Scratch programming – balloon pop

Theme

Balloon Pop Game: Balloons appear on the screen in random colors and positions. Players will use their head or finger to pop the balloons and earn points. This game has a time limit, and the goal is to achieve the highest score within that time limit.

Content

• Extension – Video Sensing: Setting up video sensing for head or finger interaction.
• Variables: Creating and updating “score” and “time” variables.
• Loop – Wait: Using the “wait” block for controlled timing.
• Motion: Using “go to random position” for balloon placement.
• Looks: Hiding and showing sprites for game dynamics.
• Sound: Playing a sound when a balloon is popped.

Module 4: Characters and Sprites Lesson 17: Balloon Pop Game

Objective: Teach students how to create a Balloon Pop game using the video sensing extension, variables, loops, motion, looks, and sound blocks in Scratch.

Introduction:

• Introduce the “Balloon Pop” game concept: Players pop balloons that appear on the screen to earn points within a time limit.

Content:

1. Extension – Video Sensing:

• Explain video sensing: detecting user actions through camera input.
• Introduce using head or finger movement to interact with the game.

2. Variables:

• Introduce the “score” variable to track the player’s points.
• Discuss the “time” variable for the game’s time limit.

3. Loop – Wait:

• Explain the “wait” block for controlling time intervals.
• Use it to control the appearance of balloons.

4. Motion:

• Discuss motion blocks for controlling sprite movement.
• Use the “go to random position” block for balloon placement.

5. Looks:

• Introduce the “hide” and “show” blocks for sprite visibility.
• Demonstrate how to hide popped balloons.

6. Sound:

• Introduce sound blocks for adding audio effects to the game.
• Explain how to play a sound when a balloon pops.

Scratch Commands Covered:

• Extension – Video Sensing: Setting up video sensing for head or finger interaction.
• Variables: Creating and updating “score” and “time” variables.
• Loop – Wait: Using the “wait” block for controlled timing.
• Motion: Using “go to random position” for balloon placement.
• Looks: Hiding and showing sprites for game dynamics.
• Sound: Playing a sound when a balloon is popped.

Activities:

1. Video Sensing Setup:

• Explain how video sensing works and its relevance to the game.
• Guide students in setting up video sensing for head or finger interaction.

2. Variables Setup:

• Create and initialize “score” and “time” variables.

3. Balloon Placement and Appearance:

• Use the “go to random position” block to position balloons.
• Introduce the “hide” and “show” blocks to control balloon visibility.

4. Wait Loop for Gameplay:

• Introduce the “wait” block to control balloon appearance intervals.
• Use it within a loop to keep the game running.

5. Interactivity and Scoring:

• Teach how to detect head or finger interactions using video sensing.
• Program the game to update the score when balloons are popped.

6. Sound Effects:

• Integrate sound blocks to play a sound when a balloon is popped.

7. Time Limit and Ending the Game:

• Use the “time” variable to set a time limit for the game.
• End the game when the time limit is reached and show the final score.

Conclusion:

• Recap the concepts learned: video sensing, variables, loops, motion, looks, and sound blocks.
• Encourage students to fine-tune gameplay dynamics and sound effects.
• Discuss the importance of playtesting and user experience.

Assessment:

• Assess understanding through questions and discussions during the lesson.
• Evaluate student projects based on the functioning Balloon Pop game.
• Have students demonstrate their games and explain how they applied the concepts covered.

Remember to provide ample time for hands-on practice, experimentation, and troubleshooting. The video sensing aspect adds a unique interactive element to the game, which can engage students and enhance their learning experience.