Ok. I admit that I really think that the Scratch mascot is cute (Cat; I LOVE cats), but that is not all. This is a great program that will introduce the basic computer programming to anyone who is old enough to read and type well. Just as computer programming, many things are possible. No, we do not need to know JAVA or C++... but it require logic and determination.
Within K-12, I would recommend that students be at least 5th grade. This I say because the program's logic is quite mathematical (yest it is computer programming), and whomever younger may not quite understand if... when... and other basic commands. Also, just like normal programming, user must de-bug the program often, and younger student may not have the patient to go through it...
Of cause the program meets all the ISTN/NETS standards... dah. The end product can be music, art, videogame, story, and so on; thus it can be used under any subject except perhaps wood-shop... maybe it can be done...?
Here is an example I made a little while ago for Summer Stem Program... ( I used an old installed program version which is no longer offered on the web, though it can be found on different sites)
The program is free, and it is run on the web, so students can access from anywhere where there is internet and collaborate on project independently (they do need to save it on their USB device).
People may comment on the programs they share on the web (yes,feedback!), and it is very exciting to see how many people have played with/ read/ or try the creating you/students created :)
The program and the website seems a bit complicated due to its' nature of computer programming, but with a little help from help and tips (provided on each command and access through "help"), most people will soon figure out how it works. The project can be formatively assessed, and it can be done collaboratively or independently!
Highly recommended!
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