Scratch Basics Scratch Basics #1: The Great Race
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Description:
In this challenge, we will use Scratch to create a simple two player race game. In doing so, we will get familiarized with the different elements of the Scratch interface, including sprites, backdrops, and scripts. In writing scripts, we will use events, motion blocks, and if/then statements.
Links to Challenge materials:
Lesson plan– Includes lesson overview page, design cycle instructions, prototype build instructions, and rubric.
Scratch project prototype– Test out the prototype, view the code and project settings.
Rubric – Rubric to be handed out to students for self-assessment.
Challenge report– Report to be sent home with students at the end of class.
Scratch Skills:
Check out some of these Scratch Skills mini-lessons to learn more about the specific skills involved in this challenge:
Scratch Skills: Getting Started
Scratch Skills: Movement (pt. 1)
Scratch Skills: Talking
Share your prototype:
Share a link to your Great Race Scratch prototype below. Make sure your project is shared within Scratch. Please answer one of the following about your experience:
– What challenges did you or your students face in building this project?
– What improvements or innovations did you make on the original prototype?
– What connections can you make to other projects or subjects?
I love the winning costume for the dinosaur!!
I can officially say that I’ve Scratched! Don’t laugh, I’m a beginner!
Here is a link to my project.
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/249142071/
I added different words for each sprite to say at the end of the race.
Added sounds and was able to make both sprite move in different number of steps. Also played around with costumes.
I asked a different “If-Then ” for both characters. Straightforward lesson
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/249141499/
I really like how many options Scratch has without being totally overwhelming for students to do get going with. In other words it allows for a student to keep it real simple or real complicated. I took the track and used a forever loo to make the game run continuous.
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/249141237/
I added sound to my sprite (bat) when it reaches the end of the race
I had one of my sprites (the dinosaur) think “Am I winning? when the space bar is pressed. I also assigned the “z” button to my cat sprite and the “m” button to my dinosaur sprite to make them move. One question I have is, how can I assign one of my sprites to stop motion is the other sprite reaches the finish line?
When looking at the different motion blocks, I noticed there was a “glide” option that could be set within a certain amount of time. Instead of pressing different buttons to see which sprite would win, I rigged the competition and both of the sprites started “racing” by pressing one button (just one time). If you’re playing with two players, you definitely want a real racing feel – but I was excited to watch the sprites glide and my predetermined winner succeed!
I was able to have my sprites run one at a time. Adam shared how to switch costumes which allowed one of my sprites to appear to be moving continuously. I will be exploring this first lesson to gain fluidity with the commands.
I changed the backdrop by adding a text FINISH. I know that my students will enjoy creating their own sprites and backdrop. I also know that my students would be innovative regarding the sound effects when the sprite meets the finish line.
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/247697876/#player
Playing with winning graphics
I added different text for sprite to say at the end of the race. For example, one Sprite said “I Win!!” and the other said, “I’m #1”.
I added an additional costume to my sprites so they would appear to be running down the track. I also added a cheering sound when the winner reached the finish line. Ultimately, I realized that the sound was probably annoying others in the room so I deleted it from my script.
Check it out – enjoy!!!
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/247697540/
I added costumes to make it look like the characters were moving. I would try to make the race where the characters could possibly turn and move into different directions. I’ve made a maze game before on Scratch. Making the maze into a race could be fun!
I had my sprites switch to a different costume once they reached the finish line, and then switch back once you click the green flag.
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/241790998/#editor
Not sure I did anything innovative, but I have a question: How do you create cause and effect relationships between sprites on the Scratch platform, e.g., if one sprite finishes the race first, can I get the other sprite to have a reaction?
I added sound to the mouse and cat sprites.
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/241790681/#editor
I had my characters say WooHoo and Yay instead of Winner.
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/241790972/#editor
I had my sprites change costumes, by doing this I was able to make my sprites animated. For example, my hippo had wings that moved up and down, while the cats legs moved to show that it was running. Each also said different things once it had crossed the finish line.
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/241790996/#editor
I used a different script than the original one. Also, after watching Blair, I learned how to make the scripts switch between costumes so that they appear to be walking, flying etc.