Learn Scratch for KS1 and KS2 teachers

Yvonne Walker

EPICTs Consultant

Agenda

• Course resources available from www.epicts.org.uk

• What is Scratch?• How does Scratch fit into the

Computing PoS?• Progression in Computing• Plenary

What is Scratch?

Scratch is an educational programming language[and multimedia authoring tool that can be used by pupils, teachers, and parents for a range of educational and entertainment constructivistprojects

Learn how to Scratch

http://learnscratch.org/

Scratch Task

• Go to the Scratch course page on epicts.org

• Download the Scratch task resource.• Work through the task to create a simple

game. • Don’t forget you can also go to

http://learnscratch.org/ to learn more!• Be prepared to feedback on how you

would use develop this in a KS1 classroom.

Feedback from task

The Computing PoS

Aims of the Computing PoS:

The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils: • can understand and apply the fundamental principles and

concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation

• can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems

• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems

• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

Subject content for Key stage 1

Pupils should be taught to: • understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented

as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions

• create and debug simple programs • use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple

programs • use technology purposefully to create, organise, store,

manipulate and retrieve digital content • recognise common uses of information technology beyond

school • use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal

information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.

Unpicking the new PoS: Algorithms

Understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions.

Unpicking the new PoS: Debugging

To be able to create and debug simple programs

Definition: Debugging is a methodical process of finding and reducing the number of bugs, or defects, in a computer program or a piece of electronic hardware, thus making it behave as expected. Debugging tends to be harder when various subsystems are tightly coupled, as changes in one may cause bugs to emerge in another. 

Unpicking the new PoS: Simple programs

Understand what algorithms are, and that algorithms are implemented as programs on digital devices; write and test simple programs. 

So what is a program?

sequence

selection (if, when)

variables

iconic

Gradual introduction of terminology as they start to employ concepts intuitively and explicit teaching as children progress through key stages.

concrete

predicting

testing

KS1 KS2Early Years

repetition (loops, iteration)

selection (if, when)variables

decompositionsequence

concreteiconic

repetition (loops, iteration)

testing/debugging

predicting

concrete/unplugged/

Programming Progression

role play – sequence                  of any activity

human robots

unplugged

concrete

APP for computing in KS1 - resources

How does Scratch support the Computing PoS in KS1?

• Explore the resources on the course page.

• Based on what you have learnt can you design simple KS1 activity using Scratch for either:• Algorithms• Debugging• Simple programs

Subject content for Key Stage 2

Pupils should be taught to: • design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including

controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts

(http://prezi.com/oggspvojssbj/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share )

• use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output

• use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs

• understand computer networks, including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the World Wide Web, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration

• use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content

• select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information

• use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact

How does Scratch support the Computing PoS in KS2?

KS2 Scratch Task: Design an activity for KS2 using Scratch

• Explore the KS2 resources on the course page.• Based on what you have learnt can you design a KS2 activity

using Scratch to support the following?

-design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts

-use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and outputuse logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs

Feedback from tasks

Yvonne WalkerEPICTs (www.epicts.org.uk)

BSc. PGCE, Certified Naace Professional

Email: yvonne@epicts.org.uk

Tel: 0788 656 2502

Questions?