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💻 Weeks 24-25: Scratch Programming

Unit Overview
Grade Level Grades 3-4
Duration 2 sessions (40 min each)
STREAM Focus T (Technology)

Weeks 24-25: Scratch Programming

🎯 Learning Objectives

STEM Objectives

Students will be able to: 1. Use variables to store and track information 2. Apply conditional statements (if/then) 3. Create a simple game with score-keeping 4. Debug programs using logical thinking

Faith Integration Objectives

Students will be able to: 1. Connect coding logic to moral decision-making 2. Understand that choices have consequences 3. Recognize creativity as reflecting God's image

Weeks 24-25: Scratch Programming

🙏 Faith-Reason Integration

Catholic Teaching Connection

Logic and Moral Reasoning — Conditional statements in coding (if/then) mirror moral reasoning. Just as programs follow logical rules, our moral lives have principles. "If we love God, then we will love others."

Scripture Connection

"If you love me, keep my commands." — John 14:15

Saint Connection

Blessed Carlo Acutis — A young computer programmer who used his skills to serve God. He created websites about Eucharistic miracles and is an example of using technology for faith.

📚 Materials Needed

  • Computers with Scratch access

  • Scratch accounts (or guest access)

  • Variable tutorial handouts

  • Game planning worksheets

  • Debugging checklist

Session 1: Variables & Conditions

📝 Lesson Procedure (40 minutes)

Opening Prayer & Introduction (5 min)

Prayer: "Creative God, You made us in Your image with the ability to create. Help us learn to program today. May our creations reflect Your creativity and logic. Amen."

Review: "What do you remember about Scratch from earlier this year?"

Introduce today's focus: "Today we'll learn about VARIABLES and CONDITIONS — these are like the brain of a program!"

Variables Introduction (10 min)

What is a variable?

  • A container that stores information

  • Can hold numbers, words, or true/false

  • Can change as the program runs

Examples:

  • Score in a game (starts at 0, increases)

  • Lives remaining (starts at 3, decreases)

  • Player name

Demonstration:

  • Create a variable called "Score"

  • Show how to change the variable

  • Display it on screen

Faith connection: "Variables keep track of things. In life, our choices accumulate too — acts of kindness build character, acts of love strengthen relationships."

Conditionals Introduction (8 min)

What is a conditional?

  • An "if/then" statement

  • The program makes a decision

  • Different conditions lead to different outcomes

Examples:

  • IF touching color, THEN lose a life

  • IF score = 10, THEN you win

  • IF key pressed, THEN move right

Demonstration:

  • Add "if touching [red]" block

  • Add consequence: "change lives by -1"

  • Show how condition triggers action

Faith connection: "Jesus said, 'IF you love me, keep my commands.' Conditions work in faith too. Our choices lead to outcomes."

Guided Practice: Simple Game Start (12 min)

Build together: 1. Create a simple "catch" game - One sprite the player controls - One sprite that falls from top 2. Add variable: "Score" 3. Add condition: IF touching falling sprite, THEN increase score

Students follow along step-by-step.

Exploration & Closing (5 min)

Short exploration: Try modifying the game.

Preview: "Next session, we'll make our own complete games!"

Closing Prayer: "Thank you, God, for logic and creativity. Help us use these gifts well. Amen."

Session 2: Game Creation

📝 Lesson Procedure (40 minutes)

Opening Prayer & Review (4 min)

Prayer: "Lord, help us create games that bring joy. Guide our logic and fuel our creativity. Amen."

Quick review:

  • What are variables? Conditionals?

  • How did we use them last time?

Game Planning (6 min)

Plan your game:

Game types:

  • Catching game — Catch falling objects

  • Maze game — Navigate without touching walls

  • Clicking game — Click sprites for points

  • Your own idea!

Planning worksheet: 1. What's your game concept? 2. What variables do you need? (Score? Lives? Timer?) 3. What conditions will you use? 4. How do you win or lose?

Game Creation Time (22 min)

Students build their games.

Must include:

  • At least one variable (displayed on screen)

  • At least one conditional statement

  • Clear way to play

  • Beginning and end state

Teacher circulates:

  • "What variable are you using?"

  • "What's your condition?"

  • "How do I win?"

Debugging support:

  • "What should happen?"

  • "What's actually happening?"

  • "Where might the problem be?"

Testing & Sharing (6 min)

Pair testing:

  • Play your partner's game

  • Give feedback: "I liked... One idea is..."

Quick shares: 2-3 students demo their games.

Reflection & Closing (2 min)

Reflect:

  • "What was hardest about using variables/conditionals?"

  • "What would you add with more time?"

Faith Connection: "Blessed Carlo Acutis showed us that coding can be used for God's glory. He didn't just play games — he created things to help people know Jesus. How might YOU use your programming skills to help others?"

Closing Prayer: "Thank you, God, for the gift of logic and creativity. Help us use our skills — in coding and in life — to serve You and others. Amen."

✅ Assessment

Session 1

  • Created and used a variable

  • Applied a conditional statement

  • Built basic game structure

Session 2

  • Completed a game with variables and conditionals

  • Game has clear rules and end state

  • Successfully debugged issues

📎 Home Connection

"We learned intermediate Scratch programming! Ask your child to show you their game at scratch.mit.edu. Ask: 'What variables did you use?' 'How do the conditions work?' Encourage them to explore Scratch at home — it's free! Talk about how Blessed Carlo Acutis used technology for good."

Unit Version: 1.0 | Last Updated: 2025-12-05