Overview

In this assignment you will create your own computer program using the Scratch language. Your program will produce an animated story or game. The major project goal is to have some fun while learning about computer programming!

I encourage you to open, run and experiment with projects provided in the Scratch library (select Open then click the Examples button). This is a valuable way to learn how things work! However I do require that your project be of your own creation. If I discover that it is not original work, I reserve the right to assign no credit or vastly reduced credit.

My Scratch handout, which contains the lecture notes from http://faculty.otterbein.edu/psanderson/COMP100/notes/programScratch.html, explains the concepts and terminology and contains links to additional resources on the Scratch website.

Basic Requirements and Scoring

The 20 maximum points for your project (give it any name you like) are broken down as follows:

1. Contains at least three (3) sprites - do not use the default sprite!
   • Each of the sprites must animate according to at least one script. Each script must be unique in what it does. (6 points)
   • Each of the sprites must have a "Reset" script, in addition to the required script. Details below under The Reset Script. (3 points)
   • At least two of the sprites must have a script whose algorithm includes control blocks for both selection (if, if-else, forever-if block) and repetition (forever, forever-if, repeat, repeat-until block). The forever-if can count for either but not both. (4 points)
   • At least one of the sprites needs to have two or more costumes, and change costumes during the animation (1 point)
2. Contains at least one (1) stage, (2 points)
   • The stage (background image) may come from a source other than the Scratch library. You can import a JPEG image or draw it using Scratch's Paint Editor.
   • If imported, the ideal stage image is 480 pixels wide and 360 pixels high. You can import any image; it may be distorted depending on its width-to-height ratio.
   • The stage is not required to have a script!
3. Runs forever or for at least 10 seconds. (2 points)
4. Includes instructions for use, in the "About This Project" window that appears when you select "Save As" to save your project. It also must include your name in the "Author" window that comes up at the same time. See details and figure below under Saving Your Project. (2 points)
5. Sounds are optional!

Running Scratch

You are welcome to download and install Scratch on your own computer. See the Scratch home page scratch.mit.edu for the download link. This is a 30MB download. The installer should give you the option to create a desktop icon.

I recommend you start by opening Scratch projects from the library and running them, and experimenting with them!

Saving Your Project

Use the Save As option from the File menu to save your project for the first time. Be sure to save it in a place where you can easily retrieve it! On the left edge of the Save As screen, there will be a Computer folder. Click on it to see the various disk drive letters. "Z:" will take you to your home folder. Your program will automatically be given the filename extension ".sb".

When you do the Save As, you also have the opportunity to record your Author name along with comments About This Project. Please fill in both of these, as they are required for credit. The About This Project comments should explain how to use your program.

The Reset Script

1. Start with the control block "when space key is pressed" -- change the space to r.
2. Move the sprite to its initial position using a "go to" block.
3. Switch the sprite's costume back to its original.
4. Make any other necessary changes.
5. Finish with a "stop script" control block.

To Turn In When You Are Finished