Game Programming for Kids-It’s Elementary

Dr. Jeff Gray-UAB

Mrs. Cameron McKinley-Hoover City Schoolswww.cameronmckinley.com

Scratch-It’s Elementary!

What is Scratch? How much is it? Who should use it? Why should I use it? How can I use it? Where can I find resources? When can I get started?

What Is Scratch?

Programming Language Create and share interactive stories,

animations, games, art, music Available for Mac and Windows Created by Lifelong Kindergarten

Group

How much? It’s FREE!

http://scratch.mit.edu/

Who should use it?

Ages 8 and up I’ve even had a 6

year old try it-no problems

Educators all subjects

Parents After school clubs

Why should I use Scratch?

21st Century Skills Digital Fluency Incorporates all subjects It’s easy It’s fun! Meets the needs of diverse learners Meets the needs of DIGITAL kids

21st Century Learning

Digital Fluency

How can I use it?

Digital Storytelling Student-created games/quizzes about

subject matter Interactive stories Record voices, dialogue Animated math, science Your ideas?

Where can I find Resources?http://scratch.mit.edu/howto

Scratch Cards Getting Started

Guide Reference Guide Video Tutorials Online Projects Forums Scratch Board

Resources

Scratch Cards

Starting projects Scaffolding Have students create

scratch cards Samples online

Scratch Cards http://scratch.mit.edu/cards

Sample Card

Educator Forum

All Levels

When can I get started? Today!

Download the program Watch the Video Tutorial Look at the sample programs Use a scratch card to program a

simple program ENJOY!

Group Work comment from Scratch Educator Forum

I have just used Scratch for the first time with a class of year6 pupils (UK, age 10 & 11 years). I showed them a few ideas and basic commands and the let them loose, working in pairs.

The enjoyment, motivation and perseverance was impressive. Also the level of their language and discussion as each pair collaborated and worked towards making the sprites behave as they wanted them to was fascinating to listen to.

Scratch Board

Sample Projects

Tell a story, make a card