Author: Amanda McGarrigle

Computing
We are programmers

Background Information
This unit will enable the class to create an animated cartoon character which they have designed. They will use different tools within scratch and their artistic flair to create characters and backgrounds. The children will be able to create an animation by translating a storyboard into a series of scripted instructions (program) for graphic objects.

In this unit the children will…
Find out about animations.
Create a storyboard.
Create characters and a background.
Animate the characters.
Add sounds to their animation.
Discuss positives elements of their animation.
Discuss areas to improve in their animation.

By the end of this unit….
All children can:
Create an algorithm for an animated scene in the form of a storyboard.
Break the scene down into small sections of action and dialogue.
Write a program in Scratch to create the animation.
Put the blocks of their Scratch script into order.
Most children will:
Correct mistakes in their animation programs.
Create their own sound and graphics for the sprites and the backdrop.
Explain the connection between their storyboard and the scene they’re ani- mating.
Some children will:
Use a repeat block to switch between costumes to create the illusion of movement.
Think logically to detect and correct errors in their animation program.
Publish their animations on the Scratch community website.
Glean ideas from others’ work on the Scratch website.

Key Vocabulary
Algorithm
Animation
Input
Output
Program
Script
Storyboard
Scratch