Sensors as inputsSensors as inputs
Programming challengeProgramming challenge
Developing DebuggingDeveloping Debugging

4 - IF statements

1IntroductionIntroduction
2Using IF StatementsUsing IF Statements
Programming challengeProgramming challenge
Developing DebuggingDeveloping Debugging

5 - IF ELSE statements

1IntroductionIntroduction
2Using IF ELSE StatementsUsing IF ELSE Statements
Programming challengeProgramming challenge
Developing DebuggingDeveloping Debugging

6 - Using variables - basic

1IntroductionIntroduction
2Creating VariablesCreating Variables
3Using VariablesUsing Variables
Programming challengeProgramming challenge
Developing DebuggingDeveloping Debugging

7 - Using variables - advanced

1IntroductionIntroduction
2Changing variable valuesChanging variable values
Programming challengeProgramming challenge
Developing DebuggingDeveloping Debugging

8 - Operators

1IntroductionIntroduction
2Mathematical OperatorsMathematical Operators
3Logical OperatorsLogical Operators
4Random NumbersRandom Numbers
5Combining OperatorsCombining Operators
Programming challengeProgramming challenge
Developing DebuggingDeveloping Debugging

9 - Using sound

1IntroductionIntroduction
2Adding SoundsAdding Sounds
3Notes and BeatsNotes and Beats
Game SoundGame Sound
Virtual InstrumentVirtual Instrument
Developing DebuggingDeveloping Debugging

10 - Using pens

1IntroductionIntroduction
2Using PensUsing Pens
3Integrating ButtonsIntegrating Buttons
Programming challengeProgramming challenge
Developing DebuggingDeveloping Debugging

11 - Crumble Control Technology - Unit 1

1Computers controlling hardwareComputers controlling hardware
2Controlling SparklesControlling Sparkles
3Flickering lightsFlickering lights
4Daisy chaining componentsDaisy chaining components
Programming challengeProgramming challenge

12 - Crumble Control Technology - Unit 2

1Controlling motorsControlling motors
2Building a robot carBuilding a robot car
Programming challenge 1Programming challenge 1
Programming challenge 2Programming challenge 2

13 - Crumble Control Technology - Unit 3

1Using simple switchesUsing simple switches
2Using analogue sensorsUsing analogue sensors
3Combining sensors and switchesCombining sensors and switches
Programming challengeProgramming challenge

14 - Crumble Control Technology - Unit 4

1Storing sensor valuesStoring sensor values
2Using sensor valuesUsing sensor values
3Changing sensor valuesChanging sensor values
Programming challengeProgramming challenge

Lesson ID 153:
I understand what object properties and actions are.

In this lesson you will learn how objects can have properties (such as size or colour) and actions (such as move forwards or turn right).

Lesson ID 154:
I can change the properties of objects on a computer

In this lesson you will learn how to access and set properties of objects on a computer, using a piece of software called Scratch.

Lesson ID 155:
I can use actions to change properties and make sprites do things.

In this lesson you will learn how to use actions to change the properties of an object as part of a simple computer program.

Lesson ID 156:
I can combine more than one programming block.

In this lesson you will learn how to combine a number of action blocks to create sequences of actions that run one after the other.

Lesson ID 157:
I can combine actions to create computer programs.

In this programming challenge you are given the task of designing, testing and making a brand new computer program called Time To Groove. This program will be used to show children a range of cool and crazy dance moves, step by step, which they can then learn themselves.

Lesson ID 158:
I can break tasks up to help me debug problems.

In this lesson you will learn the term debugging. You will also learn how to debug a simple program by breaking up sequences of programming blocks, so they can be run one stage at a time.

Lesson ID 159:
I understand the importance of loops in computer programming.

In this lesson you will learn why loops can be so useful in computer programming and how they match real life experience.

Lesson ID 160:
I can use loops on the computer.

In this lesson you will learn how to use loops to create repeated tasks on the computer.

Lesson ID 161:
I can use loops effectively on the computer.

In this programming challenge you are given the task of designing, testing and making a brand new computer program called Time To Groove2. This program will be used to show children a range of cool and crazy dance move sequences, which they can then learn themselves.

Lesson ID 162:
I can use debugging to fix a number of problems.

In this lesson you will learn how to break more complicated tasks up to find problems with programs.

