Scratch in the Classroom: Applying Scratch Programming to Basic Mathematical Operations Primary 6 (Basic 6) Second Term Week 9 Information Technology – Computer Studies
SCRATCH IN THE CLASSROOM: APPLICATION OF SCRATCH PROGRAMMING IN BASIC MATHEMATICAL APPLICATION
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (COMPUTER STUDIES)
PRIMARY 6 – SECOND TERM – WEEK 9
THEME – BASIC COMPUTER OPERATIONS
PREVIOUS LESSON – Scratch in the Classroom: Applying Scratch Programming to Draw Basic Shapes Primary 6 (Basic 6) Second Term Week 8 Information Technology – Computer Studies
TOPIC – BASIC MATHEMATICAL OPERATIONS USING SCRATCH PROGRAMMING
LEARNING AREA
1. Introduction
2. Meaning and Basic Mathematical Operations in Scratch
3. Scratch Blocks Used for Mathematical Operations
4. Steps for Performing Basic Mathematical Operations and Practical Activities
5. Weekly Assessment: Test Questions and Answers/Assignment
6. Summary
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
1. Explain how Scratch can be used to perform basic mathematical operations.
2. Identify the Scratch blocks used for simple calculations.
3. Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using Scratch.
4. Create a simple Scratch program that solves basic mathematical problems.
5. Demonstrate logical thinking by using Scratch to calculate answers correctly.
ENTRY BEHAVIOUR
Pupils have previously learned how to use Scratch programming to draw basic shapes using the Pen Extension, Move, and Turn blocks. They also learned how to create simple programs by connecting Scratch blocks.
This lesson builds on that knowledge by introducing pupils to the use of Scratch programming for performing basic mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
The teacher will teach the lesson with the aid of:
1. Desktop computers or laptops
2. Scratch 3.0 software or the Scratch website
3. Multimedia projector (optional)
4. Whiteboard and marker
5. Charts showing Scratch Operator blocks
6. Mathematics flashcards (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division)
7. Pupils’ notebooks and writing materials
METHOD OF TEACHING
Choose a suitable and appropriate methods for the lessons.
Note – Irrespective of choosing methods of teaching, always introduce an activities that will arouse pupil’s interest or lead them to the lessons.
REFERENCE MATERIALS
1. Scheme of Work
2. 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
3. Course Book
4. All Relevant Material
5. Online Information
CONTENT OF THE LESSON
INTRODUCTION
Computers can solve mathematical problems quickly when they are given the correct instructions. In Scratch, pupils can use programming blocks to perform calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
In this lesson, pupils will learn how to apply Scratch programming to solve basic mathematical operations and display the correct answers on the Stage.
LESSON 1 – MEANING OF BASIC MATHEMATICAL OPERATIONS IN SCRATCH
Basic mathematical operations in Scratch refer to using Scratch programming blocks, especially the Operators blocks, to perform simple calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Scratch uses programming blocks to calculate answers automatically and display the results on the Stage.
BASIC MATHEMATICAL OPERATIONS IN SCRATCH
The four basic mathematical operations are:
1. Addition (+)
Addition is the process of combining two or more numbers to find their total.
Example:
- 5 + 3 = 8
- 12 + 7 = 19
2. Subtraction (−)
Subtraction is the process of taking one number away from another.
Example:
- 9 − 4 = 5
- 15 − 6 = 9
3. Multiplication (×)
Multiplication is the process of repeated addition.
Example:
- 4 × 3 = 12
- 6 × 5 = 30
4. Division (÷)
Division is the process of sharing or separating a number into equal parts.
Example:
- 12 ÷ 3 = 4
- 20 ÷ 5 = 4
SCRATCH BLOCKS USED FOR MATHEMATICAL OPERATIONS
The following Scratch blocks are commonly used to perform calculations:
