4.4 | Scratch!

In this lesson, you will join the Scratch community, explore how to build on the ideas of others through “Remixing,” and learn how to publish your work for the world to see.

1. Create Your Scratch Account

To save your work and share it with others, you need an account.

Go to Scratch: Visit scratch.mit.edu.
Join Scratch: Click Join Scratch in the top right corner.
Choose a Username: Do not use your real name. Pick a creative nickname!
Set a Password: Choose something secure that you will remember.
Confirm Your Email: (Important!) Ask your teacher or check your school email for a confirmation message. You cannot share projects until your email is confirmed.

2. Start Your Project: Two Ways to Begin

You can start from scratch (pun intended) or build on someone else’s idea.

Option A: Create from Scratch

Click Create in the top navigation bar.
Use the Code, Costumes, and Sounds tabs to build your program.
Tip: Check out the Tutorials button at the top for quick coding recipes.

Option B: The “Remix” (Recommended for Beginners)

Find a project you like by using the Search bar (e.g., “Platformer” or “Animated Name”).
Click on the project to open it.
Click the green See Inside button to look at the code.
Click the Remix button at the top. You now have your own copy of the project to change and improve!

3. Name and Save Your Work

Title Your Project: Replace “Untitled” in the top text box with a descriptive name (e.g., “Space Explorer - [Your Initials]”).
Save Now: Scratch usually autosaves, but it’s a good habit to click File > Save now before closing your browser.

4. Prepare for the Public

Before you hit “Share,” make sure your project is professional.

Instructions: On the project page, write clear steps on how to play or use your project (e.g., “Press the Spacebar to jump”).
Notes and Credits: If you remixed the project, thank the original creator here. List any music or art you borrowed from others.

The Orange Button: Click the large Share button at the top of the screen.
- Note: If you don’t see this button, go back to Step 1 and make sure you confirmed your email.
Copy Link: Once shared, click the Copy Link button at the bottom right.
Turn It In: Paste this link into your [Schoology/LMS] or portfolio page so your teacher and classmates can see it!

🚀 Take It to the Next Level

If you enjoyed coding in Scratch and want to see how professional games and interactive content programmers get started, check out:

CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science from Harvard University

This is a world-famous course that actually starts with Scratch before moving into professional languages like C, Python, and SQL. It is a fantastic way to continue your coding journey!