Lesson ID 163:
I can use the keyboard to make things happen in my programs

In this lesson you will learn how to use an input from the computer keyboard to trigger events within your programs.

Lesson ID 164:
I can use the mouse to make things happen in my programs

In this lesson you will learn how to use an input from the computer mouse to trigger events within your programs. The mouse provides two possible inputs; mouse position and mouse button click.

Lesson ID 165:
I can use external sensors to make things happen in my programs

In this lesson you will learn how to use Lego Wedo sensors to trigger events within your programs.

Lesson ID 166:
I can use input devices to make things happen in my programs.

In this programming challenge you are given the task of designing, testing and making a computer game called 'Mouse and Mog'. This is a brand new 2 player game involving a hungry cat and a runaway mouse! One animal will be controlled by the computer keyboard and the other by the computer mouse.

Lesson ID 167:
I can use debugging to fix lots of errors, working on one error at a time.

In this lesson you will learn how to fix programs that have a number of errors, by focussing on one problem at a time. You will learn how to run just part of your program to help isolate and resolve individual problems.

Lesson ID 168:
I understand how the answers to questions help us make decisions.

In this lesson your will learn how we use the answers to questions to help us make decisions. You will learn how this concept can be used in computer programming to help programs make simple decisions.

Lesson ID 169:
I can use IF statements so my programs can make decisions.

In this lesson you will learn how to use IF Statements to make your sprites make decisions on what to do, rather than us having to tell them every time.

Lesson ID 170:
I can use IF statements to make decisions in my programs.

In this lesson you will learn how to apply your skills of using IF statements in a programming challenge. Your challenge is to create a brand new game called Sea Life Safety. The game should be an underwater challenge, in which an evil crab is trying to capture a precious fish which holds the secret to eternal youth! The crab needs to be programmed to automatically chase after the fish.

Lesson ID 171:
I can use my debugging skills to improve the gameplay of a game.

In this lesson you will learn how part of debugging is not just finding and fixing errors, but also looking at the gameplay of the game. This describes how easy or difficult it is to actually play the game. It's crucial the gameplay is just right, so the game is enjoyable.

Lesson ID 172:
I understand how some decisions may have more than one outcome.

In this lesson you will learn how some questions in real life can help us make decisions that could have more than one outcome, for example we could make one decision or another. You will learn how these are known in computing as IF___ELSE statements.

Lesson ID 173:
I can use IF ELSE statements to make more complicated decisions.

In this lesson you'll learn how to use 'If-Else Statements' to make your sprites make decisions on what to do, rather than you having to tell them every time.

Lesson ID 174:
I can use IF ELSE statements within a game.

In this programming challenge you will use your knowledge of IF ELSE statements to create an interactive game. Your challenge is to design, build and test a game called 'Keep Up Challenge' in which a number of footballs must be kept bouncing by touching the mouse. If the ball touches the mouse, it must glide up to the top of the screen, but if it's not touching the mouse, it must head down to the ground.

Lesson ID 175:
I can find smaller bugs in programs when debugging.

Sometimes when we're programming, it can can be easy to think our program is bug free simply because it runs well without any major problems. In this debugging challenge you need to look more closely to find a very slight bug in the game.

Lesson ID 176:
I understand how variables can be used to store information.

In this lesson you will learn how computers store and retrieve information through the use of variables in a similar way to how we store and retrieve information from our brains. You will also learn the importance of only storing information once, saving space and making it easier to change the information that is held.

Lesson ID 177:
I can create variables and assign values to them.

In this lesson you will learn how to create variables in Scratch and then assign values to them. You will learn how to use this to create a simple game timer that could be used to store how long a player has played a game for.

Lesson ID 178:
I can retrieve and use values from variables.

In this lesson you will learn how to use the values of variables to alter the way a program runs.

Lesson ID 179:
I can use variables within a program.

In this programming challenge you will use your knowledge of variables to create a car racing game which can easily change how difficult it is to meet the needs of different aged users.

Lesson ID 180:
I can debug programs that use variables.

In this lesson you will learn how to make the debugging of programs that use variables easier by displaying variable values on the screen. Your challenge is to debug a program that has an error with the way its variables are being used.

Lesson ID 181:
I understand the importance of changing the value of variables as a program runs.

In this lesson you will learn why it is useful to be able to change the value of variables as programs run, rather than simply before they are run.

