Coding Games in Scratch

Written for children ages 8–12 with little to no coding experience, this straightforward visual guide uses fun graphics and easy-to-follow instructions to show young learners how to build their own computer projects using Scratch, a popular free programming language.

With Coding Games in Scratch, kids can build single and multiplayer platform games, create puzzles and memory games, race through mazes, add animation, and more. All they need is a desktop or laptop with Adobe 10.2 or later, and an internet connection to download Scratch 2.0. Coding can be done without download on https://scratch.mit.edu.

Essential coding concepts are explained using eight build-along game projects that guide young coders step-by-step, using visual samples, easy-to-follow instructions, and fun pixel art. The book teaches important strategies for solving problems, designing projects, and communicating ideas, all while creating games to play with their friends.

Supporting STEM education initiatives and the maker movement, computer coding teaches kids how to think creatively, work collaboratively, and reason systematically, and is quickly becoming a necessary and sought-after skill. DK's computer coding books are full of fun exercises with step-by-step guidance, making them the perfect introductory tools for building vital skills in computer programming.

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Lexile Measure: 0940 (What's this?)

Paperback: 224 pages

Publisher: DK Children (December 1, 2015)

Language: English

Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 0.6 x 9.2 inches

Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds

Review

"An absolutely wonderful introduction to programming games." - Kirkus Reviews

"…clear instructions and plenty of images that make coding just about foolproof." - Booklist

"A great resource that pushes Scratch to the limits of its use and entertainment." - School Library Journal

"This book is AMAZING! I teach an after school programming class for k-6 and use it as the curriculum. The instructions are clear and concise, the learning curve is just right, and the games are actually fun to play."

- Daniel Epstein

"My son LOVES this book. He comes directly home from school and sits down at the computer to work on his projects. It is really easy to follow the instructions. He has learned a lot and is enjoying the book."

- Housewife

"This was an off-the-shelf impulse buy at a book store. My seven year old has had two after school classes in Scratch already. I knew nothing except the little games we see at the end of those classes and honestly I wasn't impressed. Scratch is easy and free and you can play online or download it and play offline. Yes, you can learn just by playing around with the program. That said, this book is GREAT at laying it all out for you in a colorful, easy to understand way. I was able to catch up to my kid with the first two chapters and we made the first project together in under ten minutes. He reluctantly admitted that he learned some tricks from the book on the very first game and was excited to move on to the next. Each chapter from three on teaches you to write a game in recipe form - eight games total. It will tell you EXACTLY what to do to make the game and then tell you how to tweak it to make it your own. You can not mess this up. I LOVE this book and my kid loves this book. I can recommend it for any kid who can read, any parent and kid who want to learn together, or any parent who wants to learn and teach kids. I think I could teach a class now and I'm only on Chapter 4!"

- Eliot

About the Author

Dr. Jon Woodcock has a degree in Physics from the University of Oxford and a PhD in Computational Astrophysics from the University of London. He started coding at the age of eight and has programmed all kinds of computers from single-chip microcontrollers to world-class supercomputers. His many projects include giant space simulations, research in high-tech companies, and intelligent robots made from junk. Jon has a passion for science and technology education, giving talks on space and running computer programming clubs in schools. He has worked on numerous science and technology books as a contributor and consultant, including DK's How Cool Stuff Works and Help Your Kids with Computer Coding.