Tech Tools Presents: Scratch

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Tech Tools PresentsScratch

• Trish Wilson
• TBTE 415
• 10/15/2007

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What is Scratch?

• Free graphical programming language
• Used for creating interactive stories,
  animations, art, music, games and more
• Created by researchers at MIT media lab.
• Built on top of Squeak
• Inspired by Logo and EToys

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Learning

• Mathematical concepts (coordinates, variables,
  random numbers, etc.)
• Computational concepts (iterations, conditionals,
  variables, etc.)
• Process of design.
• Logical thinking.
• Meaningful and motivating context.
• 21st century learning skills and digital fluency
• Sharing and collaboration

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Programming

• Designed for children, teens, and beginning
  programmers
• Building block programming with low floor, high
  ceiling
• Media and manipulation
• Sharing and collaboration
• Open source, closed development

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Creating

• Dynamic interactive media.
• Combine music, animation, graphics, and other
  media in one program.
• Name comes from hip-hop disc jockey scratching
  technique creativity.
• Sharing download a complete program for use or
  pick pieces for your own program.

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Advantages

• Free.
• Multiplatform.
• Good resources/references.
• Sharing and collaboration opportunities.
• Open source.
• Complex capabilities.
• Vast audience.

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Disadvantages

• You have to have the software installed (or
  program online) to use the final production.
• Some of the shared programs have some
  glitches/nuances.
• There are a lot of programs out there to fish
  from (good and bad).
• Takes time and training.

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Using Scratch
Building Blocks
Testing area
Programming area
Sprite
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Demonstration
This can also be found at http//llk.media.mit.edu
/projects/scratch/videos/ScratchIntro.wmv
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Examples

• Scratch\penny_flipper_2.sb(This can also be
  found athttps//scratch.mit.edu/projects/room209/
  581
• Scratch\Party_Like_A_Spartan.sb(This can also be
  found at http//scratch.mit.edu/projects/Wei/4058
  3)

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Potential Classroom Uses

• Great way to integrate educational subjects (e.g.
  Math and Language Arts).
• Secondary classes can create stories or games for
  elementary students.
• Teacher can create unique ways for students to
  learn/retain material.
• Multimedia integration and editing.
• Get elementary students started in programming.

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Resources

• Scatch Home - http//scratch.mit.edu/
• Scratch Reference/Resources http//scratch.mit.e
  du/howto
• Scratch Projects - http//scratch.mit.edu/channel/
  recent