ScratchJr Science Simulations – 4-Page Challenges, Planning and Examples
ScratchJr Science Simulations – Challenges, Planning Sheets and Example Solutions
Engage Young Learners with Coding & Science!
This ScratchJr Science Simulations resource provides ready-to-teach, differentiated lessons that blend coding fundamentals with elementary science concepts using the PRIMM (Predict, Run, Investigate, Modify, Make) framework. Designed for ages 4–8, it includes 6 science topics, step-by-step planning sheets, and example scripts to help teachers integrate computer science into STEM lessons effortlessly.
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Key Features
1. Six Science Topics with Coding Connections
Each topic pairs a science concept with ScratchJr coding skills:
1. Day & Night Cycle (Pages 11–15)
- Science: Earth’s rotation, sunlight patterns.
- Coding: Loops, background transitions, narration.
2. The Planets (Pages 16–20)
- Science: Planetary motion, space exploration.
- Coding: Parallelism (multiple sprites moving), event triggers.
3. Seed to Tree (Pages 21–25)
- Science: Plant life cycles.
- Coding: Sequencing, "Grow"/"Shrink" blocks.
4. Float or Sink (Pages 26–30)
- Science: Buoyancy, density.
- Coding: Conditional "Hide" blocks (sinking), sound effects.
5. Predator-Prey Relationships (Pages 31–35)
- Science: Food chains, habitats.
- Coding: "Start on Bump" events, sprite interactions.
6. Four Seasons (Pages 36–40)
- Science: Seasonal changes, weather.
- Coding: Background swaps, timed animations.
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2. Structured Lesson Plans (PRIMM Framework)
- Predict (10 mins): Students guess outcomes from example scripts (e.g., "Will the tree grow taller if we change the ‘wait’ time?").
- Run (5 mins): Test predictions with provided scripts.
- Investigate (10 mins): Debug "buggy" code (e.g., a missing "Hide" block in the Float/Sink project).
- Modify (10 mins): Differentiated challenges (e.g., "Add a sound when the predator catches its prey!").
- Make (10 mins): Independent projects with rubric guidance (Page 47).
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3. Teacher Support Tools
- Planning Sheets Storyboard templates for project design.
- Example Scripts Visual coding solutions for each topic.
- Differentiation Tips
- Beginners: Use pre-built scripts with newer coders.
- Advanced: Independent planning and creations with narration as explanations of the science topic.
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4. Cross-Curricular Integration
- Science Vocabulary: Links coding actions to terms like "food chain" "life cycle," and "buoyancy."
- Literacy: Narration prompts (e.g., "Record a fact about Saturn!").
- Critical Thinking: PRIMM’s investigative questions (e.g., "Why does the moon disappear in the day?").
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Why Teachers Love This Resource
- Low-Prep, High-Impact: Just download and teach—no coding expertise needed!
- Scaffolded Learning: PRIMM builds from guided prediction to creative independence.
- Hands-On Science: Kids "see" abstract concepts (like seasons) through animation.
- Aligns with Standards: Covers NGSS (K-2) and CSTA foundational coding skills.
Perfect for: K–2 classrooms, STEM labs, after-school clubs, and homeschoolers.
Format: Printable PDF with 48 pages of lesson plans, scripts, and student-examples.
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"Turn little coders into science explorers—one block at a time!"