Code a Coin Catcher Game in Scratch. Activities for Kids.

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Code a Coin Catcher Game in Scratch

Create and code a Coin Catcher game in Scratch, programming sprites, scoring, falling coins, and levels while testing gameplay and adding sounds. Download the PDF for complete instructions.

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Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to Code a Coin Catcher Game in Scratch

What you need

Adult helper, computer with internet, headphones or speakers, keyboard, mouse, notebook, pencil, scratch account or scratch app

Step 1

Download the challenge PDF to your computer gather your materials and ask an adult to help if you need it

Step 2

Open the Scratch website or app and sign in or make a free account

Step 3

Start a new project in Scratch

Step 4

Delete the default cat sprite from the stage

Step 5

Add or draw a catcher sprite and place it at the bottom of the screen

Step 6

Add or draw a coin sprite and give it at least one costume to look shiny

Step 7

Create the variables Score Level and Lives

Step 8

Code the catcher to move left and right using the arrow keys or the mouse

Step 9

Code the coin to appear at a random x position at the top and fall down in a loop

Step 10

Make the coin detect when it touches the catcher and broadcast a "caught" message

Step 11

Create a script that runs when "caught" plays a catch sound increases Score and sends the coin back to the top

Step 12

Create a script for when the coin reaches the bottom to play a miss sound reduce Lives and reset the coin

Step 13

Add code to increase Level and speed up falling coins when Score reaches your goal for each level

Step 14

Test your game play it fix bugs add fun sounds and instructions and then save your project

Step 15

Share your finished Coin Catcher game on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share

Help!?

What can we use instead of the Scratch website if we don't have reliable internet or can't sign in?

Use the Scratch Offline Editor (download and install) or the Scratch tablet app, or for very young kids use ScratchJr, to follow the 'Open the Scratch website or app and sign in' step without a constant internet connection.

My coin never registers as caught — what likely went wrong and how do I fix it?

Put an 'if touching [catcher] then broadcast 'caught'' block inside the coin's falling loop and confirm the 'when I receive caught' script that plays the catch sound, increases Score, and sends the coin back to the top is on the correct sprite so the broadcast triggers the reset.

How can I adapt this project for younger or older kids?

For younger kids make the catcher and coin larger, slow the falling speed, use fewer Levels and consider ScratchJr, while older kids can add extra coin types, a 'High Score' variable and more advanced Level logic that speeds up falling coins as Score increases.

How can we enhance or personalize the Coin Catcher game after the basic version works?

Add multiple coin costumes with different point values, change backgrounds per Level, include power-ups (like a magnet or extra life), use custom catch/miss sounds, and implement a High Score variable before sharing the finished project on DIY.org.

Facts about Scratch game development for kids

⚡ You can make new levels more challenging by increasing coin fall speed, spawn rate, or adding obstacles — a simple game-design trick.

🔊 Adding coin-collection sounds and level-up jingles makes gameplay feel more rewarding and gives players instant feedback.

🎮 Coin-catcher style games are a classic arcade mechanic where players grab falling items to earn points and survive longer.

🧩 In Scratch, each sprite can run many scripts at once so you can control falling, collisions, scoring, and animations simultaneously.

🐱 Scratch's orange Cat is the platform mascot and shows up in lots of starter projects to help beginners learn.

How do I create and code a Coin Catcher game in Scratch?

Start a new project in Scratch and add sprites for the catcher and coin. Script the coin to spawn at random x positions and glide or change y to fall; use a loop and wait blocks. Program the catcher to move with arrow keys or mouse. Add score variables that increase when the coin touches the catcher, create level logic by increasing fall speed or spawn rate, test gameplay, and add sound effects. Download the PDF for step-by-step instructions.

What materials and tools do I need to code a Coin Catcher game in Scratch?

You'll need a computer or tablet with internet to use Scratch online or the offline Scratch app, plus a Scratch account (optional). Basic supplies: mouse or trackpad, keyboard, headphones or speakers for sounds, and the downloaded PDF with instructions. Optional: printer for notes, paper and markers for sketching levels, and an adult to help younger kids. No special hardware is required.

What ages is the Scratch Coin Catcher game project suitable for?

This project suits children roughly aged 7 to 14. Kids 8–10 typically manage Scratch blocks and basic logic independently, while 7-year-olds may need adult guidance for variables and cloning. Older children (11–14) can add advanced features like level systems, multiple coins, and saving high scores. Adjust complexity and supervision to the child’s experience and fine motor skills.

What are the benefits and fun variations for the Coin Catcher game?

Building a Coin Catcher teaches sequencing, loops, variables, debugging, and problem-solving skills while boosting creativity. It's great for math timing and reaction practice. For safety, supervise accounts and online sharing, and remind kids not to share personal info. Variations: add power-ups, obstacles, timed rounds, multiple coin types with different points, or retro graphics and new soundtracks. Encourage testing and iterating gameplay to improve difficulty and fun.

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