This article was updated in May 2024.
Scratch is a free block-based programming tool that can help teach students to code in a fun and visual way.
This makes this a great option for beginners and younger students who may find more complex coding too much, but who could benefit from understanding the basics through block-based interactions.
The tool itself allows students to create and engage them. From creating images to creating animations, they can create real results that are immediately evident. Consequently, students of all levels and abilities can find pleasure in using this tool, both in class and on their own devices and time.
Read on to discover everything you need to know about Scratch.
What is scratch?
Scratch, as mentioned, is a programming tool that was created as a free-to-use way to teach young people how to work with code. The idea was to offer a visually appealing platform that created an end result that could be enjoyed while learning the basics of coding along the way.
The name Scratch refers to DJs who mix records, as this program allows students to mix projects such as animations, video games, and more, using sounds and images, all through a block code-based interface.
Developed by MIT Media Lab, the platform is available in at least 70 languages worldwide. At the time of this publication, Scratch has over 67 million projects shared by over 64 million users. With 38 million monthly visitors, the website is very popular for learning how to work with block-based code.
Scratch is aimed at children ages eight to 16. It was released publicly in 2007 and has since had two new iterations that took it from using the Squeak coding language to ActionScript and the latest JavaScript.
Coding learned through Scratch may be useful in possible future coding and programming studies and employment opportunities. Although, to be clear, this is block-based, so it's easy to use and requires students to organize pre-written commands to create actions. But it's a great starting point.
What's new in Scratch?
Scratch has added some visual updates that can make the platform more attractive to students.
Specifically, the logo color has been updated, high-contrast blocks have been added, and the views, loves, and favorites icons have been improved to make everything more friendly for colorblind students with visual impairments.
How does Scratch work?
Scratch 4.0, which is the latest version at the time of publication, features three sections: a stage area, a block palette, and a coding area.
The stage area displays the results, like an animated video. The blocks palette is where all the commands can be found to drag and drop into the project via the coding area.
A sprite character can be selected and commands can be dragged from the block palette area to the encoding area that allows the sprite to perform actions. So you could make a cartoon cat walk 10 steps forward, for example.
It is a very basic version of coding, teaching students more about the action event-based coding process than the deep language itself. That said, Scratch works with many other real-world projects, such as LEGO Mindstorms EV3 and BBC Micro:bit, allowing for greater potential for results from the coding platform.
Do you want to build a real-world robot and make it dance? This will allow you to code the movement part.
What are the best features of Scratch?
The biggest appeal of Scratch is its ease of use. Students can get a fun and exciting result with relative ease, encouraging future use and deeper exploration of coding.
The online community is another powerful feature. Since Scratch is used so widely, there are many opportunities for interactivity. Site members can comment, tag, favorite, and share each other's projects. There are often Scratch Design Studio challenges, which encourage students to compete.
Educators have their own lined community where you can share stories and resources, as well as ask questions. A great way to generate new ideas for future projects.
When using a Scratch teacher account, it is possible to create accounts so that students can more easily manage them and comment directly. It is necessary to request the opening of one of these accounts. straight from scratch.
In addition to using Scratch to control elements of the physical world, such as LEGO robots, you can also code the digital use of musical instruments, video motion detection with a camera, text-to-speech, translation with Google Translate, and much more.
How much does Scratch cost?
Scratch is totally free. Registering, using it and collaborating is free. The only case where the cost may increase is when combined with an external device. LEGO, for example, is independent and requires purchase to use with Scratch.