Lesson ID 182:
I can change the value of variables as a program runs.

In this lesson you will learn how to change the value of a variable as a program runs, or we could say 'during runtime'. You will learn how to use different inputs,including the mouse and keyboard, as triggers causing variable values to change and how this can be useful in games and simulations.

Lesson ID 183:
I can use variables effectively to program a game.

In this programming challenge you need to design, program and test a game called 'Dirt Drifters' in which a player will use the keyboard to drive a car round a simple track. However, the speed of the car may change if the car drifts onto the grass or if it enters the afterburner lane and the player presses the spacebar.

Lesson ID 184:
I can identify if a program meets a required brief.

In this lesson you will learn the importance of returning to the original brief for a program as part of the debugging challenge. You will see how a program that appears to be running perfectly, may actually be incorrectly programmed if it doesn't quite do what it was supposed to.

Lesson ID 185:
I understand what operators are and how they are used.

In this lesson you will learn what operators are and how they can be used in real life situations. You will learn the difference between mathematical operators and logical operators.

Lesson ID 186:
I can use mathematical operators to manipulate numbers.

In this lesson you will learn how to use mathematical operators to create a simple times tables teaching game in Scratch.

Lesson ID 187:
I can use logical operators to make more complicated decisions.

In this lesson you will learn how to use logical operators alongside IF statements to help make more complicated decisions. You will learn how to compare numbers and use the AND, OR and NOT operators.

Lesson ID 188:
I can use random numbers in my programs.

In this lesson you will learn what random numbers are and how they can be generated and used within your own programs.

Lesson ID 189:
I can combine more than one operator.

In this lesson you will learn how to combine multiple operators to create more complicated programs. We will use the example of a two-step number machine to show how the result from one mathematical operator can be used as an input for another.

Lesson ID 190:
I can use a range of operators in my programs.

In this programming challenge you will need to combine a range of mathematical and logical operators as you design, program and test a place value number quiz that can be used to help children revise their understanding of place value. The aim of the activity is for children to work out which numbers come either side of a given number. For example, if they were given the number 17, they would know that 1 less was 16 and 1 more was 18. Use your programming skills to solve the challenge.

Lesson ID 191:
I can use my debugging skills to solve problems involving operators.

In this debugging challenge you must use your knowledge of operators to find and fix an error in a times tables game.

Lesson ID 193:
I understand how sound can be used to enhance a program.

In this lesson you will learn some of the ways in which sound can be used to enhance a program, either by providing useful feedback to a user, or by enhancing the experience within a game.

Lesson ID 194:
I can add sounds to my projects

In this lesson you will learn how to add pre-recorded sounds to Sprites within your projects and also how to record and play your own sounds. These can be used to enhance games or provide useful feedback to the user.

Lesson ID 195:
I can play sounds and beats in my programs.

In this lesson you will learn how to play notes and drums within your Scratch projects. You will also learn how the tempo of a project affects the way these sounds play.

Lesson ID 196:
I can use sound to enhance a game.

In this programming challenge you will need to improve a prebuilt game by adding appropriate sounds. Use sounds to provide suitable feedback to the user, but also to enhance the overall gameplay, so it's a far more immersive experience for the player.

Lesson ID 197:
I can create a virtual musical instrument.

In this programming challenge you must design, program and test a virtual instrument. This is a musical instrument that a player can play on the computer. To get you started, a selection of musical instrument artwork has been provided. Use this as the basis for your project, then add and test the code.

Lesson ID 198:
I can manipulate numbers when debugging programs.

Sometimes the numbers a program generates need to be changed so they work within a given range. Sound volume in Scratch for examples works between values of 0 and 100. There's no point therefore in using a volume of 200, since the maximum accepted value is 100. To solve this issue, it may be necessary to use numerical operators to alter the value of variables to make them more usable. In this program you will learn how. You will then use this skill to debug a burglar alarm program in which a variable is not working within a correct range of values.

Lesson ID 199:
I understand the properties and actions of pens.

In this lesson you will learn the different properties and actions of real life pens, including how we can use numerical values to represent different shades of the same colour.

Lesson ID 200:
I can change the appearance of pens on the computer.

In this lesson you will learn how to change the colour and thickness of pens within your programs as well has using event triggers to clear the canvas. You will also learn how to create an interesting drawing style by changing the pen colour gradually within a loop.

