Foundations of Block-Based Coding

This unit introduces students to block-based programming environments (Scratch and MakeCode), basic program design using flowcharts, and the development workflow including dashboards, toolboxes, and debugging strategies. Learners will plan and build a simple interactive project that uses events, user input, text-to-speech, sprites, backdrops, and sounds to prepare for more advanced coding concepts in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate how to set up accounts and navigate dashboards/IDEs (Scratch and MakeCode), including use of the code toolbox and project management features.
• Analyze problem scenarios and create flowcharts and project plans that map program flow and user interactions for a simple interactive application.
• Apply block-based programming constructs—events, user input, text-to-speech, sprites, backdrops, and sounds—to build a functional interactive project that asks for a name and generates a greeting.
• Evaluate and correct common syntax and logic errors using debugging strategies and help resources to iteratively test and refine programs.