Instructional Design for Kids’ Scratch Games

Tags: Curriculum | Data Visualization | Multimodal Learning Theory | Participatory Design | Plain Language Theory | Scratch
Summary: Leveraging Participatory Design principles, I created and refined the Tunnel of Doom Scratch Camp by gathering real-time feedback from young participants. This approach ensured the curriculum was engaging, accessible, and tailored to meet the kids’ learning needs.

Deliverables

Play the Game - Tunnel of Doom

  1. Click on the Green Flag (turn your speaker volume on)
  2. Touch. your cursor (mouse) to the Cat and see how the Cat connects (like a magnet) to your cursor
  3. Now with a steady hand and nerves of steal try to lead the Cat through the Tunnel of Doom to reach the Taco. Careful not to touch the tunnel walls or you’ll have to try again.
  4. On level two you’ll need to get home without being hit by the Flying Taco. YIKES! Try to go as fast as you can!
See the Curriculum
Teacher's Deck
Scratch Code

Play Level 3 - Dodge Flying Tacos

  1. Click on the Green Flag (turn your speaker volume on)
  2. Touch. your cursor (mouse) to the Cat and see how the Cat connects (like a magnet) to your cursor
  3. Now with a steady hand and nerves of steal try to lead the Cat through the Tunnel of Doom to reach the Taco. Careful not to touch the tunnel walls or you’ll have to try again.
  4. On level two you’ll need to get home without being hit by the Flying Taco. YIKES! Try to go as fast as you can!
  5. On level three there’s tacos everywhere!!! Run Home!
Level 3 Scratch Code
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The Challenge

I was tasked with teaching a group of children how to use Scratch to build multilevel games, with no pre-existing curriculum or support. As their lead instructor, I had to develop the entire learning plan from scratch (pun intended), while managing the challenge of addressing different learning styles. Some kids needed to read instructions, others preferred to watch demonstrations, and some learned best by listening. Balancing these diverse needs required me to design adaptable lessons that kept the kids engaged and ensured everyone could build their games, no matter their learning style.
Scratch Camp Girls Who Code

Girls Who Code Workshop @ Local Elementary School

The Process

I designed and led a Kids’ Scratch Camp where participants built their own multilevel game called “Tunnel of Doom,” featuring Scratch Cat navigating through tunnels while dodging flying tacos. I developed the full course curriculum, incorporating plain language instruction and creative challenges to keep the kids engaged while teaching essential coding concepts. To cater to different learning styles, I created instructional screenshots for visual aids, and printed out hands-on activities, ensuring all students could follow along. Using participatory design principles, I gathered real-time feedback from the kids during the camp, allowing me to refine the lessons and improve engagement. The camp was a fun and interactive way to introduce coding while reinforcing problem-solving skills.

The Surveyed Feedback

data survey

I surveyed both facilitators from the school and library to gain insightful feedback.

See all feedback

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