I.

Introduction to Scratch

1. Definition: A block-based visual programming language.

2. Key Concepts:

o Sprites: Visual characters or objects.

o Motion Blocks: Used to move sprites (e.g., go to (x, y), glide (1) secs to (x, y)).

o Events: Initiate actions, like when green flag clicked.

o Loops: forever block for continuous actions.

o Looks: switch costume to for animation.

o Broadcasting: Enables sprite communication.

o Wait Blocks: Introduce delays for smooth animations.

II. Scratch Programming Mechanics

1. Green Flag: Starts program execution.

2. Glide vs. Go To: Glide creates smooth motion; Go To moves instantly.

3. Conditions and Controls:

o if blocks for decision-making.

o if on edge, bounce for sprite movements.

4. Interactivity:

o when space key pressed for sprite control.

o when this sprite clicked → change color effect by (25).

5. Debugging Tips:

o Check if key pressed conditions for movement issues.

o Reduce forever loops for performance improvements.

III. Arduino Basics

1. Definition: A microcontroller used for electronics projects.

2. Common Boards:

o Arduino Uno (best for beginners).

o Arduino Mega (for complex projects requiring more pins).

3. Key Components:

o Resistor: Limits current, prevents damage.

o Potentiometer: Adjusts voltage manually.

o Breadboard: Provides temporary circuit connections.

o LEDs & LCDs: Output components for visual display.

o 7-Segment Display: Used to show numbers and some letters.

o Push Buttons: Send input signals when pressed.

o Capacitors & Inductors: Store and regulate electrical charge.

4. Input and Output:

o pinMode(pin, OUTPUT); initializes a pin as an output.

o digitalWrite(pin, HIGH); turns a pin ON.

o analogRead(pin); reads sensor values.

IV. Arduino Programming

1. Basic Functions:

o setup(): Runs once at the start.

o loop(): Executes repeatedly.

2. Components Control:

o analogWrite() for LED brightness control.

o delay(1000); introduces a 1-second pause.

3. Working with Sensors and Buttons:

o if statements to check button presses.

o Pull-up/pull-down resistors ensure stable button input.

4. LCD Displays:

o Require the LiquidCrystal library.

5. Troubleshooting:

o LED not turning on? Check polarity and connections.

o Button not working? Use a pull-up or pull-down resistor.

o LCD showing garbled text? Verify I2C address.

V. Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Scratch Issues:

o Sprites not moving? Check motion blocks.

o Game lagging? Reduce forever loops.

2. Arduino Issues:

o LED too dim? Check resistor values.

o Button unresponsive? Use pull-up resistors.

o LCD shows garbled text? Check I2C address.

3. Power and Circuit Problems:

o No response? Check power connections.

o Short circuits? Verify resistor placements.

VI. Advanced Concepts

1. Parallel vs. Series Circuits:

o Parallel: Shares current.

o Series: Shares voltage.

2. Adding Difficulty in Scratch Games:

o Use variables to increase speed over time.

3. Using Shift Registers:

o Efficiently control multiple LEDs.

4. Pull-up vs. Pull-down Resistors:

o Pull-up ensures a HIGH default state.

5. Power Management in Arduino:

o Ensure correct voltage levels for components.

o Use external power sources for high-power devices.

6. Optimizing Arduino Code:

o Reduce redundant loops.

o Use millis() instead of delay() for non-blocking code execution.

7. Game Optimization in Scratch:

o Reduce the number of scripts running simultaneously.

o Optimize sprite movement and interactions.