Digital Media Design with Scratch
Scratch is a media-rich programming environment that can be used to create computer games, animations, music videos, interactive fiction, and more. Developed by the MIT Media Lab, Scratch has become one of the most widely used development applications among computer science students and young people with an interest in digital design.
Scratch at the Library
At Scratch programs, we introduce students to the Scratch programming environment and to Scratch's built-in graphics and sound editing tools. Students have the chance to work on a hands-on design project while learning foundational computer programming concepts. Participants have the opportunity to make projects as a group, but they also have time to experiment with Scratch and make discoveries on their own. New or experienced Scratchers can learn new skills, exchange ideas, and share ongoing projects.
Scratch designers are encouraged to create a personal account on the Scratch web site (scratch.mit.edu) where they can post their projects for others to view and download projects that have been posted by others. Check out some projects done by WPL Scratchers on our Scratch page: scratch.mit.edu/users/wilmettelibrary.
Scratch workshops are offered free of charge to youth in grades 5–9. All students receive a free CD containing the Scratch application, Audacity (sound editing program), Anvil Studio (midi composing software), and GIMP (graphics editing program). Graduates of the Scratch program have gone on to build projects using other game-design software such as Game Maker, Greenfoot, and Alice.
Upcoming Scratch Events
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Scratch Junior
When: Thursday, June 13, 2013 - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Small Meeting Room
Young Scratchers, unite! This is an opportunity for kids who are too young for our usual Scratch programs to learn this digital media design program by making an easy game or animation. Grades 2-4; participants must be able to read. Please bring a flash drive. Registration starts May 30 for Wilmette and Kenilworth residents and June 6 for nonresidents. -
Scratch 2.0
When: Wednesday, August 14, 2013 - 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Where: Small Meeting Room
Experiment with the brand-new version of Scratch! We'll learn this digital media design program by making a game or animation. Kids will take the first steps toward learning the basics of computer programming and creating their own games, animations and digital stories. Please bring a flash drive. Grades 5-9. Registration starts July 31 for Wilmette & Kenilworth residents and August 7 for nonresidents.
