Coding with Scratch and VEX Virtual Robotics

Details

Grades: 3rd thru 5th

Skill Level: Beginner-Intermediate

Format: Virtual / Online / Live Instructor

Duration: 10 hours

The Sample Schedule below is an example of an after-school program with five 2-hour sessions. Schools sessions typically run 1 hour for 10-weeks, but the scheduling is flexible.

Course Details

About This Course

Scratch, developed by MIT, is the gold standard for learning to code creatively. This software helps develop computational thinking skills while removing barriers to self-expression through program design. Without intimidating grammar or syntax, students can focus on solving problems and building projects that are more fun than work. These skills transfer to exploring VEX Virtual Robotics where they’ll dive into navigation, more advanced AI, and solve real-world-inspired problems with sensor data. Start your students on a pathway to a lifelong journey of creative coding and design!

Tools: Scratch by MIT Media Lab

Topics Covered

Coding with SCRATCH

Building VEX Virtual Robots

Computational Thinking

Artificial Intelligence

Problem-Solving

Creating and designing animated characters

Drawing custom backgrounds

Designing and animating sprites

Experimenting and exploring to build creativity and confidence

Book Now

Sample Schedule

What To Expect

In this course, students will begin their journey into computer programming with the interactive drag-and-drop coding blocks of Scratch and VEXcode VR. Throughout the week, students will engage in instructor-led lessons, collaborative discussions, and independent project work.

Here’s a sample of what a week in the course could look like! Please keep in mind that students will progress at varying paces; this is a general outline of key material and the overall student experience.

Monday

Students will dive into the fundamentals of coding with Scratch’s visual code blocks. Using drag-and-drop coding, they’ll create and animate sprites with motion and visual effects.

Tuesday

Building on their new Scratch skills, students will develop a game featuring custom variables that keep track of the player’s score and imaginative sprites they’ll draw on a digital canvas.

Wednesday

Turn up the volume! About halfway through the week, students will record custom audio for in-game sound effects and use code-driven sensors to turn games into interactive, dynamic experiences

Thursday

Incorporating the robotics component of the course, students will calculate distances and trajectories with the VEXcode VR virtual robot.

Friday

Students will train the virtual robot to navigate obstacles and mazes using sensors and dynamic equations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the online class experience like?

Virtual online classes feature structured small-group sessions led by expert instructors. Each class includes live teaching of our personalized, world-class curriculum, plus peer collaboration, social time, and independent project work. Sprinkled with games, challenges, and entertainment, there is always something to keep the group actively engaged.

What are the Technical Requirements?

To run this online course with The Learnatory, students will need a Mac, Windows, or Chromebook computer, a webcam, and a stable internet connection with access to Zoom video conferencing.

What are the Software Requirements?

Any course-specific installation requirements will be communicated after registration.

How many students are in each class?

Our classes maintain an 8:1 student to teacher ratio ensuring every student receives individualized attention. In most classes, there is also an assistant teacher or intern to assist.

Why should my students learn Scratch?

Learning to code can seem intimidating at first, but Scratch removes that barrier for kids. With adorable characters and straightforward block-based coding, Scratch is the ultimate introduction to the wide world of programming!

What college and career opportunities can this lead to for my child?

Once kids learn to love to code, the possibilities are endless! Not only does the 21st-century workplace demand digital literacy, but 3.5 million STEAM jobs will also go unfilled by 2025. Early positive experiences with tech will give kids a competitive edge.