Scratch in the Environment Basic 6 Basic Technology Lesson Note

LEARNING OBJECTIVES By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Apply scratch programming to execute activities to preserve the climate

INTRODUCTION

Scratch is a visual programming language developed by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) that allows users to create interactive stories, games, and animations. It uses colorful blocks that snap together like puzzle pieces, making programming easy and fun for beginners.

WHAT IS SCRATCH?

Definition: Scratch is a free, block-based programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations.

Key Features:

• Visual programming (drag and drop blocks)
• No typing of complex code
• Colorful and engaging
• Free to use
• Online and offline versions available
• Large community for sharing projects

How to Access Scratch:

• Website: https://scratch.mit.edu
• Create free account
• Start programming immediately
• Can also download offline editor

CREATING OCEAN CLEAN-UP PROJECT IN SCRATCH

Project Goal: Create an interactive game/animation where players clean up ocean pollution by collecting trash, educating about marine conservation, and showing the impact of human actions on the environment.

SCRATCH BASICS

Main Components:

1. Sprites: 
   1. Characters or objects in your project
   2. Can move, change appearance, interact
   3. Examples: fish, boat, trash, diver
2. Stage: 
   1. Background where sprites appear
   2. Can change backgrounds
   3. Sets the scene
3. Blocks: 
   1. Commands that make sprites do things
   2. Different categories (Motion, Looks, Sound, Events, Control, etc.)
   3. Snap together like LEGO
4. Scripts: 
   1. Sets of blocks connected together
   2. Tell sprites what to do
   3. Run when triggered by events

Block Categories:

1. Motion Blocks (Blue): 
   1. Move sprite
   2. Turn sprite
   3. Go to position
   4. Change x and y coordinates
2. Looks Blocks (Purple): 
   1. Change costume
   2. Show/hide sprite
   3. Say something
   4. Change size
3. Sound Blocks (Pink): 
   1. Play sounds
   2. Change volume
   3. Stop sounds
4. Events Blocks (Yellow): 
   1. When green flag clicked
   2. When key pressed
   3. When sprite clicked
   4. Start scripts
5. Control Blocks (Orange): 
   1. Repeat actions
   2. If-then conditions
   3. Wait
   4. Stop scripts
6. Sensing Blocks (Light Blue): 
   1. Touch detection
   2. Ask questions
   3. Get user input
   4. Distance between sprites
7. Operators Blocks (Green): 
   1. Math operations
   2. Compare values
   3. Logic operations
8. Variables Blocks (Orange): 
   1. Create variables
   2. Store values
   3. Keep score

OCEAN CLEAN-UP PROJECT STEPS

STEP 1: PLAN YOUR PROJECT

Project Elements:

• Ocean background
• Boat or diver (player character)
• Various trash items (plastic bottles, bags, cans)
• Marine animals (fish, turtles, dolphins)
• Score counter
• Timer
• Educational messages

Game Objective:

• Collect as much trash as possible
• Avoid harming marine animals
• Clean ocean within time limit
• Earn points for trash collected
• Lose points for hitting animals

STEP 2: CREATE THE STAGE

1. Go to Scratch website
2. Click “Create”
3. Choose backdrop:
   1. Click backdrop icon
   2. Choose “underwater” or “beach”
   3. Or paint your own ocean scene

Backdrop Ideas:

• Blue water background
• Coral reefs
• Ocean floor with seaweed
• Surface view with waves

STEP 3: ADD SPRITES

Main Character (Player):

1. Delete default cat sprite
2. Add new sprite – choose:

• Boat
• Scuba diver
• Submarine
• Fishing net

1. Position at bottom or side of stage

Trash Sprites (Collectibles): Add multiple trash items:

• Plastic bottle
• Plastic bag
• Soda can
• Food wrapper
• Fishing net
• Tire
• Glass bottle

You can:

• Choose from sprite library
• Draw your own
• Upload images

Marine Life Sprites: Add animals to avoid:

• Fish
• Turtle
• Dolphin
• Whale
• Starfish
• Coral

STEP 4: PROGRAM THE PLAYER

Make player move with arrow keys:

1. When [green flag] clicked
2. Forever
3.   If <key [left arrow] pressed?> then
4.     Change x by (-10)
5.   End
6.   If <key [right arrow] pressed?> then
7.     Change x by (10)
8.   End
9.   If <key [up arrow] pressed?> then
10.     Change y by (10)
11.   End
12.   If <key [down arrow] pressed?> then
13.     Change y by (-10)
14.   End
15. End

Alternative – Mouse Control:

1. When [green flag] clicked
2. Forever
3.   Point towards [mouse-pointer]
4.   Move (5) steps
5. End

STEP 5: PROGRAM TRASH SPRITES

Make trash appear randomly and fall:

1. When [green flag] clicked
2. Hide
3. Forever
4.   Go to x: (pick random (-240) to (240)) y: (180)
5.   Show
6.   Repeat until <touching [edge]?>
7.     Change y by (-3)
8.     If <touching [Player]?> then
9.       Change [Score] by (10)
10.       Play sound [collect]
11.       Hide
12.       Stop [this script]
13.     End
14.   End
15.   Hide
16.   Wait (2) seconds
17. End

