Scratch

rauscher · 2007-08-29 10:51:07

Hi. Has anyone created a book that introduces concepts in scratch one-by-one and then has a structured "project" after each set of concepts?

I'd like to set up something for my kid's school that uses scratch but I would like it to be somewhat structured.

thanks,
-Rich

magdiego · 2007-08-30 23:47:43

Rich,

There's a document that's been referenced here before (http://scratch.mit.edu/files/program-concepts-v5.doc) that lists the programming concepts in Scratch, and gives some very brief examples of the concepts. They aren't projects, but they might be a good start.

I'm trying to work through the elementary school bureaucracy to start a program at my son's school as well. I haven't thought too much about how to structure it, but I like the order of concepts in that document. I think the tricky part would be to come up with interesting projects that stressed each concept, but didn't use concepts that hadn't been introduced yet.

People here have mentioned that a "name" project is a good project for beginners. I was thinking that it could be a good example for the concept of sequence, as well as demonstrating the "Looks" blocks. A dance project would probably be a good way to explore iteration, while introducing sounds. I'm not really sure where to go from there, but will be thinking about it.

Good luck to you, and I'd love to hear see what you come up with!

Mary

rauscher · 2007-08-31 08:14:43

If there's nothing out there, I might be willing to try to get a genuine grammer/middle school textbook off the ground myself. I have found that most (modern) computer classes for children and pre-teens don't cover programming at all -- they dwell on using different applications. As a computer scientist by training, I think we're doing a disservice for our kids by not introducing them to how computer applications work. They come away from looking at complex systems and think there's some sort of magic.

vikaros · 2007-08-31 15:38:43

I really like using the Scratch cards (http://scratch.mit.edu/cards) as simple starting exercises and then regrouping to brainstorm how the features explored could work together in bigger projects.

Braverdae · 2009-05-03 15:15:58

I am in the process of creating a text - I hope to have it ready by September 2009. The text will be available to purchase online through lulu.com - If you have any requests or suggestions for material that you would like covered in the text, please let me know and I will see if it possible to include it. I will have the first chapter ready for download shortly for previewing.

Tannis Calder
Teacher and Curriculum Developer SD52
Prince Rupert BC, Canada
writetotannis@yahoo.ca