Flap & Fly: Learn to Code a Bird in Scratch!

🕊️ In this action-packed class, learners will build their very own Flap & Fly game in Scratch, inspired by classic side-scrolling arcade games! They'll start by coding a bird that flaps up and down with the arrow keys, then move on to creating scrolling obstacles, a game-over screen, and even a working score system.

🧱 Using Scratch, a beginner-friendly, block-based language developed at MIT, students will get hands-on coding experience while designing a playable game from start to finish. Whether they’re new to coding or already confident creators, this class is perfect for ages 6–10.

🎮 What Students Will Learn

How to code a character that moves with arrow keys

How to create animated obstacles that clone and scroll

How to detect collisions and trigger a game over

How to use variables to track and display a score

How to debug and test like a real game designer

💡 How the Class Works
This live, step-by-step class is capped at just 6 learners for maximum support and interaction. Students will follow along as the instructor shares their screen, explains blocks, and encourages each learner to test and improve their game. There will be lots of room for creativity, questions, and celebrating each other's projects!

✨ Class Schedule

Welcome + Introductions (5 min)

Scratch Setup & Log In (5 min)

Game Design Warm-Up (5 min)

Code Bird Movement with Arrow Keys (10 min)

Code Cloning & Moving Obstacles (15 min)

Code Game Over Logic (10 min)

Add a Scoring System (10 min)

Showcase & Wrap-Up (10 min)

📌 What You’ll Need

A free Scratch account: scratch.mit.edu

A laptop or desktop (no tablets please!)

Zoom with screen share enabled

A strong internet connection

Microphone, speaker, and webcam

(Optional) A parent nearby for setup

🛠️ Tech Note for Parents
This class works best on a laptop or desktop with Zoom and Scratch open side-by-side. iPads are not recommended. If you have tech questions before class, reach out—we’re happy to help you get set up!