Session 1 Arcade Hero

In session 1, students become arcade heroes. They prepare to build an online arcade for kids. To start, they register for a free Scratch account to gain access to the online coding platform. Afterwards, they explore the program to learn about common tools and terminology. By connecting blocks to make a script they discover how to control a sprite.

Session 2 Jumble Tumble

In session 2, students build Jumble Tumble. In this game a press of a key creates a mish mash of characters dashing and rolling across the screen. This chaotic scene uses Motion blocks to control movement. By sequencing the coding blocks, students discover how to direct and loop action. For an extra challenge, they can use if-then logic to create a silly outcome when two sprites crash.

Session 3 Let's Jam

In session 3, students put together a band. They design a game that transforms the keyboard into a musical instrument. Players will enjoy leading a jam session as they tap away at the keys. Students wanting a personal touch can add a variable that allows the player to name the new music group.

Session 4 Mystery Island

In session 4, students create Mystery Island. In this game, players explore an imaginary land. By tapping objects, they discover strange creatures. To build the code, Looks blocks are combined to change the appearance of sprites. Coders wanting to create an extra surprise can use random operators.

Session 5 Lost Treasure Part One

In session 5, students begin to create the game Lost Treasure. In it, players collect items to score points. The player moves the mouse to pick up lost items and carries them to a specific spot. To start, students plan the theme of their game. Next, they insert a setting, hero, and treasure. With this complete, the game designers build code to control the movement of the hero. Sounds and Looks blocks combine to add excitement to the game play.

Session 6 Lost Treasure Part Two

In session 6, students finish designing the game Lost Treasure. They create a variable to keep score. Using the Wait Until coding block, they build a script that ends the game when all hidden items are found. An optional activity has students create a timer to have players race against the clock. Upon completion, a tester plays the game.

Optional Scratch Coding Lessons for Kids

• Wacky Word: Press keys to animate letters.
• Yikes! Run Away: Save the character from something scary.
• Hide and Seek: Code a game with hidden items.

Scratch Coding Lessons for Elementary and Middle School

The assignments in TechnoArcade are ideal for beginners. With guided instructions, students learn how to combine Scratch coding blocks to create simple games. Extension activities challenge learners to personalize their arcade and extend their programming skills.

• Create arcade games using Scratch coding blocks
• Control events with sequences, events, loops, & conditionals
• Break problems into parts to simplify the design process
• Plan game features such as theme, setting, hero, & treasure
• Test and debug code

• Collaborate with peers throughout the game design process
• Reflect upon program development in a coding journal
• Consider how computing technologies have changed gaming
• Develop computational thinking skills
• Compare scripts to notice the change in output

System Requirements