Mathematics Scratch Arts

Intermediate

60 mins

Teacher/Student led

+160 XP

What you need:
Chromebook/Laptop/PC or iPad/Tablet

Pattern Creator

This lesson guides students through the exciting process of creating unique patterns using Scratch. They will learn how to code the pen tool, use variables, and manipulate pen colour and size to create vibrant, complex patterns. The lesson encourages creativity and experimentation, fostering a deep understanding of coding principles.

Learning Goals Learning Outcomes Teacher Notes Lesson Files

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1 Introduction to Pattern Creation
2 Create a new Scratch project
3 Add the Ball sprite
4 Add the Pen Extension
5 Draw a circle
6 Create some variables
7 Use the steps and degrees
8 Change the degrees
9 Add some colour
10 Change the pen size
11 Play around
12 Wrap up
Challenge
Quiz

1 - Introduction to Pattern Creation

Welcome to our exciting lesson on Pattern Creation! In this lesson, you will learn how to create cool patterns using Scratch. You will learn how to code the pen tool and use variables to make your patterns more interesting. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to create your own unique patterns. So, let's get started!

2 - Create a new Scratch project

Go to the Scratch website, create a new project and delete the cat sprite.

scratch.mit.edu/projects/editor

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

👇 Mark your steps as done as you complete them.

+5 XP

3 - Add the Ball sprite

We are going to use the Pen blocks to create patterns but first we'll need to add a sprite that will do the drawing. It doesn't really matter which sprite we use as we are going to hide it.

Add the Ball sprite from the sprite library and then give it the following code.

Scratch: How to add a sprite from the library

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

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

You can use search box or the filter links (Animals, People, Fantasy etc) to locate your sprite.

+15 XP

4 - Add the Pen Extension

To draw the patterns we will be using the Pen blocks so add the Pen Extension to your project.

Once you've added the Pen Extension add the following new code blocks to the Ball sprite underneath the hide block.

Scratch: How to add extension blocks

Understanding and Adding Extensions in Scratch

What are Scratch Extensions?

Scratch Extensions are additional sets of blocks that expand the capabilities of your Scratch projects. They allow you to:

Mention extensions like Pen here
Connect with external hardware (e.g., microbits)
Access web-based services (e.g., Google Translate, Amazon Text to Speech)
Use more advanced programming features

How Extensions Work

When you add an extension to your project:

New blocks appear in the blocks palette
These blocks are grouped under a category named after the extension
You can use these blocks just like any other Scratch blocks

Adding an Extension to Your Project

Look for the "Add Extension" button in the bottom-left corner of the Scratch editor
Click the "Add Extension" button
A window will open showing all available extensions
Browse through the options or use the search bar to find a specific extension
Click on the extension you want to add
The extension is now added to your project, and its blocks appear in the blocks palette

+20 XP

5 - Draw a circle

Now let's add some code to move the sprite. As the we set the pen to be down, moving the sprite will make the the pen draw.

We will make the sprite move and turn and by putting these instructions inside a loop block it will make the sprite go in a circle.

Add the following code to the Ball sprite underneath the pen down block to draw a circle.

Click on the green flag and your code should draw a circle.