1. Operators Blocks – Used for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and comparisons.
2. Variables Blocks – Used to store numbers and answers.
3. Events Blocks – Used to start the program (for example, When Green Flag Clicked).
4. Looks Blocks – Used to display answers using the Say block.
LESSON 2 – STEPS FOR PERFORMING BASIC MATHEMATICAL OPERATIONS IN SCRATCH
1. Open Scratch 3.0.
2. Create a new project.
3. Click the Operators category.
4. Drag the required mathematical operator block (+, −, ×, or ÷) into the Coding Area.
5. Enter the numbers to be calculated.
6. Add the When Green Flag Clicked block.
7. Add the Say block from the Looks category.
8. Connect the blocks together.
9. Click the Green Flag to display the answer.
IMPORTANCE OF USING SCRATCH FOR MATHEMATICS
Using Scratch helps pupils to:
1. Learn mathematics in a fun way.
2. Improve logical thinking.
3. Develop problem-solving skills.
4. Understand programming concepts.
5. Perform calculations quickly and accurately.
6. Build confidence in coding and mathematics.
APPLICATIONS OF SCRATCH IN MATHEMATICS
Scratch can be used to:
1. Solve addition problems.
2. Solve subtraction problems.
3. Solve multiplication problems.
4. Solve division problems.
5. Create simple mathematics quizzes.
6. Build educational games.
7. Develop interactive learning activities.
8. Teach mathematics through programming.
LESSON 3 – BASIC MATHEMATICAL OPERATIONS: PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES
The teacher demonstrates how to use Scratch to perform simple mathematical operations.
Activity 1: Addition Program
1. Open Scratch.
2. Click Events and drag When Green Flag Clicked to the workspace.
3. Click Variables and create two variables named Number1 and Number2.
4. Click Sensing and use Ask [Enter first number:] and wait.
5. Set Number1 to the answer.
6. Ask Enter second number: and set Number2 to the answer.
7. Click Operators and use the ( ) + ( ) block.
8. Click Looks and use Say to display the result of Number1 + Number2.
Activity 2: Subtraction Program
1. Ask the user to enter two numbers.
2. Use the ( ) – ( ) operator block.
3. Display the answer using the Say block.
Activity 3: Multiplication Program
1. Ask the user to enter two numbers.
2. Use the ( ) × ( ) operator block.
3. Display the multiplication result.
Activity 4: Division Program
1. Ask the user to enter two numbers.
2. Use the ( ) ÷ ( ) operator block.
3. Display the division result.
4. Remind pupils not to divide by zero.
Class Practical Activities
Each pupil should:
1. Open Scratch.
2. Create a program that asks for two numbers.
3. Use Scratch to perform:
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
4. Display each answer using the Say block.
5. Save the project as Basic Mathematical Operations.
6. Run the program and test it with different numbers.
WEEKLY ASSESSMENT: TEST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS/ASSIGNMENT
A. Multiple Choice Questions
1. Scratch can be used to perform ________.
A. cooking
B. washing clothes
C. farming
D. basic mathematical operations
2. Which Scratch category contains the addition (+), subtraction (−), multiplication (×), and division (÷) blocks?
A. Motion
B. Looks
C. Sound
D. Operators
3. Which block is used to display the answer on the Stage?
A. Move
B. Say
C. Hide
D. Glide
4. Which Scratch block is used to start a program?
A. When Green Flag Clicked
B. Stop All
C. Wait
D. Repeat
5. Which mathematical operation is represented by the symbol (×)?
A. Addition
B. Division
C. Multiplication
D. Subtraction
B. Fill in the Gaps
Complete the sentences using the words in the box: Operators, Variables, Green Flag, addition, division
6. The ________ blocks are used to perform mathematical calculations in Scratch.
7. ________ blocks are used to store numbers and answers.
8. Clicking the ________ starts a Scratch program.
9. The process of combining two or more numbers is called ________.
10. Sharing a number into equal parts is called ________.
C. True or False
11. Scratch can be used to solve mathematical problems. ________
12. The Operators blocks are used for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. ________
13. The Say block is found in the Looks category. ________
14. The Green Flag is used to stop a Scratch program. ________
15. Variables can be used to store numbers in Scratch. ________
D. Match Column A with the correct answer in Column B.
Column A – Column B
16. Operators Blocks – A. Displays the answer
17. Say Block – B. Stores numbers
18. Variables – C. Performs calculations
19. Green Flag – D. Starts the program
20. Multiplication – E. Repeated addition
ANSWER KEYS
1. D – Basic mathematical operations
2. D – Operators
3. B – Say
4. A – When Green Flag Clicked
5. C – Multiplication
6. Operators
7. Variables
8. Green Flag
9. addition
20. division
11. True
12. True
13. True
14. False
15. True
16. C – Performs calculations
17. A – Displays the answer
18. B – Stores numbers
19. D – Starts the program
20. E – Repeated addition
SUMMARY
In this lesson, pupils learned that basic mathematical operations in Scratch involve using Scratch programming blocks, especially the Operators blocks, to perform simple calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Pupils identified the Scratch blocks used for mathematical operations, including the Operators blocks for calculations, Variables blocks for storing numbers and answers, Events blocks to start the program, and the Say block from the Looks category to display the results.
