Author:
Kathy Hay
Subject:
Computer Science
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Level:
Lower Primary
Tags:
  • Coding
  • Computer Science
  • Scratch
  • License:
    Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike
    Language:
    English
    Media Formats:
    Interactive

    Education Standards

    Scratch Jr Name Project

    Scratch Jr Name Project

    Overview

    Students will learn the basic features of Scratch, a block-based visual prgramming language, and create a simple program using Scratch.

    Scratch Jr Name Project

    In this acitivity students in the lower primary grades will animate the letters in their first name using the app ScratchJr while learning computer science concepts. 

     

    Getting Started

    1. Students will need access to the Scratch Jr app on an iPad or the Scratch Jr app on Android.  (More information about devices to use with Scratch Jr. found here.) Students can work independently or with a partner.  If students are working with a partner consider "Pair Programming" explained by Code.org and linked here.
    2. Computer science vocabulary needed for this lesson:
      1. Algorithm - list of steps in order (order of the code blocks)
      2. Bug - code(s) that does not run correctly
      3. Debug - find bugs (where code(s) does not run correctly) and fix the program
      4. Code - blocks that tell the sprite/object what to do
      5. Program - when an algorithm runs to create an animation in Scratch Jr or makes a machine or robot work
    3. Objectives
      1. Students will create a working algorithm that animates the letters of their first names.
      2. Students will use debugging to fix and revise algorithms.
      3. Students will collaborate and communicate; sharing ideas, debugging, and creating working animations.
    4. Resources needed
      1. Devices (ipads if possible)
      2. Scratch Jr
        1. Home
        2. Tips/tutorials
        3. Additional activities
        4. Curricula
        5. ScratchJr Intro tutorial video

    The Lesson

    Students will need to have some familiarity with ScratchJr before beginning.  You may want to use the ScratchJr - Teach Activites before starting this lesson.  Video tutorial to get started in the ScratchJr - Teach Activities.

    Directions:

    • Review/teach vocabulary (" " around vocabulary below):
      • "Algorithm" 
        • Students create directions step by step to complete a task.
      • "Bug/Debug"
        • Look for bugs in the directions.
        • Use "Debugging" to revise the directions so the task can be completed.
    • Open ScratchJr.
    • Create a new project from the Home page.
      • Discuss creating an algorithm for each letter in first name.
      • Review/Talk about "code" blocks.
    • Add letter characters.
      • Open a new blank character and use the draw tool to make a letter.
      • Repeat for each letter in first name.
    • Add a background.
    • Animate each letter with code (link to ScratchJr blocks).
      • Use the MOTION BLOCKS.
      • Use the "Repeat" block in the "CONTROL BLOCKS".
      • Use the "Start on Green Flag" block in the TRIGGERING BLOCKS to run the code.
    • Share student "programs" reviewing that programs are algorithms running the animations.

    Assessment:

    • Students successfully create a program animating their first names.  
    • Students use computer science vocabulary as they work and explain their animations.
    • Students answer journal prompts showing understanding.
      • Draw or write what an algorithm is.
      • Draw or write how you can debug a program.