Jack-o'-Lantern Carving in Scratch (Halloween Block-Based Coding Class)
Students code a jack-o'-lantern (Halloween pumpkin) simulator that allows them to “carve” the pumpkin with their mouse.
Elizabeth Houston, M.Ed.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(1)
What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
We will start with class introductions and share any fun experiences we have had with computer science, coding, and Scratch. I will play a short animated video about the history of jack-o'-lanterns to make sure all students are familiar with pumpkin carving, and then I will introduce the project for the class: coding a jack-o'-lantern. I will show students my example solution to the problem and how I interact with the animation. As a class, students will discuss how they might create something like the example, both from a creative standpoint and thinking about which blocks might be used for certain effects. Then students will be directed to go to the project template, and we will start by coding the main concepts together. Once students have the basic program coded, they will be given some differentiated options of things to modify in the project to make it their own. Students may not finish their pumpkin carving project during our class time, and that's okay! They can save their work as they go and spend as long as they want being creative with this project. Whenever students finish their jack-o'-lantern program, I hope they will share it with me as well as family and friends. Required Knowledge: For the best class experience, students should have some familiarity with the Scratch environment and block-based coding. If your child is brand new to Scratch, I recommend that your new coder joins me for a beginner Scratch course so that he or she can enjoy more of these one-time Scratch classes in the future.
Learning Goals
Students will learn how to use pen blocks to carve (draw) with their mouse.
Students will create a project that simulates carving a pumpkin using pen blocks.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This class uses the Scratch coding website. You can read their privacy policy here: https://scratch.mit.edu/privacy_policy
***IMPORTANT TECHNOLOGY NOTE: If students choose to code their own project, which is absolutely encouraged in this one-time class, they must create a Scratch account before our class meeting, and they should be logged into Scratch in a separate window (split screen view- not just a different tab) OR on a separate device from the device used to join the Outschool class. If you are unsure about how your child can be an active participant in the Outschool Zoom class while also having access to Scratch, please message me 1+ day before class so I can provide extra guidance.
The introduction video about the history of jack-o'-lanterns is animated and is designed to set the mood for a Halloween-themed coding class. You may preview the video here: https://www.youtubekids.com/watch?v=n1uqaJMXt9M
Supply List
PLEASE READ: Technology Required- Either (1) A second device with a screen (i.e. a tablet for the Outschool Zoom class and a laptop for Scratch) OR (2) The ability to view 2 windows/apps at the same time on one screen (i.e. Zoom on the left half of the screen and Scratch on the right half of the screen so students aren't switching between tabs and away from the class.) Students should already have an account on Scratch (https://scratch.mit.edu/) before our class meeting. Make sure students are logged in and know their password to access Scratch during the lesson. Please contact me if you need any assistance creating a Scratch account. The project template for this class can be found here: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/194600796/#player The jack-o'-lantern is ready to be coded by your programmer! Note: If students wish to add music or sound effects to their programs during class, headphones/headsets are required to make sure other students are not disturbed.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
I will share my screen demonstrating with my own Scratch account on https://scratch.mit.edu/ along with Google Slides that break down the steps with words and images.
YouTube Kids video: Who Invented Jack-o'-lanterns? https://www.youtubekids.com/watch?v=n1uqaJMXt9M
The idea, original lesson plan, and Scratch template are freely available on BootUp PD: https://bootuppd.org/
Students will not access this site independently during class time.
Joined September, 2022
5.0
1reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Florida Teaching Certificate in Mathematics
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from University of Florida
Bachelor's Degree from University of Florida
I have a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Educational Technology from the University of Florida in addition to a graduate certificate in K-12 Computer Science Education from the University of California San Diego. I have taught computer science and ICT to students from preschool to grade 12 in the U.S. and in the international school system. I have been using Scratch with students for many years to teach block-based coding.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$18
per classMeets once
50 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-11
1-4 learners per class
