Scratch Block-Based Coding Course
Grades 3-5
About This Course
Starts June 10th, Tues/Thurs 3-5pm for 6 weeks
In this exciting introduction to coding, students in grades 3-5 will learn how to create their own interactive games using Scratch's colorful block-based programming environment. Inspired by Max Wainewright's celebrated game design curriculum, young coders will progress from simple animations to fully functional games with scoring systems and special effects.
No prior coding experience needed—just bring your imagination! Students will learn what makes games engaging, how to control characters with keyboard inputs, create animations, and even implement scoring systems. By the end of six weeks, participants will have created multiple working games they can play, share, and continue developing at home.
Beyond the technical skills, students will develop valuable computational thinking abilities, grow their creative problem-solving skills, and gain the perseverance and confidence that comes from building something from “scratch”. Join us to transform from game player to game creator while having tons of fun along the way!
The following video is an example of what block-based coding in Scratch looks like.
What You'll Learn
Learn conditionals, functions, coordinates and more in block-based coding with authentic lessons designed to engage and encourage learning by doing!
Master the fundamentals of block-based programming using Scratch to create interactive games with movement, obstacles, and sound effects
Apply core coding concepts including sequences, loops, conditionals, and variables while building engaging, personalized projects
Develop computational thinking skills and coding confidence through the creation of progressively complex games based on a tried and tested curriculum
Hands-On Projects
Amazing Maze Game: Students will design their own maze game where players navigate through obstacles to reach a goal. They'll implement keyboard controls, collision detection, and personalized maze layouts while learning about coordinates, events, and control blocks.
Catch the Donut Game: Students will create an arcade-style game where players try to catch falling donuts against a timer. Implementing this game will have many similarities with the game Pong. They'll implement scoring systems, randomization for donut placement, and increasing difficulty levels while adding their own creative visual and audio elements.
Up in the Clouds Adventure: Students will develop a flying game featuring a biplane navigating through the sky. They'll program movement controls with different degrees of rotation, implement randomized cloud obstacles, and add sound effects to enhance gameplay while putting their personal touch on sprite designs and backgrounds.
Our 6-Week Course Plan
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![Scratch Cat]()
Week 1 - Intro to Scratch & Game Design
Introduction to Scratch and game design fundamentals; students will learn the Scratch interface, how to create and modify sprites, and begin experimenting with basic movement commands while discussing what makes games engaging.
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![Keyboard]()
Week 2 - Movement & Keyboard Input
Exploring movement controls and event blocks; students will implement keyboard inputs, understand coordinates and positioning, and begin developing the structure of their Amazing Maze game.
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![CodeMonkey Sequencing]()
Week 3 - Loops, Conditionals, Sensor Blocks
Implementing loops, conditionals, and sensing blocks; students will complete their Amazing Maze games with collision detection and victory conditions, followed by a mid-course presentation where they'll demonstrate their projects and provide peer feedback.
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![Beaver Achiever]()
Week 4 - Variables, Data Tracking & Scoring System
Introduction to variables and data tracking; students will learn how to implement scoring systems and timers while beginning development of their Catch the Donut games with randomized element placement.
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![Scratch Sprites]()
Week 5 - Animations & Sprite Costumes
Creating animations and enhancing gameplay; students will discover how to create sprite costumes for animations, implement sound effects, and begin developing their Up in the Clouds flying games with more advanced controls.
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![Final Scratch Projects]()
Week 6 - Game Refinement & Showcase
Game refinement and showcase preparation; students will add final touches to their games including difficulty adjustments, visual enhancements, and personal creative elements before presenting their completed projects to classmates and receiving constructive feedback.
