LESSON
Scratch programming environment is divided into several sections with each serving a different purpose. The environment hosts the blocks and tabs to make for an excellent program.
The Stage
The stage is where the sprite moves and interacts. It has both X and y coordinates of 0 at the center.
Blocks Tab
The 10 categories that comprise the Scratch block library are: Motion, Looks, Sound, Pen, Data, Events, and Text. Blocks for control, sensing, operators, and more. Blocks are color-coded to make it easy to find. Some blocks only show up in specific conditions. Blocks in the Data palette, for instance only appear after a variable or list has been created. Below are the different blocks and the functions they serve:
Motion Blocks
Motion blocks are the blocks that regulate and control the movement of a sprite. There are about 17 motion blocks in Scratch with key features of move, turn, point in direction and so on.
Looks Block
“Looks” blocks determine how a sprite appears. This includes colors, speech, and backdrop changes. There are about 23 blocks under looks.
Sound Blocks
This controls the sound of the sprite. However, you’ll find more sound in the music extension. You can choose any sound of choice and even record for yourself.
Event Blocks
These blocks are very important. They are the execution block that let your codes run. They are the essential blocks for events to happen.
Control Blocks
They are the blocks that control sprites. They are important for coordination in your codes and projects.
Sensing Blocks
These blocks detect things. There are about 18 sensing blocks in the Scratch 3.0.
Operator Blocks
The blocks perform math functions and string handling. They contain all arithmetic operators.
Variable Blocks
Variable blocks are used to store variables and lists. You can also make variables.
Backdrop Tab
The middle tab’s name changes to “Stage” when you click on the Stage’s thumbnail in the Sprite list from backdrops to costumes. Using this you can modify your backdrops. You can choose to set different backdrops occasionally in your program.
Costume Tab
This tab hosts tools that enable you to tweak a sprite or backdrop to your taste. Under the costume tab, we have a shape tool, drawing tool, eraser, paint buck tool, paint brush tool, color palette, and so on.
Sprites
Sprites are items that display above the background. They are characters, or other interactive objects. Click the cat icon in the lower-right area to view a list of prepared sprites and select any one of your choice. You can delete a sprite by clicking the dustbin.
Backdrop
Backdrops make your game’s setting come to life. Usually, they are static graphics that take up the full play area or screen. Click the symbol in the bottom right corner that resembles a photo to see a list of pre-made backdrops.
Tutorial Tab
Tutorial Tab contains project tabs with step by step guides on how to code for them. They are easily accessible and are located at the top right with a bulb icon.
see: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/editor/?tutorial=getStarted
Getting Started.
- Pick a sprite
- Go to the right corner below and click on the cat icon. Choose a sprite
- Add A Backdrop
- Click on the photo Icon, near the sprite and choose a backdrop.
Now, let’s code your sprite;
- Go to motion, click and drag move 10 steps to the workspace. Observe what happens.
