Use scratch to do the 10 block challenge
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Use Scratch to build a small game or animation using only ten code blocks, experimenting with movement, sounds, and simple interactivity.

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Step-by-step guide to the Scratch 10-block challenge

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Introduction to Coding with Scratch | Beginner's Guide to Scratch Programming

What you need
Scratch account or scratch desktop app

Step 1

Open Scratch and start a new project.

Step 2

Choose a sprite and a backdrop from the Scratch library.

Step 3

Click the chosen sprite and delete any blocks in the Scripts area to start with a blank script.

Step 4

On a piece of paper list the ten blocks you will use and remember: every block you drag into the Scripts area counts as one.

Step 5

Drag the block "when green flag clicked" into the Scripts area.

Step 6

Drag the block "go to x: 0 y: 0" and snap it under the green-flag block.

Step 7

Drag the block "forever" and snap it under the go-to block.

Step 8

Drag the block "move 10 steps" and snap it inside the forever block.

Step 9

Drag the block "if on edge, bounce" and snap it inside the forever block below the move block.

Step 10

Drag the block "wait 0.2 seconds" and snap it inside the forever block after the bounce block.

Step 11

Drag the block "when this sprite clicked" into the Scripts area to make a second script.

Step 12

Drag the block "turn clockwise 90 degrees" and snap it under the sprite-clicked block.

Step 13

Drag the block "play sound pop until done" and snap it under the turn block.

Step 14

Drag the block "change color effect by 25" and snap it under the play sound block.

Step 15

Share your finished project 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
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Help!?

What can we use if we can't access the Scratch website or can't find a sprite or backdrop in the Scratch library?

Use the Scratch Desktop (offline) editor or the Scratch 3.0 app to access the same sprite and backdrop libraries, or import your own image for the backdrop if the library doesn't have the one you want.

My sprite doesn't move or bounce when I click the green flag — what should I check?

Make sure you deleted any default blocks, have when green flag clicked at the top, snapped go to x: 0 y: 0 under it, and placed move 10 steps and if on edge, bounce inside the forever block so the sprite can actually move and hit the edge.

How can I adapt the 10 block challenge for younger or older kids?

For younger children, pre-select the sprite and backdrop, shorten the planned list to fewer than ten blocks and change move 10 steps to move 5 steps with a longer wait, while older kids can add extra blocks like change size by -10, create a variable, or build custom blocks for more complexity.

How can we extend or personalize the finished project before sharing on DIY.org?

Enhance the project by adding a second sprite with its own when green flag clicked script, use broadcast and when I receive to coordinate actions, add a score variable to count clicks, or make multiple costumes and a custom backdrop for personalization.

Watch videos on how to complete the Scratch 10-block challenge

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Making a Scratch Game using HACKED BLOCKS

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Facts about block-based coding with Scratch

🌍 Millions of projects have been shared in the Scratch online community, so there's lots of inspiration to remix.

🔲 Scratch uses snap-together code blocks (like puzzle pieces), which makes a '10 block challenge' perfect for learning.

🏫 Scratch was developed by the MIT Media Lab's Lifelong Kindergarten group and first released in 2007.

🐱 Scratch's default sprite is the Scratch Cat — it's the friendly face kids often start with.

🎮 You can build simple interactive games with movement, sounds, and clicks using surprisingly few blocks — sometimes under ten!

How do you do the Scratch 10-block challenge?

Start by choosing one sprite and a clear goal (move, animate, or a mini-game). Plan which ten blocks you’ll use—pick event blocks (when green flag clicked), motion, looks, sound and one control or sensing block for interactivity. Drag only ten blocks into the script area, test often, and tweak values. Encourage iteration: change sounds, add costumes, or adjust timing while keeping the block limit. Share the finished project in Scratch if supervised.

What materials do I need for the Scratch 10-block challenge?

You need a computer or tablet with internet (or the Scratch offline editor), a modern browser, and a Scratch account if you want to save projects. Also have a mouse or touchscreen, headphones for sound, and plain paper plus a pencil for sketching ideas and block selections. Optional: a parent or teacher nearby for younger kids and a printer for printed step notes or scorecards.

What ages is the Scratch 10-block challenge suitable for?

The challenge suits kids roughly ages 6–14. Younger children (6–7) benefit from adult help to choose blocks and type text; ages 8–12 can often work independently and learn block logic quickly. Teens can use it for creative constraints or classroom warm-ups. Adjust complexity: simpler goals for younger kids and added rules or scoring for older students.

What are the benefits of doing the Scratch 10-block challenge?

The 10-block limit builds problem-solving, planning, and computational thinking by forcing choices and simplification. Kids practice sequencing, debugging, creativity and basic interactivity without feeling overwhelmed. It boosts confidence when a small project works and encourages iterative design. Teachers can turn it into a timed or themed variation to teach constraints, teamwork and presentation skills.
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Use scratch to do the 10 block challenge. Activities for Kids.