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Overview

I created a curriculum to help kids learn Scratch programming through four fun games, each one a little more challenging than the last. These games teach the basics of coding and build up skills gradually, preparing students for more advanced programming in the future.

Table of Contents

Concept and Objective LinkDesign and Development LinkKey Learnings Link

Concept

Genre and Audience

These games fall under educational puzzle and simulation. They’re made for 5th graders and up, perfect for classrooms, after-school coding clubs, or solo learners. With simple visuals and increasing difficulty, they’re easy to follow and keep learners engaged.

Girl Playing Shark Chase

Objective

Guiding Principles

The main objective of this curriculum is to teach junior programmers the foundational concepts of Scratch programming, with a gradual increase in difficulty through four levels: Entry, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. By working through these progressively challenging games, students will learn key programming skills such as event handling, conditionals, variables, and user input. The curriculum is designed to help students transition from visual programming to text-based programming by providing hands-on, engaging tasks. Ultimately, the goal is to foster creativity and problem-solving while ensuring that students are well-prepared for more advanced programming concepts in the future.

Design and Development

How It Was Made

The games were built in Scratch using its built-in characters, sounds, and blocks. I focused on making each one simple, fun, and beginner-friendly—perfect for students just starting out with code. As the games progress, they get more challenging, helping students build confidence and skills over time. I also created step-by-step instructions for each game.

Progression Chart

Progression map showcasing the gradual increase in difficulty across the four levels: Entry, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level introduces new programming concepts to build skills step by step.

What the Games Look Like

A glimpse into each game—built in Scratch using vibrant visuals and simple mechanics.

Shark Chase Game Image

Fish and Shark Chase: A simple movement-based game where the player must move the fish using the mouse to avoid the shark.

Defeat the Dragons Game Image

Defeat the Dragons: A magical battle game where players learn to use events and interactions to defeat approaching dragons.

Rock Scissors Paper Game Image

Rock Paper Scissors: A fun way to introduce user input and decision-making through keyboard operations, allowing the player to play against a partner.

Driving Game Image

Driving Game: Introduces more complex game mechanics like collision detection and timers, where the player collects balloons while avoiding obstacles.

How Each Game Works

Flowchart outlining the structure and logic behind each game. It illustrates how players make decisions and interact with game elements, progressing from simple mechanics to more complex challenges.

Key Learnings

Lessons from the Process

Throughout this project, I gained a deeper understanding of essential programming concepts, including event handling, conditional logic, variables, and user input, which are foundational to all types of programming. Developing these games also enhanced my skills in game design, allowing me to create engaging experiences that challenge players while teaching them important coding principles. Additionally, I learned how to structure a curriculum that caters to various skill levels, ensuring that students are progressively introduced to more complex concepts in an accessible and enjoyable way.

Next Steps

Moving Forward

Student using Scratch

The next steps for this curriculum involve integrating the games into the IT school’s junior programming course and testing the games with students to gather feedback on their effectiveness and engagement. Based on the feedback, adjustments will be made to improve the gameplay experience and learning outcomes. As students complete the games, they will be prepared to take on more advanced challenges, transitioning to text-based programming languages. Ultimately, the aim is to continue refining the curriculum and expand it to include even more complex projects for future learners.

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