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

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.