Super Scratch Programming Adventure! (Scratch 3)

Super Scratch Programming Adventure! (Scratch 3)

by The LEAD Project
August 2019, 160 pp.
ISBN-13: 
9781718500129
4-Color

Look Inside!

Super Scratch Programming Adventure! (Scratch 3)Super Scratch Programming Adventure! (Scratch 3)Super Scratch Programming Adventure! (Scratch 3)Super Scratch Programming Adventure! (Scratch 3)Super Scratch Programming Adventure! (Scratch 3)

Download Chapter 4: Defend Hong Kong's Technocore

Scratch is the wildly popular ­educational programming language used by ­tens of millions of first-time learners in classrooms and homes worldwide. By dragging ­together and assembling colorful blocks of code, kids can learn computer programming concepts as they make cool games and animations.

Scratch 3 has an updated user interface featuring new sprites, a new sound editor, and many new programming blocks. It also includes extensions that enable you to program physical devices (such as micro:bit and LEGO robotics kits) and to translate text within your Scratch projects.

Super Scratch Programming Adventure! was created together with Mitch Resnick, the creator of Scratch (that's him on the cover). The book has readers create projects inspired by classic arcade games that can be programmed (and played!) in an afternoon. Patient, step-by-step explanations of the code and fun programming challenges will have kids creating their own games in no time.

In addition to specific programming instructions, the book includes comics that draw young learners into the book. Readers learn to code as they work through the comics which make programming concepts like variables, flow control, and subroutines effortless to absorb. Packed with ideas for games that kids will be proud to show off, Super Scratch Programming Adventure! is the perfect first step for the budding programmer.

Author Bio 

The Learning through Engineering, Art, and Design (LEAD) Project is an educational initiative established to encourage the development of creative thinking through the use of technology. Created by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups in collaboration with the MIT Media Lab, the LEAD project promotes hands-on, design-based activities to foster innovation, problem solving skills, and technical literacy.

Table of contents 

A Note for Parents and Educators

Stage 1 – Riding A Flare from the Sun

Let's get to know Scratch! We'll also learn about sprites and coordinates.

Stage 2 – Entering Deep Space

This is where you'll make your the first game. You'll also learn how to create new costumes and program a character's movements, reactions, and sound effects.

Stage 3 – Trapped By Mona Lisa’s Smile

While writing this two-part game, you'll learn how to control the flow of a Scratch project. You'll see how to keep score using variables and control the order of the game using broadcasts.

Stage 4 – Defend Hong Kong's Technocore

You'll learn to control sprites with the mouse, program objects to bounce back, and more.

Stage 5 – Penalty Kick In Ipanema

You'll program a soccer game with a targeting system, several related rules, interactive sound effects, and a vivid, animated background!

Stage 6 – Race in the Desert

You'll learn how to create a side-scrolling racing game, program complex movements for sprites, and make the game's background change over time.

Stage 7 – The Secret Treasure of Giza

In this Egyptian adventure, you'll create an interactive maze with a guard, booby traps, and treasure!

Stage 8 – Wizard's Race

When you make this simple button-mashing game, you'll also learn how to play music with Scratch and create an animated background.

Stage 9 – The Final Fight ... In Dark Space

You'll need to use all the knowledge you've gained while making this sweet fighting game. You'll create two characters with unique fight moves, custom health counters, and more.

Stage 10 – Epilogue

View the detailed Table of Contents

Reviews 

"Reveals the power of this deceptively simple programming language... A fun way to learn how to program Scratch, even for adults.”
Mark Frauenfelder, Boing Boing (Read More)

"A great introduction to game design. Kids will start building games from the first page."
Liz Upton, The Raspberry Pi Project (Read More)

"If you think you might have a future programmer on your hands, it's time to introduce your kid to Scratch. . . . Super Scratch Programming Adventure! makes it even easier to get started."
Ruth Suehle, GeekMom (Read More)

"If you have a kid who plays around with a computer and can read even a little, get this."
Greg Laden, National Geographic's ScienceBlogs (Read More)

"An enjoyable and highly accessible introduction to this technology and the power of computing."
Patrice Gans, Education Week's BookMarks (Read More)

"If you’ve got a child or maybe even a classroom of students who are wanting to make their own games, Scratch is a great option. . . . For structured training that is also entertaining, Super Scratch Pro­gram­ming Adventure! will make a great textbook."
James Floyd Kelly, GeekDad (Read More)

"Walks readers through a series of extremely well-designed game-design projects, each of which introduces a new concept or two to young programmers, providing a gentle learning curve for mastering Scratch’s many powerful features."
Cory Doctorow, Boing Boing (Read More)

"If you’re looking for a way to get your kid interested in programming, and Scratch in particular, I can’t recommend this Scratch book enough."
Chris O'Brien, San Jose Mercury News' SiliconBeat (Read More)

"I highly recommend Super Scratch Programming Adventure! It’s a fun book that allows kids to learn about Scratch independently and jump right in designing several different games."
Curriculum Choice (Read More)

"The book provides a fun approach to a language that is designed for fun . . . If you are looking for a motivational way of teaching programming to a young beginner then this is recommended."
—Kay Ewbank, I Programmer, Programming Book Choices For Fun