Scratch-Code the Fish-Eater Game
Code a Fish-Eater game in Scratch where you design sprites, program controls, and make a fish eat smaller fish while tracking score.
Step-by-step guide to Scratch-Code the Fish-Eater Game
Make a Fish Game with Scratch Coding | Scratch Coding for Kids
Step 1
Open Scratch and start a new project.
Step 2
Delete the default cat sprite from the stage.
Step 3
Create or paint a bright fish sprite and name it "Player".
Step 4
Create or paint a smaller fish sprite and name it "Prey".
Step 5
Create a variable named "Score" for all sprites.
Step 6
Click the green flag and set "Score" to 0.
Step 7
Create a variable named "PlayerSize" for all sprites and set "PlayerSize" to 120 then set the Player sprite's size to PlayerSize.
Step 8
Add scripts to the Player so the arrow keys move it around the stage smoothly.
Step 9
Add scripts to the Prey so it repeatedly makes clones that start at a random edge set a random size between 30 and 80 and glide across the screen then delete themselves.
Step 10
In the Prey clone script add code so when a clone touches the Player it checks if its own size is less than PlayerSize and if so then change "Score" by 1 change "PlayerSize" by 5 play a sound and delete this clone.
Step 11
Add a script to the Player that forever sets the Player sprite's size to the value of PlayerSize so the Player visibly grows when PlayerSize changes.
Step 12
Click the green flag to playtest the game and watch for any prey that get stuck or move too fast.
Step 13
Tweak speeds sizes or clone rates in your scripts until the game feels fun and fair then share your finished creation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I can't open the online Scratch editor or don't have the paint or Sounds tools?
Use Scratch Desktop to follow the exact steps (delete the cat, paint or import a bright Player sprite and smaller Prey sprite, create the 'Score' and 'PlayerSize' variables) and upload or record a simple pop sound in the Sounds tab.
If prey clones get stuck or move too fast, what should I check in the scripts?
In the Prey clone script check that clones start at proper random-edge x/y positions, increase the glide time in the 'glide across the screen' block, add a short 'wait' between creating clones, and make sure each clone runs 'delete this clone' after touching the Player or reaching the other side.
How can I adapt the activity for younger children or make it harder for older kids?
For younger kids set PlayerSize higher (e.g., 160), limit prey sizes to 40–100 and slow glide speeds, while for older kids lower initial PlayerSize, reduce the 5-point growth to 2, add faster smaller prey, or create levels that increase clone rate.
What are some ways to extend or personalize the game before sharing on DIY.org?
Add extra prey costumes and unique sounds, create power-up clones that change PlayerSize or speed, track a 'HighScore' variable, and customize the stage and Player costumes for a personal look.
Watch videos on how to Scratch-Code the Fish-Eater Game
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Facts about Scratch game development for kids
🐠 Scratch was launched by the MIT Media Lab in 2007 and is used by millions of young creators worldwide.
🧩 Scratch programs are built with snap-together blocks so coding feels like solving a colorful jigsaw puzzle.
🔁 On Scratch you can 'remix' other projects — that means you can copy a game and add your own creative twist!
🎮 Collision detection (checking when two sprites overlap) is how your fish knows it ate another fish in the game.
🏆 Adding a score counter (like +1 per fish) makes games super replayable as players try to beat their high score.
