ScratchJr Science Simulations – Earth Day Beginner Projects
ScratchJr Earth Day Tutorials – Coding for a Greener Planet
Inspire Young Coders to Care for the Earth!
This ScratchJr Earth Day Tutorials resource combines early coding skills with environmental education, empowering teachers to introduce computer science concepts through engaging, planet-themed projects. Designed for ages 4–8, this guide uses the PRIMM (Predict, Run, Investigate, Modify, Make) framework to teach foundational coding while fostering awareness of sustainability.
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Key Features & Contents
Interactive Coding Modules
Each module pairs a coding concept with an Earth Day theme:
- Sequencing: Sequence commands and background changes. ↔️
- Bump Events:Program a character clean up Trash City.
- Backgrounds: Use the "Green Flag" and "Change background" to show how environments change.
- Loops (Repeats): Make trees regrow in a forest simulation.
- Debugging: Innovate and fix bugs as you learn.
Ready-to-Teach Lesson Plans
- PRIMM-structured activities (45-minute sessions) with:
- Predict/Run: Spark curiosity (e.g., "What happens if the cat doesn’t wait before picking up trash?").
- Investigate: Break down scripts (e.g., "How does the ‘Hide’ block help the project?").
- Make & Modify: Creative challenges (e.g., "Add a sound when trash is recycled!").
- Classroom discussion prompts tied to real-world actions (e.g., "How is recycling like coding with loops?").
3. Environmental Learning Integration
- Projects align with Earth Day themes: Recycling, deforestation, ocean cleanup, and climate change.
- Reflection questions connect coding to sustainability (e.g., "Why is sequencing important in recycling?").
4. Teacher Support Tools
- Technical tips: Undo/redo, deleting sprites .
- Record student pledges , design multi-scene stories.
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Use Cases
- Elementary CS/STEM Classes: Introduce algorithms and events through relatable eco-scenarios.
- Earth Day Events: Run a "coding for the planet" workshop.
- Library/Lab Activities: Self-guided exploration with themed challenges.
- At-Home Learning: Parents and kids create projects together.
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Learning Objectives
Coding & Computer Science
- Understand sequencing, loops, events, and conditionals.
- Debug errors systematically.
- Create interactive stories.
Environmental Stewardship
- Explore causes/solutions for pollution, deforestation, and climate change.
- Connect coding logic to real-world actions (e.g., "Loops = repeating recycling habits!").
21st-Century Skills
- Critical thinking, creativity, collaboration (e.g., sharing pledge projects).
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Why Teachers Love This Resource
- Scaffolded Learning: PRIMM structure builds confidence from prediction to creation.
- Cross-Curricular: Combines CS, science, and civic responsibility.
- Engaging & Purposeful: Kids see coding as a tool to help the planet.
Perfect for: K–2 educators, tech coaches, homeschoolers, and eco-clubs!
Format: Printable PDF with visual scripts, discussion prompts, and project examples.
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"Code a cleaner future—one block at a time!"
Lesson Delivery
Learning about Computer Science can start early. We have found the PRIMM technique of tuition to be very effective with young learners
Predict -> Run -> Investigate -> Modify -> Make
Predict Stage
Introduction and discovery: Start with basic demos on how to use Scratch Jr., focusing on the interface and basic commands.
Children love exploring so give them time to play.
Then, show the children one of the tutorials and ask them to Predict what will happen if we put these blocks together. If there are different Sprites in the project then do them one by one, differentiating as required.
Run Stage
Once the students have made some guesses as to what will happen, encourage them to build the same script and Run it to find out what happens. This hands on way of teaching is not only good fun but encourages safe risk-taking and strengthens thinking about how it all fits together and discourage a "painting-by-numbers" outcome with little thought involved.
Investigate Stage
Next is a time to use some open ended questions to see if the children can explore the ins and outs of the script they have built. In essence they are trying to break it and fix it again :).
Questions stems
- I wonder what would happen if we .... (changed this block to this one)
- Why is this block here? What happens if we change the sequence?
- Would it work if we used this block?
- Can anyone think of how to make it ... ? (e.g move to the edge? or go the other way?)
Debugging challenges
Create and share "buggy" projects with students to develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills. (for example make the same project with one block missing or the incorrect sequence)
Ask children to try to fix these "buggy" projects that are not working properly.
Make Stage
Use the Handouts or display on a classroom display
Provide students with these sheets as handouts that serve as quick reference guides and help students independently navigate through their projects. Students can confidently follow the step-by-step instructions which cater to various learning styles and then innovate and add their own modifications.
Modify
This stage the children can begin to innovate and make the project their own by adding some extra sprites or events.
Student Innovation Opportunities
Promote innovation by allowing students to explore Scratch Jr. beyond the given example on the sheet. Encourage them to experiment with different commands and features to create unique projects.
Questions stems
- How could I make this program better?
- What do you think we should add next?
Provide opportunities for students to present their projects to the class, highlighting their creativity and problem-solving skills. Use these presentations as a platform for constructive feedback and further learning.
Questions stems
- How did you make this?
- What does this script do?
- Which part are you most proud of?
- Could you teach a friend how to make this?
Taking Scratch Jr Learning Further
Finally, once the children have understood the command blocks and what they do then encourage to make a similar project of their own.
Regular Learning
Incorporate Scratch Jr. lessons into the regular school routine by dedicating specific times each week for coding activities. Begin with short, focused sessions that gradually increase in complexity. Integrate coding with other subjects, such as math and language arts, to provide a multidisciplinary approach to learning.
Project ideas
Storytelling and Animation: Encourage students to create simple animations and stories, retelling familiar tales enhancing their understanding of sequences and events.
Project-Based Learning: Assign projects that require students to design their own stories, advertisements or reports on current topics, promoting creativity and application of learned concepts.
Example - Try making some advertisements for your school using photos and narration on each page.
Peer-to-Peer Tutorials
Encourage peer-to-peer learning by having students who grasp the concepts quickly tutor their classmates. Create small groups where students can collaborate on projects and share their knowledge. This not only reinforces their own understanding but also fosters a collaborative learning environment.
Exploration and Play
Emphasise the importance of play in learning by allowing students to freely explore Scratch Jr. Encourage them to try new things, make mistakes, and learn from them. Use play-based activities to teach coding concepts in a fun and engaging way.
By incorporating these strategies, you can introduce young children to the world of coding, fostering a love for technology and creativity in their early education.