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Scratch Programming Concepts 1.3

This document summarizes programming concepts and skills supported in the Scratch programming environment from the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at MIT Media Lab. It introduces fundamental ideas like writing step-by-step programs and debugging. It also explains specific programming concepts demonstrated in Scratch like sequence, iteration, conditionals, variables, lists, events, parallel execution, coordination, random numbers, and boolean logic. More advanced concepts not currently in Scratch are also listed.

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Srini Vasan
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845 views2 pages

Scratch Programming Concepts 1.3

This document summarizes programming concepts and skills supported in the Scratch programming environment from the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at MIT Media Lab. It introduces fundamental ideas like writing step-by-step programs and debugging. It also explains specific programming concepts demonstrated in Scratch like sequence, iteration, conditionals, variables, lists, events, parallel execution, coordination, random numbers, and boolean logic. More advanced concepts not currently in Scratch are also listed.

Uploaded by

Srini Vasan
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS AND SKILLS SUPPORTED IN

Lifelong Kindergarten Group


MIT Media Lab
http://scratch.mit.edu

PROBLEM-SOLVING AND PROJECT-DESIGN SKILLS


• logical reasoning
• debugging problems
• developing ideas from initial conception to completed project
• sustained focus and perseverance

FUNDAMENTAL IDEAS ABOUT COMPUTERS AND PROGRAMMING


• Computer programs tell the computer precisely what to do, step-by-step
• Writing computer programs doesn’t require special expertise, just clear and careful thinking

SPECIFIC PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS


Concept Explanation Example
sequence To create a program in
when space key pressed
Scratch, you need to think go to x: -100 y: -100
systematically about the order glide 2 secs to x: 0 y: 0

of steps. say Let the show begin! for secs

play sound fanfare until done

iteration (looping) forever and repeat can be


used for iteration (repeating a
series of instructions)

conditional statements if and if-else check for a if x position > 200

condition. set x to -200

wait .01 secs

variables The variable blocks allow


you to create variables and
use them in a program. The
variables can store numbers
or strings. Scratch supports
both global and object-specific
variables.
lists (arrays) The list blocks allow for storing
and accessing a list of numbers
and strings. This kind of data
structure can be considered a
“dynamic array.”
Concept Explanation Example
event handling when key pressed and when
sprite clicked are examples of
when left arrow key pressed
event handling – responding to
point in direction -90
events triggered by the user or
move 10 steps
another part of the program.

threads Launching two stacks at


(parallel execution) the same time creates two when clicked

3 secs to x: -75 y: 82
independent threads that glide

glide 5 secs to x: 179 y: -130


execute in parallel.
when clicked

forever

next costume

wait 1 secs

coordination and broadcast and when I receive For example, Sprite1 sends the message
winner when this condition is met:
synchronization can coordinate the actions
wait until score > 100
of multiple sprites. Using
broadcast
broadcast and wait allows
winner

synchronization. This script in Sprite2 is triggered when


the message is received:

when I receive winner

play sound cheer

say You won the game!

random numbers The pick random block selects


random integers within a given set x to pick random -100 to 100

range.
boolean logic and, or, not are examples of
boolean logic.

dynamic interaction mouse_x, mouse_y, and


loudness can be used as
dynamic input for real-time
interaction
user interface design You can design interactive
user interfaces in Scratch – for
example, using clickable sprites
to create buttons.

PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS NOT CURRENTLY INTRODUCED IN SCRATCH:


• procedures and functions • recursion • exception handling
• parameter passing and • defining classes of objects • text input
return values • inheritance • file input/output

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