CP - How Programming Languages Stack Up [LESSON]

How Programming Languages Stack Up

Introduction

As you can recall Scratch is a coding language with a simple visual interface that allows you to create digital stories, games, and animations. Throughout the previous modules, computational thinking and problem solving skills have been a key foundation for what we do in computer science and now even with Scratch. In this lesson, prepare to learn how to make maneuvers around the Scratch user interface using those coding structures to create a simple program. 

Knowledge Point

Computational artifacts play a crucial role in our lives for practical purposes, personal expression, and societal impact. When developing solutions using a programming language like Scratch, you exhibit a few tasks such as utilizing  looping behavior to repeat a set of instructions, conditional statements to make decisions, expressions to perform calculations, variables to store data, and functions to organize code into reusable blocks. By building an understanding of these elements, you can create meaningful projects that not only solve problems but also showcase your creativity and contribute positively to society. In this lesson, you will explore scratch programming and understand how we can use it to create projects that showcase our creativity.

Scratch Breakdown

As you may already know Scratch is  a coding language with a simple visual interface that allows young people to create digital stories, games, and animations. You will explore what to expect when you jump into the world of Scratch.

Scratch Interface Learning Object

Take a quick look at the Scratch Interface Learning Object below to learn more about what to see and expect when you start on Scratch, developing an understanding of the main areas of focus you will use when creating.

Show Me Scratch Programming Video

As you may remember coding structures like an if-then or even looping, you will now transfer that knowledge to create using the Scratch interface. Let’s take a quick look at how you can use Scratch to create interactive projects.

Practice Activity

Complete the self-assessment to check your knowledge about Scratch.

Wrap-up

When using a programming language like Scratch, one performs tasks such as implementing loops for repetition, conditional statements for decision-making, expressions for calculations, variables for data storage, and functions for organizing code. A solid grasp of these components allows for the creation of impactful projects that not only solve problems but also highlight creativity and contribute positively to communities. Scratch, a user-friendly coding language, can empower you to craft digital stories, games, and animations.

[CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Links to an external site.] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION - INTENDED ONLY FOR USE WITHIN LESSON.