Scratch – Detailed Explanation

  • Detailed explanation of Scratch : A visual programming tool for learning coding.

    1- On which platform are the tools used?

    Scratch is a block-based visual programming language primarily designed for educational purposes. It can be used on the following platforms:

    • Web-based (Online Editor): Accessible via https://scratch.mit.edu using a web browser.
    • Desktop application: Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, allowing offline use.
    • Tablet version (ScratchJr): A simplified version for younger learners, available on iOS and Android.

    2- What hardware requirements are needed?

    Scratch has minimal hardware requirements, making it accessible on most computers. The general requirements are:

    • Operating System: Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.13 or later, ChromeOS, or Linux (for Scratch Desktop).
    • Processor: Any modern CPU can run Scratch smoothly.
    • RAM: At least 2GB RAM (4GB recommended for better performance).
    • Storage: Around 300MB free space for the offline editor.
    • Graphics: A basic graphics card is sufficient.
    • Internet Connection: Required for the online version but not for the offline editor.

    For ScratchJr (tablet version):

    • Android: Requires Android 4.4 (KitKat) or later.
    • iOS: Requires iOS 9.3 or later.

    3- Installation and membership stages?

    Installation Steps

    • Online Use: No installation is required. Just visit scratch.mit.edu and start creating.
    • Offline Use:
      1. Download the Scratch Desktop version from https://scratch.mit.edu/download.
      2. Install the downloaded file by following the setup instructions.

    Membership Stages

    • No membership required for using Scratch (both online and offline).
    • However, creating an account allows users to:
      • Save projects online.
      • Share projects with the Scratch community.
      • Remix and collaborate on other projects.

    To create an account:

    1. Click “Join Scratch” on the website.
    2. Provide a username and password.
    3. Enter a birth year, gender, country, and email (for verification).
    4. Activate the account via the verification email.

    4- What can it be used for?

    Scratch is widely used for:
    ✅ Teaching programming to beginners (block-based coding).
    ✅ Creating animations, games, and interactive stories.
    ✅ Developing simulations for science and mathematics.
    ✅ Designing quizzes and educational applications.
    ✅ Prototyping and simple robotics control (via extensions like LEGO, micro:bit, Arduino).

    5- What is its prominent feature compared to other tools?

    Scratch stands out due to:
    🟢 Easy-to-use, drag-and-drop interface (perfect for beginners).
    🟢 A vast online community for sharing and remixing projects.
    🟢 No prior coding knowledge required (ideal for young learners).
    🟢 Supports extensions for hardware integration (LEGO Mindstorms, micro:bit, etc.).
    🟢 Completely free and open-source.

    Compared to Tynker, Blockly, or Code.org, Scratch offers more flexibility in game development and animation.

    6- Sample application made with pictures

    Here’s an example of a basic Scratch game called “Catch the Apple”:

    Game Idea: A player moves a basket to catch falling apples.

    Step 1: Choose Sprites

    • Select a basket as the player.
    • Select an apple that falls from the top.

    Step 2: Add Code to the Basket

    • Move left/right using arrow keys.

    when green flag clicked

    forever

      if key “right arrow” pressed then

        change x by 10

      if key “left arrow” pressed then

        change x by -10

    Step 3: Make the Apple Fall

    • The apple starts at a random position and falls continuously.

    when green flag clicked

    forever

      go to x: (pick random -240 to 240) y: 180

      repeat until touching basket

        change y by -5

      if touching basket then

        play sound “pop”

        change score by 1

    Final Output

    Here’s an example visual representation of the game:

    (This image is an example representation of a Scratch game.)

    7- Which courses can it be used in and is compatible with?

    Scratch is widely used in various subjects, including:
    ✅ Computer Science – Programming fundamentals.
    ✅ Mathematics – Graphs, coordinates, probability.
    ✅ Physics – Simulations of motion, forces.
    ✅ Electronics & Robotics – Integrated with micro:bit, Arduino, LEGO.
    ✅ Game Development – Creating interactive games.
    ✅ Animation & Multimedia – Digital storytelling and media design.
    ✅ STEM/STEAM Education – Science and engineering projects.

    8- Is it free?

    ✅ Yes! Scratch is completely free and open-source.

    • No subscription or license required.
    • Can be used for educational and personal projects.

    9- Links related to Scratch

    🔗 Official Website: https://scratch.mit.edu
    🔗 Download Scratch Desktop: https://scratch.mit.edu/download
    🔗 Scratch Tutorials: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/editor/?tutorial=getStarted
    🔗 Scratch Community: https://scratch.mit.edu/discuss