Exploring Scratch and Micro:bit

What is Scratch primarily used for?

• Graphic design.

• Creating 3D models.

• Video editing.

• Teaching programming concepts and creating interactive projects.

Answer explanation

Scratch is primarily designed to teach programming concepts through interactive projects, making it ideal for Oliver to create his own stories and games.

Maya is learning to code using MakeCode. What basic function can she use?

• on timer

• on button press

• on load

• on start

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'on start' because it is a basic function in MakeCode that runs once when the program begins. This allows Maya to set up her project and initialize variables or settings right at the start.

Mason wants to measure the temperature in his classroom using a temperature sensor with Micro:bit. How can he do this?

• Use a temperature sensor without connecting it to Micro:bit.

• Connect the temperature sensor to Micro:bit and use code to read the temperature.

• Read the temperature using a smartphone app instead of Micro:bit.

• Display the temperature on a different device, not Micro:bit.

Answer explanation

Mason should connect the temperature sensor to Micro:bit and use code to read and display the temperature. This allows him to directly measure and visualize the temperature in his classroom effectively.

What is a common method for debugging Scratch projects?

• Using 'if' blocks for random outcomes.

• Using 'wait' blocks to pause execution.

• Running the project without checking for errors.

• Using 'say' blocks to show variable values or messages.

Answer explanation

Using 'say' blocks is an effective debugging method in Scratch, as they allow Abigail to display variable values or messages on the screen, helping her identify issues in her project more easily.

What does a flowchart represent in programming?

• A flowchart represents the flow of control and data in a programming process.

• A flowchart is a type of programming language.

• A flowchart represents only the user interface design.

• A flowchart shows the final output of a program.

Answer explanation

A flowchart visually represents the flow of control and data in a programming process, helping to outline the steps and decisions involved. This makes the first choice the correct answer.

Avery is learning to code in Scratch. What is the purpose of loops?

• To change the background.

• To store data temporarily.

• To create variables.

• The purpose of loops is to repeat instructions multiple times.

Answer explanation

Loops in Scratch are used to repeat a set of instructions multiple times, allowing for efficient coding and automation of tasks. This is essential for creating animations and interactive projects.

Lily is learning how conditional statements work in Scratch. How do these statements function?

• Conditional statements in Scratch cannot be nested.

• Conditional statements in Scratch require a 'switch' block.

• Conditional statements in Scratch execute code based on true or false conditions using 'if' and 'else' blocks.

• Conditional statements in Scratch only work with numbers.

Answer explanation

Conditional statements in Scratch use 'if' and 'else' blocks to execute code based on whether a condition is true or false. This allows for dynamic decision-making in games, making the correct choice the one that accurately describes their function.

What is the function of the 'sensing' block in Scratch?

• It detects inputs and conditions for interactive programming.

• It controls the movement of sprites.

• It is used for sound manipulation.

• It creates visual effects in Scratch.

Answer explanation

The 'sensing' block in Scratch is essential for interactive programming as it detects inputs like mouse position, keyboard presses, and conditions, allowing sprites to respond to user interactions.

Aiden wants to create a variable in Scratch. How does he do it?

• Click on 'Variables', then 'Make a Variable', enter a name, and click 'OK'.

• Click on 'Events', then 'Create a New Event', enter a name, and click 'Save'.

• Select 'Control', then 'Add a Control Block', enter a name, and click 'Apply'.

• Go to 'Looks', then 'Change Appearance', enter a name, and click 'Confirm'.

Answer explanation

To create a variable in Scratch, Aiden should click on 'Variables', then select 'Make a Variable', enter a name for the variable, and click 'OK'. This is the correct method for creating a variable.

What is an operator in programming?

• A function that defines a class in programming.

• A data structure that stores multiple values.

• A type of variable used in programming.

• A symbol or keyword that performs operations on variables and values.

Answer explanation

An operator is a symbol or keyword that performs operations on variables and values, such as addition or comparison. This definition distinguishes it from functions, data structures, and variables, making it the correct choice.