Furthermore, pupils learned the steps involved in creating a simple Scratch program to solve mathematical problems by connecting the appropriate programming blocks and running the program using the Green Flag.
Finally, pupils discovered that using Scratch for mathematics makes learning more enjoyable, improves logical thinking and problem-solving skills, and helps them perform basic calculations accurately through programming.
PRESENTATION
To deliver the lesson, the teacher adopts the following steps:
Step 1: Introduction – The teacher asks pupils if they have ever used a calculator to solve addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division problems. The teacher explains that Scratch can also perform mathematical calculations using programming blocks.
Pupils’ Activities: Pupils mention the mathematical operations they know and listen attentively to the teacher’s explanation.
Step 2: Meaning of Basic Mathematical Operations in Scratch – The teacher explains that basic mathematical operations in Scratch involve using Scratch programming blocks to solve simple calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Pupils’ Activities: Pupils explain the meaning of basic mathematical operations in Scratch in their own words.
Step 3: Scratch Blocks Used for Mathematical Operations – The teacher introduces the Scratch blocks used for calculations, including:
- Operators blocks
- Variables blocks
- Events blocks
- Looks (Say) block
The teacher explains the function of each block.
Pupils’ Activities: Pupils identify the Scratch blocks used for mathematical operations and state their functions.
Step 4: Performing Basic Mathematical Operations – The teacher demonstrates how to use Scratch to perform:
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
The teacher explains how to connect the programming blocks correctly to display the answer.
Pupils’ Activities: Pupils identify the programming blocks used to perform each mathematical operation.
Step 5: Practical Demonstration – The teacher demonstrates how to:
- Open Scratch 3.0.
- Create a new project.
- Add the When Green Flag Clicked block.
- Use the Operators blocks to perform simple calculations.
- Use the Say block to display the answer.
- Run the program by clicking the Green Flag.
- Save the completed Scratch project.
Pupils’ Activities: Pupils follow the demonstration by creating simple Scratch programs to solve basic mathematical problems and save their projects.
Step 6: Group Activity – The teacher divides the class into four groups and assigns the following activities:
- Group 1: Explain the meaning of basic mathematical operations in Scratch.
- Group 2: Identify the Scratch blocks used for mathematical operations and state their functions.
- Group 3: Create a Scratch program to perform addition and subtraction.
- Group 4: Create a Scratch program to perform multiplication and division.
Each group presents its work before the class.
Pupils’ Activities: Pupils discuss the assigned tasks, complete the activities, and present their work.
Step 7: Lesson Summary – The teacher reviews the meaning of basic mathematical operations in Scratch, the Scratch blocks used for calculations, and the steps involved in creating simple mathematical programs.
Pupils’ Activities: Pupils answer oral questions and summarise the lesson.
Step 8: Evaluation – The teacher asks oral, written, and practical questions to assess pupils’ understanding of applying Scratch programming to basic mathematical operations.
Pupils’ Activities: Pupils answer the evaluation questions and demonstrate simple mathematical calculations using Scratch programming.
CONCLUSION
To conclude the lesson for the week, the teacher revises the entire lesson and links it to the following week’s lesson.
NEXT LESSON
LESSON EVALUATION
Teacher asks pupils,
1. Explain the meaning of basic mathematical operations in Scratch.
2. Identify the Scratch blocks used for mathematical operations.
3. State the functions of the Operators, Variables, Events, and Looks (Say) blocks.
4. Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using Scratch programming.
5. Create a simple Scratch program to solve basic mathematical problems.
6. Demonstrate how to display the answer of a mathematical calculation on the Stage using Scratch.