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Advanced Scratch Programming Guide

Day 2 – Extending Scratch Skills

This guide supports Day 2 of the DBE Coding and Robotics workshop. It builds on Day 1 Scratch basics and introduces advanced concepts: cloning, broadcasting, complex games, and curriculum integration.

Prerequisites: Completion of Day 1 (Scratch basics, variables, conditions, custom blocks).
Reference: day-01-scratch for review of basics.

Advanced Scratch Concepts

Cloning

What it is: Creating multiple copies (clones) of a sprite that can act independently.

Use cases: - Multiple enemies in a game - Falling objects (rain, snow, coins) - Particle effects - Multiple characters doing the same action

Key blocks: - create clone of [myself] – Create a clone - when I start as a clone – Code that runs for each clone - delete this clone – Remove a clone when done

Example: Create 10 clones of a sprite, each moving in different directions.

Ready-to-type scripts: Step-by-step block stacks for cloning, broadcasting, a catch game, lives, and a list-based quiz are in activities/advanced-scratch-activities.md (“Example block scripts” under each activity).

Broadcasting

What it is: Sending messages between sprites (and the stage) to coordinate actions.

Use cases: - Starting a new level or scene - Triggering actions in multiple sprites - Game over or win conditions - Coordinating animations

Key blocks: - broadcast [message] – Send a message - broadcast [message] and wait – Send and wait for receivers to finish - when I receive [message] – React to a message

Example: When player reaches goal, broadcast "level complete" → all sprites react (show celebration, play sound, etc.).

Advanced Lists

Beyond basics: Using lists for: - High scores (sort, find max/min) - Inventory systems - Multiple choice questions - Data collection and analysis

Key operations: - add [thing] to [list] - delete [1] of [list] - item [1] of [list] - length of [list] - contains [thing]? – Check if list includes an item

Complex Projects and Games

Game Design Elements

  • Scoring: Variables for score, lives, level
  • Collision detection: touching [sprite]? or touching color [color]?
  • Levels: Use variables or broadcasts to change difficulty
  • Win/lose conditions: Check conditions and broadcast game over
  • Multiple sprites: Player, enemies, collectibles, obstacles

Interactive Story Elements

  • Multiple scenes: Use broadcasts to change backgrounds
  • Character dialogue: Use "say" blocks with timing
  • User choices: Use "ask and wait" and conditions to branch the story
  • Sound and music: Add background music and sound effects

Scratch and Curriculum Integration

Mathematics

  • Geometry: Draw shapes, calculate angles, explore symmetry
  • Data: Collect data, create graphs, calculate averages
  • Number operations: Practice tables, fractions, percentages
  • Simulations: Probability experiments, random events

Languages

  • Storytelling: Create interactive stories with dialogue
  • Vocabulary: Word games, spelling, definitions
  • Grammar: Sentence building, parts of speech
  • Reading comprehension: Quiz games, comprehension activities

Science

  • Simulations: Water cycle, food chains, ecosystems
  • Experiments: Data collection, hypothesis testing
  • Models: Solar system, cell structure, forces
  • Data visualization: Charts, graphs, patterns

Social Studies / History

  • Timelines: Interactive historical events
  • Maps: Location-based activities
  • Biographies: Interactive character presentations
  • Quizzes: Knowledge checks, review games

Assessment Strategies

  • Project rubrics: Functionality, creativity, code quality, explanation
  • Portfolios: Collection of projects showing growth
  • Peer review: Learners review and remix each other's projects
  • Self-reflection: "What did I learn? What was hard? What would I change?"
  • Demonstrations: Show and explain projects to class

Classroom Management Tips

  • Pair programming: Two learners, one computer, take turns
  • Showcase time: Regular sharing sessions (weekly or per project)
  • Offline editor: Use Scratch Desktop if internet is unreliable
  • Account management: Create class accounts or use school accounts
  • Differentiation: Provide starter projects for beginners, challenges for advanced

Next Steps (Day 3)

Day 3 moves from screen to physical world: connecting Scratch to Arduino hardware for physical computing projects.

Last updated: For use with DBE Coding and Robotics Curriculum, Day 2.