Module 5: Teaching with Technology

INTRODUCTION TO STEM USING SCRATCH CODING

• Topics:
  • Introduction to Scratch Coding
  • Scratch Resources to Use in Class
• Jump to another topic in module 5.

Introduction to Scratch Coding

Many schools today are looking to promote integration of technology with other fields to support preparing students for jobs of the future. Two major initiatives are the following:

• STEM: Focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
• STEAM: Focus on science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.

One part of this focus in education is programming/coding/robotics and object-oriented programming. In our course, let's get an introduction to an interactive coding environment that is easy enough to use with younger students, yet advanced enough to both teach advanced coding concepts and allow students to interface coding with robots and other real-world tools.

Navigate to Scratch at the following link: Scratch.MIT.edu

A few introductory points about the Scratch coding environment:

• Scratch is a free programming environment that runs in a Web browser.
• Designed by the MIT Media Lab's Lifelong Kindergarten Group.
• Scratch users ("Scratchers") can create programs by snapping together code blocks in the Scratch editor (like Legos).
• Designed for 8- to 16-year-olds, but can appeal to all ages.
• There is no software to install. Scratch is cloud-based.
• Completely free: no ads or in-app purchases.
• Can use online (cloud-based) or download a copy of the offline editor software.
• Students can use their mouse to drag and drop code blocks: little typing is needed.

After gaining an introduction to the Scratch environment, we will examine the following categories of coding blocks:

• Motion.
• Looks.
• Events.
• Control.
• Sound.
• Sensing.
• Operators
• Variables.

Scratch Resources to Use in Class

1. Scratch Introduction.pptx
2. Scratch Intermediate.pptx
3. Scratch Advanced.pptx