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Intermediate Coding
The intermediate level of coding with Scratch follows a similar system to learning any coding language, but with the benefit of the programs controlling characters on a screen rather than alphanumeric text. Events, loops, conditional statements, and variables are all covered as Scratch specific blocks like the detection of collisions, key presses, and colours, or controlling speech bubbles and sound are introduced in a very straightforward manner with lots of example games that the concepts can be utilized to create.
With the basics covered the curriculum shifts to combining concepts into more complicated game behaviour types such as gravity, side scrolling, tracking velocity and acceleration, levels in a game etc. Some new Scratch capabilities that require a firm grasp of simpler functionality (like lists or clones) also get introduced to unlock even more impressive games.
Kids do more complicated concepts such as advanced physics, cloud variables, and drawing engines. In addition to these new skills tested in barebones concept games, they are also encouraged to work on large scale and broader scope projects taking aspects of project management into consideration. At this level there are a lot of different ways to program a desired behaviours and certain approaches to installing a system are more modular and easier to develop and maintain than others (e.g. don’t hardcode exactly what will happen into a sprite but instead have background code tracking changes and a general script in the sprite monitoring for these changes).
Kids learn core skills that get applied in projects to integrate their learning and make it fun. Some of the core skills learned and sample projects made include:
- Backpack: Saving Bits of Code
- Motion Type – Bounce Around the Screen
- Motion Type – Following Something Else
- Motion Type – Chase Something Else
- Project: Conga Line
- IF… THEN… (Sensing Mouse Touches)
- All the types of sensing!
- XY Motion (Standard Game Controls)
- Project: Maze Game
- Project: Maze Game – More Levels!
- Project: Cat Chase
- Animating Your Sprites
- Custom Sprites (Draw your own character)
- Using Existing Sounds
- Recording Sounds
- Variables 1 (store and change values)
- Variables 2 (test your value)
- Variables 3 (built-in variables)
- Cloning Sprites (unlimited copies)
- Project: Fruit Catch
- Project: Fruit Catch – Scoring
- Project: Fruit Catch – Random Fruit
- Project: Fruit Catch – More Fruit Types
Skills Learned
MakerKids Mindset for Coding: Resilience
Coding requires a lot of trial and error. Programmers spend most of their time figuring out why the code they thing should be working, keeps failing. The resilience to dig into error messages, run countless tests, address numerous bugs, and often starting from scratch with a different approach, is what eventually leads to rewarding success. This resilience can be used in many areas of life and is a valued skill worth having.
Basic Requirements:
- A laptop or desktop
- Internet connection
- Headset with microphone and headphones (or computer with microphone and speakers)
- Keyboard and a mouse
- Chrome browser
- Webcam (optional)
For more information, visit our FAQ page.
Class Details
1 hour or 2 hours
Choose between a 1 hour or 2 hour weekly timeslot
1:5 instructor:child ratio
1:5 instructor:child ratio or better
Project-based learning
A new project each week, allowing kids to join anytime. Projects combine foundational building blocks with new material, which teaches and reinforces concepts in new ways to learn by doing through project-based learning.
6 months – 1 year
Takes 6 months to 1 year to complete this level and advance to the next one based on instructor recommendation
Find Your Program and Start Date and Sign Up Now!
Pick your weekly time and start date to begin learning.
Don’t see a time that works for you? Request a time.
Why Parents and Children Love MakerKids
Expert Facilitators
With a passion for youth and technology, our Maker Mentors recognize the uniqueness of your child and fosters their creative side and joy for STEM. Maker Mentors are trained to have students focus on the why and discover the logic behind the code instead of following a prescriptive set of instructions.
Engaging Curriculum
Weekly programs are built for all interests and experience levels. See the excitement in your child as they watch their work come to life. All classes include mini-lessons on internet safety and computer literacy so your child is better prepared to navigate the digital world.
Social Connections
With a 5 to 1 child to staff ratio and a focus on collaborative problem solving our classes are designed for your child to actively participate. Parents are amazed at how fast their child opens up socially, as they connect and build friendships with like-minded children.
Testimonial
“Our kids also enjoy learning a new coding language and I’ve watched my younger one who started off being a bit shy and unwilling to share online to make new friends and became one of the most talkative ones in class.”
– Debbie Fung
Success Story
Max, age 11
- After starting our program, Max taught a coding class at his school. Over a 10 week period, Max taught 60 different students after school, starting from grade 2.
- Max was a top four finalist for Best Game at his school’s street fair. He was even visited by the school district Vice President!
Meet An Instructor
Meet Ariel, One of Our Maker-Mentors
Certified Teacher with a Background in Early Childhood Education
Hello, my name is Ariel! I have worked for the YMCA, volunteered for day camps and had a number of placements in other learning spaces such as TDSB classrooms and the Boys and Girls Club. I completed my undergrad at Ryerson University where I studied Early Childhood Education. I most recently earned my Bachelors of Education at University of Ontario Institute of Technology where I graduated with the highest distinction. More simply put, I love learning.
Specialties: Teaching children with unique skills and abilities, meeting diverse learning needs and optimism!
