SAO' Girls Who Code, lesson notes, resources

Using Conditionals in Scratch

This is one of the foundation lessons that everyone using Scratch needs. Conditionals are what gives your code the power to react and respond. If something happens (in your game, or in the real world through a sensor or user input), then a certain response is triggered. And you can learn all about them in a 30 minute exercise in your HQ.GirlsWhoCode account.

You can download the lesson plan in PDF format here:Download

Or, start with your Girls Who Code account, and then go to the Scratch Tutorials link on the left hand column, near the bottom.

It helps if you can use two screens, like a tablet next to a laptop. But if you only have one, then open two browser tabs, and switch back and forth between the GWC tutorial page and your Scratch page.

Tutorial Page

SAO' info for parents, lesson notes, resources

Getting started with Scratch

Scratch is an amazing learning and development environment, but it has one problem: getting started. Like any ecosystem in which users are encouraged to share their work, there are thousands of great examples of easy to follow projects, but there are millions of not-so-great examples, and it’s hard to tell which is which until you’ve messed around under the hood for a while.

That’s where the public library comes in. If you have a Poudre River Library card, you’re in luck.

Before you click the link, however, the have to create an account with Lynda.com through your Poudre River Public Library account.

Starting at the beginning …

1) Log into your PRL account: https://www.poudrelibraries.org/

2) Click the green “Research” tab and scroll down to Lynda.

3) Find your library card number. You’ll need it to create a Lynda account.

(This step might be a little annoying. Your card number is in “My Account” in the library app, but not on the website. So you might need to find your physical library card.)

4) Create a Lynda account.

5) Search for “Scratch” or go to https://www.lynda.com/Scratch-tutorials/First-Look-Scratch-3-0/2804663-2.html?org=poudrelibraries.org

Lynda also has courses on Raspberry Pi, Arduino circuits, Swift Playgrounds, and other fun stuff, so it’s a great resource, and you’re saving $30/month by having a library card.