Scratch in the Community: Applying Scratch Programming to Create a Conversation Between Friends Primary 6 (Basic 6) Second Term Week 10 Information Technology – Computer Studies
SCRATCH IN THE COMMUNITY: APPLICATIONS OF SCRATCH PROGRAMMING TO EXECUTE A STRING OF CONVERSATION BETWEEN FRIENDS
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (COMPUTER STUDIES)
PRIMARY 6 – SECOND TERM – WEEK 10
THEME – BASIC COMPUTER OPERATIONS
TOPIC – CONVERSATION BETWEEN FRIENDS
LEARNING AREA
1. Introduction
2. Meaning of Conversation in Scratch
3. Scratch Blocks used in Create Conversation
4. Steps for Creating Conversations between Friends 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 create a conversation between characters.
2. Identify the Scratch blocks used to create conversations.
3. Create a simple conversation between two sprites using Scratch.
4. Use Looks, Events, and Control blocks to organise a conversation.
5. Demonstrate creativity by designing a simple interactive conversation between friends.
ENTRY BEHAVIOUR
Pupils have previously learned how to use Scratch programming to perform basic mathematical operations using Operators, Variables, Events, and Looks blocks. They also learned how to create simple Scratch programs by connecting programming blocks.
This lesson builds on that knowledge by teaching pupils how to apply Scratch programming to create a simple conversation between two friends using sprites and dialogue blocks.
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. Chart showing Scratch programming blocks
6. Pictures of two friends having a conversation
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
Scratch is a visual programming language that allows users to create interactive stories and conversations. By combining different programming blocks, sprites can greet one another, ask and answer questions, and perform actions just like people in real life.
In this lesson, pupils will learn how to use Scratch programming to create a simple conversation between two friends, helping them improve their programming, communication, and creative thinking skills.
LESSON 1 – MEANING OF A CONVERSATION IN SCRATCH
A conversation in Scratch is the process of using sprites and programming blocks to make two or more characters talk to one another on the Stage. The conversation is created by arranging blocks that display messages, wait for a short time, and allow each sprite to speak in turn.
Scratch makes it easy to create interactive conversations without typing complex computer code.
SCRATCH BLOCKS USED TO CREATE A CONVERSATION
The following Scratch blocks are commonly used to create a conversation between friends:
1. Events Blocks
These blocks start the program.
Example: When Green Flag Clicked
2. Looks Blocks
These blocks display speech or thought messages.
Examples:
- Say [Hello!] for 2 seconds
- Think [I am happy.] for 2 seconds
3. Control Blocks
These blocks control the timing of the conversation.
Examples:
- Wait (1) seconds
- Forever
- Repeat
4. Motion Blocks
These blocks move the sprites during the conversation.
Examples:
- Move 10 steps
- Glide to position
- Turn 15 degrees
LESSON 2 – STEPS FOR CREATING A CONVERSATION BETWEEN FRIENDS
1. Open Scratch 3.0.
2. Create a new project.
3. Choose two sprites.
4. Add the When Green Flag Clicked block to each sprite.
5. Add Say blocks to display each character’s dialogue.
6. Use Wait blocks to allow one sprite to speak before the other replies.
7. Add Motion blocks if the sprites need to move.
8. Click the Green Flag to run the conversation.
9. Save the completed Scratch project.
EXAMPLE OF A SIMPLE CONVERSATION
Friend 1: Hello! How are you?
Friend 2: I am fine. Thank you.
Friend 1: Are you coming to school tomorrow?
Friend 2: Yes, I will be there. See you tomorrow!
IMPORTANCE OF CREATING CONVERSATIONS IN SCRATCH
Creating conversations in Scratch helps pupils to:
1. Develop programming skills.
2. Improve communication skills.
3. Encourage creativity and imagination.
4. Learn logical thinking.
5. Create interactive stories and animations.
6. Build confidence in using Scratch.
APPLICATIONS OF SCRATCH CONVERSATIONS
Scratch conversations can be used to create:
1. Interactive stories
2. Educational presentations
3. Cartoon animations
4. Digital greetings
5. Role-play activities
6. Classroom demonstrations
7. Language learning activities
8. Simple games with dialogue
LESSON 3 – CREATING SIMPLE CONVERSATION: PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES
The teacher demonstrates how to create a simple conversation between two friends using Scratch.
Step 1: Open Scratch
- Launch the Scratch application or open the Scratch website.
- Click Create to start a new project.
Step 2: Select Sprites
- Keep the default sprite or choose two human characters from the Sprite Library.
- Rename them Friend 1 and Friend 2.
Step 3: Choose a Background
- Click Choose a Backdrop.
- Select a suitable background such as a school, park, or playground.
Step 4: Program Friend 1
Add the following blocks:
- When Green Flag Clicked
- Say “Hello! How are you?” for 2 seconds
- Wait 2 seconds
Step 5: Program Friend 2
Add the following blocks:
- When Green Flag Clicked
- Wait 2 seconds
- Say “I’m fine. Thank you! How are you?” for 2 seconds
- Wait 2 seconds
- Say “Let’s go to school together.” for 2 seconds
Step 6: Continue the Conversation
Return to Friend 1 and add:
- Wait 6 seconds
- Say “That’s a great idea. Let’s go!” for 2 seconds
Step 7: Test the Program
- Click the Green Flag.
- Watch the two friends talk to each other in the correct order.
