Broadcasting Signals: Triggering Actions Like a Pro

In this lesson, you'll learn to use broadcasts in Scratch to control events in a fairy tale project. Follow steps to create a scene with characters interacting seamlessly, triggering actions for a smooth, engaging story flow.

Learning Goals Learning Outcomes Teacher Notes

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1 Introduction
2 Create a new project
3 Set the Scene
4 Add your Characters
5 Hide the Dragon
6 Code our First Character
7 Code the Second Character to Respond
8 Code the Third Character to Appear
9 Continue the Story
10 Add More Details
11 Wrap Up
Challenge
Quiz

1 - Introduction

In this lesson, we’re going to explore the magical world of fairy tales while learning how to use broadcasting to control when things happen in your Scratch projects.

Instead of waiting for actions to occur, you’ll use broadcasts to trigger events, making your story flow smoothly from one part to the next. By the end of the lesson, you’ll have created a fairy tale scene where characters interact and the story progresses with perfect timing!

2 - Create a new project

Create a new project in Scratch.

Scratch: How to create a new project

Go to the Scratch website using the link below and click on the 'Create' link in the blue bar at the top.

By default, each new project starts with the cat sprite already added. To delete the cat click on the x in the blue circle beside the cat in the sprite list.

https://scratch.mit.edu

3 - Set the Scene

Choose a fairy tale background from the backdrop library. It could be a castle, a magical forest, or a village. This will be the setting for your fairy tale adventure.

Scratch: How to add a backdrop from the library

To add a backdrop from the backdrop library follow these steps:

Put your mouse over the Choose a Backdrop button
Click on the magnifying glass
Find the backdrop you want in the library
Click on your chosen backdrop

You can use search box or the filter links (Fantasy, Music, Sports etc) to locate your backdrop.

4 - Add your Characters

Add two or three characters that fit the fairy tale theme, such as a Princess, a Prince, and a Dragon. These will be the main characters in your story.

Remember, you can change the size of sprites by changing the number in the 'Size' box underneath the Stage Area!

5 - Hide the Dragon

We'll need to hide the Dragon before we start the story.

Add the following code to the dragon before we can start coding the other characters.

when green flag clicked
hide
Go to x:[-240] y:[90]
switch costume to [dragon-b]

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Copyright Notice
This lesson is copyright of Coding Ireland 2017 - 2025. Unauthorised use, copying or distribution is not allowed.

Scratch is developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab. It is available for free at https://scratch.mit.edu

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Broadcasting Signals: Triggering Actions Like a Pro