Scratch is a basic programming language that makes use of the block-building style for creating animated stories, simulations, interactive games, and amazing artwork. As you would make use of Scratch programming language, you will be introduced to the concepts of basic coding while developing the overall computational thinking skills and bringing their ideas to life. Let us know about the importance of Scratch programming fundamentals and coding for beginners and intermediates.

The Udemy Scratch programming language course is known to make it simpler for learners who are only starting out through the organization of different types of codes. The respective code blocks are then categorized in the following categories:

  • Operators
  • Motion
  • Sound
  • Looks
  • Events
  • Sensing
  • Controls
  • My Blocks
  • Variables

The respective code blocks can be grouped together in the given Code Area like combining pieces of jigsaw puzzle together. The students are able to test the respective code while debugging problems with the code by making both the Stage as well as the Code Area visible simultaneously.

Vocabulary in Scratch Programming

If you are starting out with the programming language as Scratch programming for beginners, here is the vocabulary you should know about:

  • Scratch or Block Palette: The Block Palette serves to be the area situated on the left-hand side of the screen as the Code button gets opened. On the left-hand side, there is a dedicated area known for containing the nine sections of different blocks in the given programming language. To the right-hand side of the screen, there is a dedicated area for containing blocks that could be dragged into the given Code area for making the code.

 

  • Code Area: It serves to be the large-sized empty space situated to the right-hand side of the block palette. It serves to be the area that is utilized for storing blocks for running the project. Blocks could be dragged from the given Block Palette into the respective Code area while being arranged into proper form scripts.

 

  • Sprite: Either uploaded, created by the users, or available in the Sprites library, these are objects that are used for performing specific actions in the given project.

 

  • Sprite Pane: It is the white dedicated area that is located beneath the area of the Stage wherein all sprites are present in the project. As such, sprites can be easily accessed to inspect or modify.

 

  • Stage: It is the area wherein the sprites are present and tend to perform the respective actions. It is situated at the top-end area –right to the main Code area.

 

Learning to Scratch

One of the best ways of learning Scratch is with the help of experimentation. As it serves to be an interactive environment, it is recommended that you can experiment as you work with the given tutorial.

Writing Simple Scratch Scripts

For the creation of a script, you can simply drag the block from the respective Blocks Palette on the given Scripts Area. For running the same, you can double-click on the same while observing what would happen on the stage.

  • Basic Movement: You can make your character move 10 steps by selecting the option of “move 10 steps” from the Blocks Palette and dragging the same into the Scripts Area. When you would double-click on the block, you will observe your character or cat moving 10 steps towards the right. You can consider double-clicking on the block as many times as you desire. The cat will continue moving.

 

  • Editing the Text Field: You can consider editing the entire portion of the white field of the given block. This can be done by clicking on the option 10 and changing the same to some other number –like “-10.” You can double click on the same while observing what would happen.

 

Expanding the Script

For expanding the script, you can simple snap the second block to its first block. Scripts tend to be executed from its top to bottom such that you are required to add the given block. If you wish the all-new block to be executed first, then you can consider adding the same to the top of the existing block. Otherwise, you can consider adding the same below.

As you would be dragging the block into the given Scripts area, the presence of the white line would indicate wherein you can join the all-new block properly with the existing structure of the script. As you get ready, you can consider double-clicking anywhere on the all-new script for executing the same.

 

Scratch Programming Basics Quiz with Answers

Ready to test your knowledge of Scratch so far? We have a list of our favourite quizzes on the internet to help cement in many of the key core scratch concepts;

  • Set of Free Interactive Scratch Quizzes here. We like these as the platform includes actually testing the game out.
  • Year 4 Scratch Questions and Quizzes free  here. Note: does require a free account to be created
  • Simple 10 Question Quiz to test your knowledge of Block Programming here. 

If you do find any other great quizzes that you like, please do put a comment in our section below. We would love to hear from you.

How to Create a Scratch Multiple Choice Quiz – Video Tutorial

Perhaps you would rather create your own Scratch Quiz with Multiple Choice Questions and Answers…… in Scratch?! We think this is a super cool idea. If you do create it, please share your project space link in the comments section so our other readers can try your new quiz?

 

 

Written by Max

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