Different trash can have different speeds and points:

• Plastic bottles: 10 points, fall slowly
• Plastic bags: 15 points, drift sideways
• Large items: 20 points, fall faster

STEP 6: PROGRAM MARINE ANIMALS

Make animals swim across and penalize if hit:

1. When [green flag] clicked
2. Forever
3.   Go to x: (-240) y: (pick random (-150) to (150))
4.   Show
5.   Repeat until <x position > (240)>
6.     Move (3) steps
7.     If <touching [Player]?> then
8.       Change [Score] by (-20)
9.       Say [Ouch! Be careful!] for (2) seconds
10.       Hide
11.       Stop [this script]
12.     End
13.   End
14. End

STEP 7: CREATE VARIABLES

Click “Variables” category:

1. Make variable named “Score”
2. Make variable named “Time”
3. Make variable named “Trash Collected”

Set starting values:

1. When [green flag] clicked
2. Set [Score] to (0)
3. Set [Time] to (60)
4. Set [Trash Collected] to (0)

STEP 8: ADD TIMER

Create countdown timer:

1. When [green flag] clicked
2. Set [Time] to (60)
3. Repeat until <[Time] = (0)>
4.   Wait (1) seconds
5.   Change [Time] by (-1)
6. End
7. Say [Time’s up!] for (2) seconds
8. Stop [all]

STEP 9: ADD SCORING SYSTEM

When trash collected:

1. When [green flag] clicked
2. Forever
3.   If <touching [Player]?> then
4.     Change [Score] by (10)
5.     Change [Trash Collected] by (1)
6.     Play sound [pop]
7.     Hide
8.     Wait (2) seconds
9.   End
10. End

STEP 10: ADD EDUCATIONAL MESSAGES

Create sprite or use stage to display facts:

Starting Message:

1. When [green flag] clicked
2. Say [Help clean the ocean! Collect trash, avoid sea creatures!] for (3) seconds

During Game: Random facts appear:

1. When [green flag] clicked
2. Forever
3.   Wait (15) seconds
4.   Say [Did you know? 8 million tons of plastic enter oceans yearly!] for (4) seconds
5.   Wait (15) seconds
6.   Say [Plastic takes 400+ years to decompose in ocean!] for (4) seconds
7.   Wait (15) seconds
8.   Say [Sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish!] for (4) seconds
9. End

Ending Message:

1. When [Time] = (0)
2. If <[Trash Collected] > (20)> then
3.   Say [Great job! You collected [Trash Collected] pieces! Ocean is cleaner!] for (5) seconds
4. Else
5.   Say [Try again! Ocean needs more help!] for (3) seconds
6. End

STEP 11: ADD SOUNDS

Add sound effects:

• Collect sound when trash picked up
• Splash sound for water
• Animal sounds for marine life
• Celebration sound when winning
• Background ocean sounds

To add sounds:

1. Click sprite
2. Go to “Sounds” tab
3. Choose from library or record

STEP 12: ADD LEVELS

Make game progressively harder:

Level 1: Slow trash, few animals Level 2: Faster trash, more animals Level 3: Very fast trash, many animals

1. When [green flag] clicked
2. Set [Level] to (1)
3. Forever
4.   If <[Trash Collected] > (15)> then
5.     Change [Level] by (1)
6.     Say [Level Up!] for (2) seconds
7.   End
8. End

Adjust speed based on level:

1. Change y by ((Level) * (-2))

ENHANCEMENTS AND FEATURES

1. Power-ups:

• Net to collect multiple trash at once
• Speed boost
• Time extension
• Magnet to attract trash

2. Obstacles:

• Rocks to avoid
• Strong currents that push player
• Oil spills that slow movement

3. Visual Effects:

• Bubbles animation
• Waves moving
• Fish swimming naturally
• Trash bobbing up and down

4. Statistics Screen: Show at end:

• Total trash collected
• Score achieved
• Time taken
• Environmental impact message

5. Educational Quiz: Add questions between levels:

1. Ask [What takes 400+ years to decompose? A) Plastic B) Paper] and wait
2. If <answer = [A]> then
3.   Say [Correct! Bonus 50 points!]
4.   Change [Score] by (50)
5. Else
6.   Say [Wrong! The answer is Plastic]
7. End

EXAMPLE PROJECT IDEAS

Project 1: Ocean Cleanup Game

• Control boat with arrow keys
• Net collects floating trash
• Score points for each item
• Avoid hitting marine animals
• Timer: 2 minutes
• Educational facts displayed

Project 2: Beach Cleanup Animation

• Show dirty beach
• Character picks up trash
• Beach becomes cleaner
• Animals return to clean beach
• Message about keeping beaches clean

Project 3: Pollution Awareness Story

• Animated story showing:
  1. Clean ocean
  2. Humans throwing trash
  3. Ocean becoming polluted
  4. Marine animals suffering
  5. People cleaning ocean
  6. Ocean restored
• Educational narrative

