Hey there! Welcome to the Scratch Video Update! My name is Eric, but you might know me as SpeakVisually on Scratch. And I’m Tina, also known as Quacht on Scratch. We’re excited to share some amazing projects from the Scratch community with you today!
First up, we have a super fun project called “Steppin’ On The Beach.” It’s a creative project where people can add themselves dancing on the beach. Since it was created in 2011, it’s been remixed hundreds of times! Why not join in and add your own dance moves?
Another project I really enjoy is a forest generator. By changing costumes and adjusting sizes, you can create a new and unique forest every time you run it. It’s like having your own magical forest creator!
Now, let’s talk about some cool things you can try with Scratch. Have you ever thought about bringing Scratch outside? I’ve been using video sensing to create live backdrops. For example, I set up a webcam outside the MIT Media Lab and added fun elements like a rocket ship and new buildings. You should give it a try!
Another fun idea is to explore the photography studio on Scratch. People are sharing amazing pictures of landscapes, animals, and their daily surroundings. It’s a great way to see the world through someone else’s eyes!
Don’t miss out on the Scratch Design Studio called “Growing.” It focuses on things that grow, like plants, trees, and even homework! With thousands of projects already, it’s a popular spot to explore and get inspired.
We’re lucky to have Tina here with us, and she’s passionate about making Scratch accessible to everyone. Have you ever thought about how your projects could be more inclusive for people with different abilities?
Tina shared some great ideas, like using text-to-speech blocks to help those who can’t see, adding keyboard controls for those who may not have fine motor skills, and using visual cues alongside sound effects for those who are deaf. These are fantastic ways to make sure everyone can enjoy Scratch!
Before we wrap up, a big congratulations to Tina, who just graduated from MIT! Thanks for joining us today, and we’ll see you in about a month for another exciting video update. Keep scratching and having fun!
Join the fun by remixing the “Steppin’ On The Beach” project. Add your own dance moves and music to the project. Share your remix with your classmates and see who can come up with the most creative dance routine!
Use the forest generator project to create your own unique forest. Experiment with different costumes and sizes to see how your forest changes. Share your magical forest with the class and explain the choices you made in your design.
Take Scratch outside and use video sensing to create a live backdrop. Set up a scene in your backyard or local park and add fun elements like animals or vehicles. Present your project to the class and describe how you used video sensing to enhance your scene.
Explore the photography studio on Scratch and find a picture that inspires you. Use it as a backdrop for a new Scratch project. Add animations or characters to interact with the scene. Share your project and discuss what inspired you about the original photograph.
Think about how you can make your Scratch projects more inclusive. Try adding text-to-speech blocks, keyboard controls, or visual cues. Create a project that incorporates these elements and present it to the class, explaining how it can be accessed by everyone.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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Hey, everyone! My name is Eric, also known as SpeakVisually on Scratch. Hi, everyone! I’m Tina, also known as Quacht on Scratch. Welcome to the Scratch Video Update!
In this episode, we’re excited to share some projects we love from the community. I’ll start with a really cute project called “Steppin’ On The Beach.” The author invited people to add themselves dancing on the beach, and it’s been remixed hundreds of times since it was created in 2011. I encourage everyone to add yourself stepping on the beach!
One project I’m really loving is a forest generator. By switching costumes and adjusting sizes, you can create a unique forest every time you run the project. It’s really cool, and you should definitely check it out!
Now, let’s move on to our “Things to Try” section! I want to share an idea about bringing Scratch outside. I’ve been using video sensing to create live backdrops. For example, I set up a webcam outside the MIT Media Lab and started adding elements like a rocket ship and new buildings to the environment. I think others should give it a try!
Another suggestion is to check out the photography studio where people are taking pictures of landscapes, animals, and their daily surroundings to share with the community.
I also want to highlight the Scratch Design Studio called “Growing,” which focuses on things that grow, like plants, trees, and even homework. It’s already quite popular with a couple thousand projects, so be sure to check it out!
We’re lucky to have Tina here on the Scratch Video Update, and I wanted to learn more about her contributions to Scratch over the years. One area she’s passionate about is accessibility, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can engage with Scratch.
Tina, have you thought about how your projects could be made accessible to people with different abilities?
I hadn’t considered it until now, so I’m glad you brought it up! There are several ways to make projects more accessible. For instance, adding text-to-speech blocks can help convey information for those who can’t see. Implementing keyboard controls can assist those who may not have fine motor skills. Additionally, using visual cues alongside sound effects can help convey emotions for those who are deaf.
Thank you for sharing those great tips! As we wrap up this episode, I want to congratulate Tina, who just graduated from MIT!
Thanks for joining us, and we’ll see everyone in about a month for another video update. Scratch on!
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This version removes any informal language, personal identifiers, and maintains a professional tone.
Scratch – A simple programming language that lets you create your own stories, games, and animations. – Example sentence: In computer class, we used Scratch to make a fun game about a cat chasing a mouse.
Project – A task or activity that involves creating something, often using a computer or other tools. – Example sentence: Our science project involved building a model of the solar system using a computer program.
Dance – A sequence of movements that can be programmed into a computer to make characters move in a fun way. – Example sentence: We programmed the robot to dance to our favorite song during the school assembly.
Forest – A themed background or setting in a computer program or game that looks like a wooded area. – Example sentence: In the video game, we explored a magical forest filled with hidden treasures and friendly animals.
Webcam – A camera that connects to a computer and allows you to take pictures or videos. – Example sentence: We used the webcam to record our science experiment and share it with the class.
Photography – The art or practice of taking and processing pictures using a camera or computer. – Example sentence: For our art project, we learned about photography and took pictures of nature around our school.
Design – The process of planning and creating something, like a website or a game, using a computer. – Example sentence: We used a computer program to design our own digital posters for the school play.
Accessible – Easy to use or reach, especially for people with different abilities. – Example sentence: Our teacher showed us how to make our website accessible so everyone can use it easily.
Ideas – Thoughts or plans about how to do something, often used in creating projects or solving problems. – Example sentence: We shared our ideas for the class project and decided to make a video about recycling.
Inclusive – Including everyone, making sure that all people can participate and enjoy. – Example sentence: Our computer club is inclusive, welcoming anyone who wants to learn about coding and technology.
