Teacher coding notes
These teacher notes provide examples of how some of the features of games might be implemented in
Scratch.
Adding
Backgrounds
To import backgrounds into
Scratch.
Remind pupils of copyright
restrictions when reusing
images and to use
meaningful names for
images, sprites and
backgrounds.
Note: The process of
creating artwork for
backgrounds and sprites or
finding images and
uploading them is probably
best described as
information technology
rather than programming.
Similarly learning about
copyright is more related to
digital literacy rather than
programming.
1
Adding Sprites
To
import sprites into Scratch.
Remind pupils of copyright restrictions when reusing images and to use meaningful names for images,
sprites and backgrounds.
1. Delete the Scratch sprite using right click ‘delete’, then right click on the folder icon to upload a sprite
from a file.
2. Click on the folder to upload a sprite from a file. (Scratch 2.0 and 1.4 shown below.)
2
Adding instructions
Instructions are easily added
by using say commands.
Adding control of movement for a sprite e.g.main character
There are many ways to control the movement of a sprite. Here arrow keys are programmed to move a
sprite.
For two player games, perhaps define the keys on the keyboard for the second sprite. Perhaps defining ‘a’
for right, ‘w’ for up, ‘s’ for down,’d’ for left
Setting the start position of sprites
It’s useful to start the sprite in a set location at the
start of each game.
3
Adding a score (variables)
4
Adding a reward (selection)
Once a score is created, then if the player’s sprite touches the reward the score can be increased. There are
many ways to achieve this.
As an extension the reward can ‘disappear’ once it has been touched. This can be implemented in many
ways.
5
Adding an obstacle (selection)
A separate ‘lives’ variable can be created to record when the player’s sprite touches obstacles, or the score
can be reduced.
The code is very similar to that used in rewards.
As an extension broadcast can be used to make an obstacle disappear once touched.
6
Adding timer
(repeat)
A variable can be set up as a
timer. In this example it is
controlled by a new sprite
called ‘Game over’.
7
Adding more user input (string handling and more variables).
One of the sprites, can ask the user for their name, and then use this to make the game appear more
‘interactive’. String handling can be introduced here by using the ‘join’ command. Again create another
variable.
8
