By: Faes Dhillon, Mudaser Muhtaj

Scratch Cards

Introduction to Scratch Cards:

Scratch Cards are a coding tool provided by Scratch that shows different projects that anyone can do. It has easy step by step instructions to follow with pictures to show how it is done and how it should look. It is a very helpful tool as it guides you through the coding process in an easy and accessible way for any skill level. They help build and improve on the coding fundamentals. Furthermore it is easy to implement in a learning setting as there are many different projects that can be completed and each project has various tools, skills and topics that are taught. From movement, loops, animations, interactions, and more, the Scratch Cards have all sorts of projects to help you build on these skills.

It is an excellent tool for educators as they provide a low prep, yet engaging way to introduce students to coding and computational thinking. WIth the variety of projects, they allow the opportunity for differentiated learning and it is accessible for students at varying skill level. Students can work at their own pace and see their progress as the steps progress, which helps create a low-risk, low-stress environment. The cards also allow flexibility for more advanced students, as they can add more elements, mix and match projects to create a bigger one and even modify other projects to their own liking.

Overall, Scratch Cards is a useful entry-level resource that helps introduce coding concepts and computational thinking to students of all skill levels. It allows learners to approach coding in a non-stressful way with low risk to allow newcomers to see coding in a more positive light.

Working Progress: 

Scratch cards can be used as a guide to help student’s learn how to code. The steps are very clear and simple to follow. Step by step instructions are provided for all functions available on the platform.

These cards are an excellent starting point for students who are new to Scratch, as they introduce basic coding concepts in a structured and engaging way. Each card focuses on a specific function, such as making a sprite move, adding sound effects, or creating loops. This allows students to gradually build their coding skills while working at their own pace.

In the classroom, teachers can use Scratch cards as a self-guided learning tool. For example, students can work individually or in pairs to complete a set of cards that introduce fundamental coding blocks. As they progress, they can experiment with combining different functions to create their own interactive stories, games, or animations according to their level/ability.

A great way to introduce Scratch in a lesson is by distributing a few basic cards and having students follow the instructions to create a simple animation. This hands-on approach helps students feel comfortable with the platform before moving on to more complex coding tasks. Teachers can also differentiate instruction by assigning different cards based on students’ skill levels, ensuring that both beginners and more advanced learners are challenged based on their ability .

Also, Scratch cards can be integrated into cross-curricular lessons. For instance, in a science class, students can use Scratch to animate the water cycle, while in a language class, they can code an interactive story. The versatility of Scratch cards makes them an invaluable resource for fostering creativity, problem-solving, and computational thinking skills in students of all levels.

Resource Information:

Tags: Scratch, Scratch Cards, Beginner, Instruction

Costs: Free

URL link to resource: https://resources.scratch.mit.edu/www/cards/en/scratch-cards-all.pdf