SAGARMATHA S. B.

SCHOOL
CLASS 9 – COMPUTER SCIENCE (Optional)
CHAPTER: SCRATCH PROGRAMMING (Nepal CDC Curriculum)

1. Introduction to Scratch

Scratch is a block-based visual programming language developed by MIT (Massachusetts

Institute of Technology).
It helps students learn programming through colorful blocks that fit together like puzzle pieces.

Instead of typing code, users drag and connect blocks to make programs — this helps to create
animations, stories, games, and projects easily.

Main Features of Scratch

• It is free, easy, and visual.
• Drag-and-drop interface (no syntax errors).
• Helps beginners learn coding logic.
• Works online or offline (using Scratch Desktop).
• Allows animation, sound, interaction, and creativity.
• Uses sprites and backdrops instead of text commands.

2. Scratch Interface

The main parts of the Scratch interface are:

Component Description

Stage The main area where sprites perform.

Sprite The objects or characters that
perform actions.
Blocks Palette Contains all code blocks grouped by
 category.
Script Area Workspace where you drag and
connect blocks to form a program.
Backdrop The background design of the stage.
Sprite List Shows all sprites in your project.
Green Flag Starts the script.
Stop Button Stops the script.

3. Coordinate System in Scratch

The stage uses x (horizontal) and y (vertical) coordinates.

• The center of the stage is (0, 0)
• Right side is positive X, left side is negative X
• Top is positive Y, bottom is negative Y

4. Categories of Blocks in Scratch

Scratch has 9 main block categories, each with a different color.

1. Motion Blocks

Used to move the sprite.

Example Description
move 10 steps Moves the sprite 10 steps forward
turn 15 degrees Turns the sprite clockwise
go to x:0 y:0 Moves to specific position
glide 1 sec to x:50 y:50 Moves smoothly
if on edge, bounce Bounces back when hitting edge
⸻

2. Looks Blocks

Used to change sprite’s appearance.

Example Description
say “Hello” for 2 seconds Displays a message
think “Hmm…” Displays thought bubble
switch costume to next costume Changes sprite’s costume
change color effect by 25 Changes sprite’s color
show / hide Makes sprite visible or invisible

3. Sound Blocks

Used to play or control sound.

Example Description
play sound meow Plays a sound
stop all sounds Stops playing sounds
change volume by 10 Increases sound
set volume to 100% Sets sound volume

4. Events Blocks

Used to start scripts and handle actions.

 Example Description
when green flag clicked Starts program
when space key pressed Runs when key is pressed
when sprite clicked Runs on sprite click
broadcast message1 Sends a message to other scripts

5. Control Blocks

Used for looping and decision making.

Example Description
wait 1 second Delays for given time
repeat 10 Repeats block 10 times
forever Runs repeatedly
if then Executes when condition is true
if then else Executes one block if true, another if
false
repeat until Repeats until condition becomes true
stop all Stops all running scripts

6. Sensing Blocks

Used to detect conditions and interactions.

 Example Description
touching mouse-pointer? Checks collision
key space pressed? Detects key press
ask “What is your name?” and wait Takes user input
mouse down? Checks mouse click
distance to mouse-pointer Measures distance

7. Operators Blocks

Used for math, logic, and string operations.

Example Description
5+3 Adds values
10 > 5 Comparison
pick random 1 to 10 Random number
join “Hello” “World” Combines text
not Reverses condition

8. Variables Blocks

Used to store and display data.

Example Description
set score to 0 Creates or resets variable
change score by 1 Increases or decreases variable
 show variable score Displays variable
hide variable score Hides variable

9. My Blocks

Used to make custom blocks (user-defined functions).

Example Description
define jump Creates a new block
jump Runs defined custom code

5. Arrange the Blocks (Very Important for Exams)

You must arrange the blocks in correct order to make a working script.

Here are some common examples with correct answers

Example 1 – Moving Sprite Continuously

Arrange these blocks:

move 10 steps
forever
when green flag clicked
if on edge, bounce

Correct Order:

when green flag clicked

forever
move 10 steps
if on edge, bounce
⸻

Example 2 – Making Sprite Say “Hello”

Arrange:

say "Hello!" for 2 seconds

when sprite clicked

Answer:

when sprite clicked

say "Hello!" for 2 seconds

Example 3 – Asking and Answering Question

Arrange:

say (join "Hello " answer)

when green flag clicked
ask "What is your name?" and wait

Answer:

when green flag clicked

ask "What is your name?" and wait
say (join "Hello " answer)

Example 4 – Variable Score Adding

Arrange:

if touching ball then

change score by 1
when green flag clicked
forever

Answer:

when green flag clicked

forever
if touching ball then
change score by 1

Example 5 – Playing Sound with Key

Arrange:

when space key pressed

play sound meow

Answer:

when space key pressed

play sound meow

6. Example Projects

Example 1: Moving Cat

when green flag clicked

forever
 move 10 steps
if on edge, bounce

Example 2: Talking Cat

when sprite clicked

say "Hello Students!" for 2 seconds
play sound meow

Example 3: Counting Score

set score to 0
forever
if touching ball then
change score by 1

7. Important Concepts

Concept Meaning
Loop Repeats actions (repeat, forever)
Condition Checks a situation (if, if-else)
Event Starts actions (green flag, key press)
Variable Stores data (like score, time)
Broadcast Sends message to control multiple
sprites

Summary Table

Topic Key Point

Scratch Visual programming by MIT
Interface Stage, Sprite, Backdrop, Script Area
Total Block Types 9 categories
Variable Used to store values
Forever Repeats endlessly
Repeat Repeats for a fixed number of times
Broadcast Sends message between sprites
Event Starts a script
Arrange the Blocks Tests correct logical sequence
Cloning Creates duplicate of sprite
Extension Adds pen, music, or sensing features
By Hemant Pokhrel