Scratch 3 Programming Playground

Scratch, the colourful drag-and-drop programming language, is used by millions of first-time learners worldwide. Scratch 3 features an updated interface, new programming blocks, and the ability to run on tablets and smartphones, so you can learn to code on the go.

In Scratch 3 Programming Playground, you’ll learn to code by making cool games. Get ready to destroy asteroids, shoot hoops, and run mazes! Each game includes easy-to-follow instructions with full-colour images, review questions, and creative coding challenges. Want to add more levels or a cheat code? No problem, just write some code.

You’ll learn to make games like:

• Maze Runner, a maze navigation challenge
• Rainbow Lines, a dazzling animation program
• Asteroid Breaker, a space adventure game
• Basketball, a gravity-based game of hoops
• Brick Breaker, a remake of Breakout, the brick-breaking classic
• Platformer, a game inspired by Super Mario Bros.

Learning how to program shouldn’t be dry and dreary. With Scratch 3 Programming Playground, you’ll make a game of it!

Note: Uses Scratch 3

Author Bio

Al Sweigart is a celebrated software developer, programming teacher, and creator of a wildly popular Udemy Python course. A fellow at the Python Software Foundation, Sweigart is the author of several Python books for beginners, including the worldwide bestseller Automate the Boring Stuff with Python.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: Getting Started with Scratch
Chapter 2: Rainbow Lines…in Space!
Chapter 3: Maze Runner
Chapter 4: Shooting Hoops with Gravity
Chapter 5: A Polished Brick Breaker Game
Chapter 6: Asteroid Breaker…in Space!
Chapter 7: Making an Advanced Platformer

Afterword: Where to Go from Here

Extras

• Download the 1st edition’s resources
• Answers to the 1st edition’s Review Questions

Reviews

“If you are looking for the next thing for your Minecraft-loving kids and haven’t tried Scratch, the Scratch Programming Playground book is a great guide to teach kids how to program by making cool games.”

– Tech Savvy Mama

“My son was able to successfully complete each game he attempted. And along the way, he gained some excellent programming skills. I also really appreciated the character lessons he learned (patience and perseverance, not to mention goal-setting). These were a great by-product of Scratch programming!”

– The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

“An impressive manual for achieving Scratch programming mastery and creating genuinely entertaining games.”

– Kirkus Reviews

“I’m quite impressed with exactly how much of the Scratch programming tool the reader will have used and learned by the end of the book, and I think teachers and parents will find this a 5-star reference.”

– Jim Kelly, GeekDad