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The Road to Robotics: Scratch Jr. and Code Block (Grades K-3)

Geared toward students, who need a foundation in the language of coding, Scratch Jr. is an engaging way to allow students to be creative with storytelling. Applicable in any classroom, students can engineer a story that includes selecting characters, settings, and actions using code block, or lexical structure of source code which is grouped together. Scratch Jr. and Code Block is a precursor for computer programing and robotics, while allowing students to make cross-curricular connections. Be ready to test out this fun and interactive app. To participate, you will need the free Scratch Jr. app for iPad, chromebook, or tablet.

To download the app on your device, please use:

Chromebook or Tablet: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.scratchjr.android&pli=1

iPad: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scratchjr/id895485086

Scratch

To download the app on your device, please use:

Chromebook, Android or Tablet: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.scratch&hl=en_US&pli=1

iPad or iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scratch/id1446785996?mt=12

Scratch Offline (Without Internet): https://scratch.mit.edu/download

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The Road to Robotics

2024 AOP Tech Academy

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Hello There!

Ready, Set, Learn!

I’m Kim Pavia and I am the STREAM teacher for K-8 at Saint Jude School in Chalfont, PA. I just completed my 6th school year in this role and this is my third opportunity to present at the AOP Tech Academy.

Please never hesitate to contact me with questions, collaboration, or fun finds!

kpavia@stjudeschool.com

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Main Menu

Need to Know

How-To

Try It!

  • What is Scratch Jr.?

  • Scratch vs. Scratch Jr.

  • Foundations in Robotics

  • UDL and Triple E

  • Accessibility

  • Crossing Curriculums
  • Crash Course in Scratch Jr.

  • Project Ideas

Now it is your turn! Give it a try!

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Need to Know

01.

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Scratch Jr.

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A Precursor for Robotics

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How does Block Coding Compare?

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Scratch Vs. Scratch Jr.

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UDL

What does this mean for Scratch Jr.?

Goal:

purposeful and motivated, resourceful and knowledgeable, strategic and goal-directed

Internalize:

self regulation, comprehension, executive function

Build:

sustaining effort and persistence, language and symbols, expression and communication

Access:

Scratch Jr. is an easy way to generate interest in a topic as it allows for customization of the learning experience limited only by a student’s imagination.

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Triple E

How Does Scratch Jr. add up?

  • Engage

= Scratch Jr. is a closed app meaning there are no advertisements allowing students to focus on their assignment and as the app allows students to make and manage their own story and characters, their final product is shareable creating co-engagement opportunities.

  • Enhance

= Following the storyboard method, students are able to interact with the content in smaller pieces. By, creating an interactive story, students are given the opportunity to show mastery of the content.

  • Extend

= Skills necessary for everyday life, like critical thinking, problem solving, chronological analysis, etc, are accessed while using Scratch Jr.

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Accessibility

Students with learning obstacles can use Scratch Jr.

  • The how-to video is without audio explanation. It models the functions of each part of the program.

  • Sample projects are provided for review.

  • Use Guides are broken into sections and then broken down by selection.

  • Scratch Jr. projects can be used to demonstrate mastery of content without students having to write or orally present.

Every child is an individual,

And every individual needs strategies.

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Cross Curricular

ELA

Social Studies

Foreign Language

Science

Religion

Media Arts

Library Science

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How-To

02.

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Resources

  • Scratch Jr. Teach

  • Scratch Jr. Connect

  • PBS Kids How-To

  • Teach CAL

  • Boot Up Video Tutorials

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Rubric Resources:

Rubric Idea #1

Rubric Idea #2

Rubric Idea #3

Rubric Idea #4

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1 - Save To Home

2 - Stage

3 - Presentation Mode

4 - Grid

5 - Change Background

6 - Add Text

7 - Reset Character

8 - Start script snapped after Green Flag

9 - Pages

10 - Project Info

11 - Undo and Redo

12 - Program Script

13 - Program Area

14 - Block Options

15 - Block Categories

16 - Add Characters

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  • Scratch Jr. Activities

  • Scratch Jr. Connect

  • PBS Lesson Ideas

  • Coder Kids Lesson Ideas

  • Teachers Pay Teachers

  • Machine Learning For Kids

Emphasis on Grades 1 to 3

Project Ideas

Sparks of Inspiration

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Try It!

< Now it is your turn! >

Create a character that best represents you as a student and have yourself attend your favorite class.

03.

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Lord God, your spirit of wisdom fills the earth and teaches us your ways. Look upon these teachers. Let them strive to share their knowledge with gentle patience and endeavor always to bring the truth to eager minds. Grant that they may follow Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life, forever and ever. Amen.