Class Practical
Each pupil should:
1. Open Scratch and create a new project.
2. Add two sprites representing friends.
3. Choose an appropriate backdrop.
4. Create a conversation of at least four speech exchanges between the two friends.
5. Run the program using the Green Flag.
6. Save the project as Conversation Between Friends.
WEEKLY ASSESSMENT: TEST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS/ASSIGNMENT
A. Multiple Choice Questions
1. A conversation in Scratch is created between ________.
A. computers
B. printers
C. sprites
D. keyboards
2. Which Scratch block is used to make a sprite speak?
A. Move
B. Say
C. Turn
D. Hide
3. Which block is commonly used to start a Scratch program?
A. Wait
B. Repeat
C. When Green Flag Clicked
D. Stop All
4. Which Scratch block helps control the timing of a conversation?
A. Wait
B. Move
C. Glide
D. Change Colour
5. Which Scratch category contains the Say block?
A. Motion
B. Sound
C. Operators
D. Looks
B. Fill in the Gaps
Complete the sentences using the words in the box: sprites, Say, Wait, Green Flag, conversation
6. A ________ in Scratch allows two or more characters to talk to each other.
7. Scratch characters are called ________.
8. The ________ block displays a message spoken by a sprite.
9. The ________ block allows one sprite to speak before another replies.
10. Clicking the ________ starts a Scratch program.
C. True or False
11. Scratch can be used to create conversations between characters. ________
12. The Say block is used to display speech on the Stage. ________
13. The Wait block helps to control the timing of a conversation. ________
14. A Scratch project can have only one sprite. ________
15. The Green Flag stops a Scratch program. ________
D. Match Column A with the correct answer in Column B.
Column A – Column B
16. When Green Flag Clicked – A. Scratch character
17. Say Block – B. Starts the program
18. Wait Block – C. Characters talking to one another
19. Sprite – D. Controls the timing
20. Conversation – E. Displays a speech message
ANSWER KEYS
1. C – Sprites
2. B – Say
3. C – When Green Flag Clicked
4. A – Wait
5. D – Looks
6. conversation
7. sprites
8. Say
9. Wait
10. Green Flag
11. True
12. True
13. True
14. False
15. False
16. B – Starts the program
17. E – Displays a speech message
18. D – Controls the timing
19. A – Scratch character
20. C – Characters talking to one another
SUMMARY
In this lesson, pupils learned that a conversation in Scratch is the process of using sprites and programming blocks to make two or more characters talk to one another on the Stage. They learned that Scratch can be used to create interactive stories and conversations in a simple and enjoyable way.
Pupils identified the Scratch blocks used to create conversations, including the Events block (When Green Flag Clicked) to start the program, the Looks blocks (Say and Think) to display messages, the Control block (Wait) to control the timing of the conversation, and the Motion blocks to move the sprites.
Furthermore, pupils learned the steps involved in creating a simple conversation between two friends by selecting sprites, adding dialogue with the Say block, using the Wait block for timing, and running the program with the Green Flag.
Finally, pupils discovered that creating conversations in Scratch helps to develop programming skills, communication skills, creativity, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills, while enabling them to create interactive stories, animations, and educational projects.
PRESENTATION
To deliver the lesson, the teacher adopts the following steps:
Step 1: Introduction – The teacher asks pupils if they have ever watched a cartoon or animation where two characters talk to each other. The teacher explains that Scratch can be used to create a conversation between two friends using programming blocks.
Pupils’ Activities: Pupils mention cartoons or animations they have watched and listen attentively to the teacher’s explanation.
Step 2: Meaning of a Conversation in Scratch – The teacher explains that a conversation in Scratch is the process of using sprites and programming blocks to make two or more characters talk to one another on the Stage.
Pupils’ Activities: Pupils explain the meaning of a conversation in Scratch in their own words.
Step 3: Scratch Blocks Used for Creating a Conversation – The teacher introduces the Scratch blocks used to create a conversation, including:
- Events block (When Green Flag Clicked)
- Looks blocks (Say and Think)
- Control block (Wait)
- Motion blocks
The teacher explains the function of each block.
Pupils’ Activities: Pupils identify the Scratch blocks used to create a conversation and state their functions.
Step 4: Creating a Simple Conversation – The teacher demonstrates how to:
- Select two sprites.
- Add the When Green Flag Clicked block.
- Use the Say block to display messages.
- Add the Wait block to control the timing.
- Use Motion blocks to move the sprites if necessary.
Pupils’ Activities: Pupils identify the steps involved in creating a simple conversation between two sprites.
Step 5: Practical Demonstration – The teacher demonstrates how to:
- Open Scratch 3.0.
- Create a new project.
- Select two sprites.
- Program a simple conversation between the sprites.
- Click the Green Flag to run the conversation.
- Save the completed Scratch project.
Pupils’ Activities: Pupils follow the demonstration by creating a simple conversation between two friends and saving their Scratch projects.
Step 6: Group Activity – The teacher divides the class into four groups and assigns the following activities:
- Group 1: Explain the meaning of a conversation in Scratch.
- Group 2: Identify the Scratch blocks used to create a conversation and state their functions.
- Group 3: Create a simple conversation between two friends using Scratch.
- Group 4: Demonstrate the conversation before the class and explain the steps used to create it.
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 a conversation in Scratch, the Scratch blocks used, and the steps involved in creating a conversation between two friends.
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 creating a conversation between friends using Scratch programming.
Pupils’ Activities: Pupils answer the evaluation questions and demonstrate a simple conversation using Scratch.
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 a conversation in Scratch.
2. Identify the Scratch blocks used to create a conversation.
3. State the functions of the Events, Looks, Control, and Motion blocks used in a conversation.
4. Outline the steps involved in creating a conversation between two friends in Scratch.
5. Create a simple conversation between two sprites using Scratch programming.
Demonstrate how to run and save a Scratch project containing a conversation between friends.