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Session 5: Scratch Intro 💻

Overview

Grades: 3-4 | Duration: 40 minutes | Session: 5 of 17

Students are introduced to Scratch programming, learning how block-based coding works and creating their first animated project.

Session 5: Scratch Intro

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Navigate the Scratch interface

  • Understand how code blocks connect to create programs

  • Create a simple animated character

  • Use sequences and loops in programming

Session 5: Scratch Intro

Materials Needed

  • 💻 Computers/Chromebooks with Scratch

  • 📋 Scratch quick reference cards

  • 📓 Engineering journals

  • 🖥️ Projector for demonstration

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

God as the Master Programmer — God created the universe with order and logic, just like programmers create with code!

Scripture

"In the beginning was the Word... Through him all things were made." — John 1:1,3

Opening Prayer

Dear God, you created the universe with perfect order and logic. As we learn to program, help us appreciate your incredible design. Guide our creativity today! Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (5 minutes)

  1. What is Scratch?
  2. "A programming language where you connect blocks like puzzle pieces!"
  3. Created at MIT for learning to code
  4. Used by millions of kids worldwide
  5. Programming = Giving Instructions
  6. Computers do EXACTLY what we tell them
  7. We need to be precise and logical
  8. God's Code — The universe runs on God's perfect design

Main Activity: Scratch Exploration (27 minutes)

Part 1: Interface Tour (5 minutes)

  • Stage — Where the action happens

  • Sprites — Characters and objects

  • Code Blocks — Instructions that snap together

  • Categories:

  • 🎬 Motion — Move and turn
  • 👀 Looks — Appearance and speech
  • 🔊 Sound — Sounds and music
  • 🎮 Events — Triggers (when clicked, etc.)
  • 🔁 Control — Loops and waits

Part 2: Guided Activity: Make the Cat Dance! (12 minutes)

Step 1: Basic Motion (3 min)

  • Find "move 10 steps" block

  • Snap under "when green flag clicked"

  • Click green flag to test

  • Try different numbers!

Step 2: Add Turning (3 min)

  • Add "turn 15 degrees"

  • See what happens

  • Create a spinning cat!

Step 3: Loops & Waiting (3 min)

  • Find "forever" block (in Control)

  • Put motion blocks INSIDE the loop

  • Add "wait 0.5 seconds"

  • The cat dances forever!

Step 4: Add Speech (3 min)

  • Find "say Hello for 2 seconds"

  • What should your cat say?

  • Add sound blocks if time

Part 3: Free Creation (8 minutes)

  • Customize YOUR cat:
  • Change costume (Looks: next costume)
  • Add more movements
  • Make it say something meaningful

  • Add sounds

  • Explore other sprites if time

Part 4: Demo Showcase (2 minutes)

  • Volunteers show their dancing cats

  • Celebrate creativity!

Engineering Journal (5 minutes)

  1. Draw the Scratch interface (Stage, Sprites, Blocks)
  2. List 3 block types you used
  3. Write: "Programming is like..."
  4. Write: "I want to create a program that..."

Closing Circle (3 minutes)

  1. Share Discoveries — "What cool thing did your cat do?"
  2. Logic Appreciation — "God's creation follows logic too!"
  3. Closing Prayer — "Thank you, God, for minds that can create and problem-solve. Bless our coding adventures! Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Navigated Scratch interface

  • Connected code blocks successfully

  • Created working animation

  • Used at least one loop

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Paired with experienced peer

  • Step-by-step visual guide

  • Focus on basic motion only

For Advanced Students

  • Add multiple sprites

  • Create sprite interaction

  • Explore variables

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Scratch is FREE at scratch.mit.edu! Create an account and explore together. Try the tutorials. Show your family the dancing cat you made! Find Scratch project ideas online.

Teacher Notes

  • Create class Scratch account or use individual accounts

  • Pre-load Scratch on all devices

  • Bookmark Scratch website

  • Students will use Scratch again in Session 8

  • Consider Scratch offline if internet unreliable

Previous: Session 4 — Animal Habitats
Next: Session 6 — Gratitude Tech