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Session 5: Scratch Advanced 💻

Overview

Grades: 5-6 | Duration: 45 minutes | Session: 5 of 17

Students develop advanced programming skills in Scratch, working with variables, functions, and complex game logic.

Session 5: Scratch Advanced

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Use variables for tracking data

  • Create custom blocks (functions)

  • Implement complex game logic

  • Debug multi-component programs

Session 5: Scratch Advanced

Materials Needed

  • 💻 Computers with Scratch

  • 📋 Advanced programming guides

  • 📓 Engineering journals

  • 🖥️ Projector for demonstration

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

St. Thomas Aquinas — Used rigorous logic to explore faith. Programming requires similar logical thinking!

Scripture

"Come now, let us reason together." — Isaiah 1:18

Opening Prayer

Dear God, you created a universe of order and logic. Help us think clearly and program wisely. May our creations reflect your gift of reason. Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (7 minutes)

  1. Advanced Programming:
  2. "You know the basics—now we level up!"
  3. Professional programmers use these concepts daily
  4. Key Concepts Today:
  5. Variables — Store and change values
  6. Custom Blocks — Create reusable code (functions)
  7. Game Logic — Multiple conditions and responses
  8. St. Thomas Aquinas:
  9. "Faith and reason work together"
  10. Logic helps us understand God's world
  11. Programming = Applied logic

Main Activity: Advanced Programming (30 minutes)

Part 1: Variables Deep Dive (8 minutes)

Variable Types:

  • Score, lives, timer, health

  • Position tracking

  • Game state (playing, won, lost)

Demo: Score System 

When green flag clicked:
  Set [score] to 0

When sprite clicked:
  Change [score] by 10
  Play sound [pop]

Practice: Create variable that:

  • Tracks clicks

  • Changes with events

  • Displays on screen

Part 2: Custom Blocks (Functions) (8 minutes)

Why Custom Blocks?

  • Reuse code (DRY: Don't Repeat Yourself)

  • Organize complex programs

  • Make code readable

Demo: Create "Move Square" Block 

Define [Move Square]:
  Repeat 4:
    Move 50 steps
    Turn 90 degrees

When green flag clicked:
  Move Square
  Move Square

Practice: Create custom block for:

  • Character animation

  • Reset position

  • Special effect

Part 3: Complex Game Creation (12 minutes)

Build a Complete Game:

Requirements:

  • Player controlled sprite

  • Goal or target

  • Score tracking

  • Win/lose conditions

  • Reset functionality

Suggested: Catching Game 1. Player moves with mouse/keys 2. Objects fall from top 3. Catch = points, miss = lose life 4. Track score AND lives 5. Game over at 0 lives

Part 4: Playtesting (2 minutes)

  • Test your game

  • Have partner play

  • Note bugs to fix

Engineering Journal (5 minutes)

  1. Write about your custom block
  2. Explain your game logic (flowchart if possible)
  3. Write: "Variables help games by..."
  4. Write: "The hardest bug I fixed was..."

Closing Circle (3 minutes)

  1. Logic Appreciation — "How did logical thinking help you?"
  2. Debugging Wins — "What problem did you solve?"
  3. Closing Prayer — "Thank you, God, for the gift of reason. Help us think clearly and create wisely. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Used variables appropriately

  • Created custom block

  • Implemented game logic

  • Debugged effectively

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Simpler game concept

  • Step-by-step guide

  • Partner programming

For Advanced Students

  • Multiple levels

  • High score saving

  • Complex enemy AI

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Share your game with family! Continue developing at home (scratch.mit.edu). Explore other Scratch projects for inspiration. Try the advanced tutorials!

Teacher Notes

  • Build on previous Scratch experience

  • Allow ongoing development

  • Consider class Scratch studio

  • Games can be showcased at exhibition

Previous: Session 4 — Body Systems
Next: Session 6 — Thanksgiving Innovation