Lesson ID 201:
I can use buttons as event triggers within programs

In this lesson you will learn how to add and code buttons within your programs. You will also learn how to add event triggers to these buttons, so they make things happen when clicked.

Lesson ID 202:
I can combine programming skills to create useful software.

In this programming challenge you will need to combine a range of skills to create a useful drawing program that can be used in a school. You need to consider the usability aspect too, by adding buttons that provide feedback to the user so they know the button has been clicked.

Lesson ID 203:
I can use comments in my code to make it more readable.

In this lesson you will learn the importance of adding comments to code. This becomes especially important when working as part of a programming team, or when debugging more complicated programs. Learn how to add comments to Scratch projects, then add your own comments to the linked program, explain how it works.

Lesson ID 462:
I can identify ways in which computers control external hardware.

In this lesson you will learn some of the ways in which computers can interact with external hardware. You will learn what an IO Controller is and how some computers have these built in.

Lesson ID 463:
I can control lights on the crumble.

In this lesson you will learn how to turn special lights, known as Sparkles, on and off using the Crumble. You will also learn how to change their colour.

Lesson ID 464:
I can use random numbers in my programs.

In this lesson you will learn how to use random numbers to constantly change the colour of a Sparkle LED, creating flickering light effects.

Lesson ID 465:
I can control multiple components.

In this lesson you will learn how multiple components can be daisy chained together to create a larger circuit. You will also learn how different Sparkles can be made to display different colours by referencing their unique address, or index.

Lesson ID 466:
I can integrate colour changing lights within my own programs.

In this programming challenge you must apply your skills at changing the colours of Sparkles to create either a colour changing decoration or a piece of wearable technology that could be worn to a party.

Lesson ID 467:
I can control motors on the Crumble.

In this lesson you will learn how to control motors using the specific motor terminals on the Crumble. You will learn how to change the speed of a motor as well as how to change its direction.

Lesson ID 468:
I can use lights and motors in a robot car.

In this step by step lesson, you'll build a robot car from the Crumble Car kit. If you don't have the Crumble car kit, other suitable containers may be used, such as egg boxes or a LEGO frame.

Lesson ID 469:
I can write programs that solve a series of challenges.

In this programming challenge you must program your Crumble car so it will solve a series of challenges. You'll need to use trial and improvement, along with a fair amount of logic, to work out the most efficient way of completing the challenges.

Lesson ID 470:
I can use variables to change the way my programs run.

In this programming challenge you must use your knowledge of variables of gradually speed up and slow down your Crumble car.

Lesson ID 471:
I can use switches to control lights and motors on the Crumble.

In this lesson you will learn how to use a simple push button switch along with an IF ELSE statement to change the way your program runs. You will also learn how to connect your own homemade switches to the Crumble.

Lesson ID 472:
I can use sliders to control lights on the Crumble.

In this lesson you will learn how some sensors don't just provide simple 'On Off' values, but rather provide a range of values. You will learn how these values can be used to gradually change the brightness of a bulb or the speed of a motor.

Lesson ID 473:
I can combine buttons and sliders in a single project.

In this lesson you will learn how to combine multiple sensors in your programs as well as how to access different inputs.

Lesson ID 474:
I can combine buttons and sliders in my own projects.

In this programming challenge you must design and build an eco-friendly house of the future. You must use a series of switches and sliders to automate various features of the house, such as ceiling fans or lights. See if you can create some custom switches too.

Lesson ID 475:
I can identify the range of values a sensor provides.

In this lesson you will learn how the exact value outputted by a sensor can be stored to a variable so it can be seen during coding. You will also learn how to identify the minimum and maximum values for a range of sensors, including a slider and an LDR.

Lesson ID 476:
I can use the different values sensors provide.

I this lesson you will learn how the values from sensors can be used as threshold values, across which our programs can function differently. You will learn how to use the value from a sensor with an IF ELSE statement to achieve this.

Lesson ID 477:
I can adapt input values so they operate within a useful range.

In this lesson you will learn to use numerical operators to adapt the values received from a sensor so they operate within a new range.

Lesson ID 478:
I can integrate a range of sensors and components in my own programs.

In this programming challenge you must integrate a range of sensors such as buttons, sliders and light dependent resistors to create a fairground ride such as a ferris wheel or a roundabout.

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Learning To Program With Scratch