Using fun graphics and easy-to-follow instructions, Coding Projects in Scratch is a straightforward, visual guide that shows young learners how to build their own computer projects using Scratch, a popular free programming language.
Kids can animate their favorite characters, build games to play with friends, create silly sound effects, and more with Coding Projects in Scratch. Step-by-step instructions teach essential coding basics and outline 18 fun and exciting projects, including a personalized birthday card; a "tunnel of doom" multiplayer game; a dinosaur dance party animation with flashing lights, music, and dance moves-and much more.
The simple, logical steps in Coding Projects in Scratch are fully illustrated with fun pixel art and build on the basics of coding, so that kids can have the skills to make whatever kind of project they can dream up.
Supporting STEM education initiatives, computer coding teaches kids how to think creatively, work collaboratively, and reason systematically, and is quickly becoming a necessary and sought-after skill. DK's computer coding books are full of fun exercises with step-by-step guidance, making them the perfect introductory tools for building vital skills in computer programming.
Author Bio:
Dr. Jon Woodcock has a degree in Physics from the University of Oxford and a PhD in Computational Astrophysics from the University of London. He started coding at the age of eight and has programmed all kinds of computers from single-chip microcontrollers to world-class supercomputers. His many projects include giant space simulations, research in high-tech companies, and intelligent robots made from junk. Jon has a passion for science and technology education, giving talks on space and running computer programming clubs in schools. He has worked on numerous science and technology books as a contributor and consultant, including DK's How Cool Stuff Works and Help Your Kids with Computer Coding.
I have been teaching myself Scratch, as it is a rudimentary programming "language" designed for children. The reason, is, I have been wanting to get back into volunteering, and I used to be part of some coding volunteer programs. It would be great to get that started again soon.
I won't rate this book as I haven't tried any projects. It is printed in full colour throughout, with pixellated graphics like Minecraft. The layout is fairly busy and the font fairly small. As a programming language Scratch seems quite easy to follow.
Well, may I confess it? I read this book backward. And what have I discovered? Many things, indeed. Chapter 8 is "What's next?". For me, "next" was the whole book, but to find that the teachings open to other adventures and new learning findings, was a very good sign. Then, in the next/prior chapter I found out that a Scratch program appears as a list of items stacked together, or wedged into each other, and creating mindbending effects through movement, color, sound and music: drums, gallopping effects, elephant fanfare, blooming snowflakes, frogfinger-like trees, rockets, stars and fireworks, and everywhere many, many cute characters. And then, I stumbled on a chapter about games. Aha! At last! The Tunnel of Doom requires "a steady hand and nerves of steel", Window Cleaner needs a frantic washing. And, of course, good Scratch programming, built step by step through good instructions and clear coding examples. When I finally reached Chapter 1, I made the acquaintance with the Yellow Cat and Gobo, and discovered other programming languages..., somehow coming full circle with Chapter 8 and "What's next?". So, is this a good programming book? Wether you're kid, teen or older, definitely yes. An informative and beautiFUN book!
This book is easy to follow and has great ideas for all kinds of projects (art, games, etc) that can be completed in Scratch. However, I was looking to do these projects with Scratch program found on Raspberry Pi 2. A number of these projects need features that are not found on Scratch with Raspberry Pi Model 2. But can be found with the online version of Scratch.
This step-by-step visual guide to coding in Scratch 3.0 (and a computer with internet access) is all a young person would need to learn to code in this most-basic-of-all-coding-languages. It's a great place to start, especially for kids home alone - who can't learn it in a class or with another young person guiding them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
There is a newer version, and I'm sure it's more up to date
That aside, as a newbie to coding and SCRATCH, I loved it explains different options and functions in easy to understand language and interesting illustrations and captions Good reference to have on hand.