Unit 15 - Year 1 Lessons

Overview

Students will build and modify a Scratch chase game, changing characters, scoring, sounds, and difficulty.

Target skills:

• Logic & Sequencing
• Pattern Recognition
• Creative Problem Solving

Tools:

• Scratch

Outputs:

• A playable Scratch chase game
• Student-edited game variations

Week 1 - Scratch Chase Game

Lesson 1 - Guided Tutorial

Goal: complete a guided Scratch chase game and understand the basic gameplay loop.

Teacher prep:

• Open the tutorial project in Scratch
• Confirm students can access the editor

Steps:

1. Open the Scratch project link.
2. View the tutorial example.
   
3. Open the editor version of the same project.
   
4. Follow the tutorial and test the chase game.

Check for understanding:

• The game runs correctly.
• Students can explain how the player scores points.

Extension:

• Change the sprite or background.

Lesson 2 - Game Changes

Goal: modify the original game to make it feel personal and more challenging.

Teacher prep:

• Review how to duplicate sprites and edit variables

Steps:

1. Change the character, points, or speed.
2. Add a new sprite that gives negative points using opposite scoring logic.
3. Add sounds or background music.
4. Change the background.
5. Test whether the game feels easier or harder.

Check for understanding:

• Students can identify at least one change they made.
• The game still works after changes.

Extension:

• Add another obstacle or collectible.

Week 2 - Extend and Playtest

Lesson 1 - More Changes

Goal: continue improving the Scratch game and prepare it for classmates to play.

Teacher prep:

• Prepare time for student playtesting

Steps:

1. Reopen the Week 1 game.
2. Continue changing the character, points, and speed.
3. Add more sounds if needed.
4. Playtest the game with a partner or as a class.

Check for understanding:

• The game is playable from start to finish.
• Students can describe what makes their version unique.

Extension:

• Balance the game to make it fair but challenging.

Lesson 2 - Draw Your Own Costume

Goal: customize the project further by changing the player costume.

Teacher prep:

• Show where costume editing happens in Scratch

Steps:

1. Open the previous Scratch game.
2. Edit the player costume or draw a new one.
3. Test that the new costume works during gameplay.
4. Save the updated project.

Check for understanding:

• Students successfully changed a costume.
• The project still runs correctly.

Extension:

• Draw matching costumes for multiple sprites.