Project 4: Recycling Sorter

• Different trash falls from sky
• Player catches and sorts into bins
• Plastic bin
• Glass bin
• Paper bin
• Metal bin
• Points for correct sorting

Project 5: Marine Life Rescue

• Animals trapped in trash
• Player frees them
• Each rescue earns points
• Shows impact of pollution
• Encourages conservation

ENVIRONMENTAL MESSAGES TO INCLUDE

Facts to Display:

1. “8 million tons of plastic enter our oceans every year”
2. “By 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean”
3. “Plastic takes 400-1000 years to decompose”
4. “Sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and eat them”
5. “1 million seabirds die from plastic pollution yearly”
6. “90% of seabirds have plastic in their stomachs”
7. “Microplastics are found in seafood we eat”
8. “Every piece of plastic ever made still exists today”

Actions We Can Take:

1. “Use reusable water bottles instead of plastic”
2. “Say NO to plastic straws”
3. “Bring reusable bags when shopping”
4. “Recycle properly”
5. “Participate in beach cleanups”
6. “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”
7. “Don’t litter – dispose trash properly”
8. “Choose products with less packaging”

TESTING AND SHARING PROJECT

Testing:

1. Click green flag to start
2. Test all controls work
3. Check scoring system
4. Verify timer counts down
5. Test collision detection
6. Play complete game
7. Fix any bugs

Sharing:

1. Click “Share” button on Scratch
2. Add project title: “Ocean Cleanup Game”
3. Add instructions for players
4. Add description about environmental message
5. Add to “Environment” or “Games” studio
6. Share link with friends and family

OTHER SCRATCH CLIMATE PROJECTS

1. Forest Protection Game:

• Stop deforestation
• Plant trees
• Protect animal habitats
• Score for trees planted

2. Air Quality Monitor:

• Show air pollution levels
• Demonstrate sources of pollution
• Show effects on health
• Promote clean air solutions

3. Energy Conservation:

• Turn off lights in house
• Use renewable energy
• Compare energy usage
• Reduce electricity consumption

4. Wildlife Conservation:

• Protect endangered animals
• Create safe habitats
• Prevent poaching
• Educational facts about species

5. Water Conservation:

• Fix leaking taps
• Collect rainwater
• Show water cycle
• Promote water-saving habits

6. Climate Change Simulator:

• Show rising temperatures
• Melting ice caps
• Rising sea levels
• Effects on different regions

BENEFITS OF USING SCRATCH FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

1. Engaging Learning:

• Interactive and fun
• Visual representation
• Hands-on activity
• Keeps attention

2. Develops Skills:

• Programming/coding skills
• Problem-solving
• Logical thinking
• Creativity
• Planning and organization

3. Raises Awareness:

• Teaches environmental issues
• Shows impact of actions
• Encourages responsibility
• Promotes positive change

4. Accessible:

• Free to use
• Works on any computer
• No installation needed (online version)
• Suitable for all ages

5. Shareable:

• Share with friends
• Reach wider audience
• Inspire others
• Create community impact

EVALUATION

1. What is Scratch?
2. Why is ocean cleanup important?
3. Name three types of trash that pollute oceans
4. What are sprites in Scratch?
5. How can Scratch help raise environmental awareness?

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. Scratch is a ________ programming language 

1. a) Difficult
2. b) Visual block-based
3. c) Only for adults
4. d) Expensive

1. Ocean cleanup is important because ________ 

1. a) Water looks dirty
2. b) Plastic harms marine life
3. c) It’s fun
4. d) Fish like it

1. In Scratch, characters are called ________ 

1. a) Actors
2. b) Sprites
3. c) Images
4. d) Cartoons

1. How many tons of plastic enter oceans yearly? 

1. a) 1 million
2. b) 8 million
3. c) 100,000
4. d) 500

1. The background in Scratch is called ________ 

1. a) Screen
2. b) Stage
3. c) Canvas
4. d) Window

1. Which is NOT a way to help oceans? 

1. a) Use reusable bottles
2. b) Recycle plastic
3. c) Throw trash in ocean
4. d) Participate in beach cleanup

1. Plastic takes about ________ years to decompose 

1. a) 10
2. b) 50
3. c) 100
4. d) 400+

1. In an ocean cleanup game, you should ________ 

1. a) Collect trash
2. b) Harm marine animals
3. c) Add more pollution
4. d) Ignore the ocean

1. Scratch was developed by ________ 

1. a) Google
2. b) Microsoft
3. c) MIT
4. d) Apple

1. Variables in Scratch are used to ________ 

1. a) Delete sprites
2. b) Store values like score
3. c) Change colors only
4. d) Stop the program

ANSWERS: 1.b 2.b 3.b 4.b 5.b 6.c 7.d 8.a 9.c 10.b

HOMEWORK

1. Create a simple Scratch account and explore the interface (with parent’s permission)
2. List five environmental problems and explain how Scratch projects can raise awareness about them
3. Design on paper a storyboard for an ocean cleanup game showing:
   1. Main character
   2. Types of trash
   3. Marine animals
   4. How scoring works
4. Write ten facts about ocean pollution that could be included in a Scratch project
5. Explain why it’s important for young people to learn about environmental conservation