Crab-tivating Coding

I attempted to use Scratch to code some crabs (called sprites in Scratch) moving back and forth across a beach. I had an image in my head of what I wanted them to do so kept coding until I got them to the point I envisioned. This is a quick summary of what went into coding the two crabs moving back and forth on the beach.

I started by just coding one crab moving to another specified spot along the x axis while keeping the y axis the same (to show it moving in a straight horizontal line). I added some sound with the movement and then a word bubble. After I figured out how to get it to move from one spot to another, I added some more code to have it keep moving along that x axis across the beach. It took me a while (not to mention a lot of code) to get the crab to move all the way from one side to the other and then back again. I was surprised how much code it takes to make such a small movement. But I guess it makes sense as the computer will only do exactly what you tell it to do.

Once I accomplished that, I decided I wanted to add another crab. To do this, I had to duplicate the first crab by right-clicking on the crab sprite and clicking “duplicate”. This created another crab with the exact same code. I wanted this crab to be located at a different spot on the screen, so I had to go through each motion code block of the duplicated code and change the y axis so the second crab would be “higher” up on the background. I also wanted this second crab to start at a different spot than the first one so they weren’t in unison. To accomplish this, I had to rearrange the code a bit so that crab #2 started at a different spot along the x axis.

Here is a bit more detail about my code:

I learned a lot about how to use Scratch as far as adding code and duplicating sprites. One of the biggest lessons I learned during coding, is that it would be way quicker and easier to perfect one sequence of code before trying to replicate it. For example, in my code, I should have figured out exactly what I wanted the crabs to do each time they moved before duplicating blocks of code. I did things the hard way and decided to add the “pop” sound after I had already coded everything, so I had to insert that block over and over after each movement. Another big takeaway from this exercise is that when it comes to coding, you have to think in as simple and uncomplicated steps as possible. You have to remember that the computer is incapable of guessing your intentions so if you forget one little command in the code, the computer can’t fill in those blanks (like a word processor would). Feel free to try my program and/or manipulate the code.

I think Scratch is an amazing program with so many capabilities. I know I just “scratched” the surface of what a person could do on it. I think that it is something where the more you use it, the easier it becomes. I’m sure there are ways to save blocks of common code that you could reuse for new projects so you don’t have to start from “scratch” every time. I didn’t do a ton of exploring as far as the different sprites and backgrounds available, but I know there are lots there. 

From an educator’s perspective, I think Scratch and other similar coding programs are invaluable when it comes to their benefits for kids. At one time, this sort of technology was only available to actual computer programmers. But with free online versions, such as Scratch, available to anyone, everyone can try their hand at coding programs. Other programs such as Hour of Code are perfect for younger grades and provide the scaffolding necessary to work their way up to more advanced programs like Scratch. 

The benefits of coding are explained succinctly in the article 5 Reasons Why Coding is Important for Young Minds but to summarize, coding is beneficial for:

Learning another language

Fostering Creativity

Helping with math skills

Improving writing academic performance

Helping children become confident problem solvers

The skills that are developed while coding are so unique and help kids think in completely new ways. Coding is similar to composing music and they share a lot of benefits. I noticed that writing my code and running the final program reminded me of composing and playing a piece of music. 

Besides all of these benefits, coding is fun! What kid doesn’t love playing computer games?