Scratch Storytelling: Code Your Own Adventure
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as interactive story developers, harness the power of Scratch to create engaging, choice-driven narratives that captivate audiences and effectively blend coding with storytelling techniques?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can coding enhance storytelling?
- How do narrative structures influence interactive design?
- What makes a story engaging?
- How can I use Scratch to create interactive elements?
- How do I plan the structure and flow of an interactive story?
- How can I implement user choices and branching narratives in Scratch?
- How do I debug and refine my Scratch project?
- How do I create compelling characters and settings in Scratch?
- How can I incorporate multimedia elements (sound, images) into my Scratch story?
- How can I test my project and gather feedback for improvements?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to design and code interactive stories using Scratch.
- Students will be able to use conditional logic and branching narratives in their stories.
- Students will be able to integrate multimedia elements (sound, images) into their Scratch projects.
- Students will be able to develop engaging characters and settings.
- Students will be able to debug and refine their Scratch projects based on testing and feedback.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to students"The Lost Episode"
Students receive a mysterious file containing only the intro sequence and a cliffhanger ending of a beloved (fictional) animated series. Their task: use Scratch to create the 'lost episode,' filling in the narrative gaps based on character motivations and series lore, mirroring how show writers develop branching storylines.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Character Creation Workshop
Students will brainstorm and design the main characters for their interactive story. This involves creating character profiles, backstories, and visual representations using Scratch's built-in paint editor or imported images.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA character portfolio with detailed profiles and visual designs for each main character.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to develop engaging characters and settings.Setting the Stage: Environment Design
Students will design the key environments where their interactive story takes place. They will create background images and plan how these settings will change based on user choices, enhancing the storytelling experience.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collection of background images and a plan for how the environment will dynamically change within the story.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to develop engaging characters and settings.Narrative Branching Blueprint
Students will create a detailed flowchart outlining the different paths and choices in their interactive story. This blueprint will map out how user decisions affect the plot and lead to different outcomes.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive flowchart detailing the branching narrative structure of the interactive story.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to use conditional logic and branching narratives in their stories.Coding the Choices: Scratch Implementation
Students will use Scratch to implement the branching narrative they designed. This involves coding conditional statements (if/else blocks) to control the story's flow based on user input.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA functional Scratch project with a branching narrative that responds to user choices.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goals: Students will be able to design and code interactive stories using Scratch; Students will be able to use conditional logic and branching narratives in their stories.Multimedia Integration: Sound and Visual Effects
Students will enhance their interactive story by adding multimedia elements such as sound effects, music, and visual effects. This will make the story more engaging and immersive.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA Scratch project with integrated sound effects, music, and visual effects that enhance the storytelling experience.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to integrate multimedia elements (sound, images) into their Scratch projects.Beta Testing and Feedback Refinement
Students will share their interactive stories with classmates for testing and feedback. They will then use this feedback to refine their projects, fix bugs, and improve the overall user experience.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA polished and refined Scratch project based on user feedback, demonstrating improved functionality and user experience.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to debug and refine their Scratch projects based on testing and feedback.The Lost Episode Showcase
Students will present their completed "Lost Episode" interactive stories to the class, explaining their design choices, coding challenges, and creative process.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation and demonstration of the completed interactive story, showcasing the student's design and coding skills.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses all learning goals.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioInteractive Storytelling with Scratch Rubric
Narrative Design & Character Development
Focuses on the clarity, creativity, and coherence of the story's narrative structure, including character development, setting design, and plot progression.Character Depth and Engagement
Assesses the depth of character profiles, including backstories, personalities, and roles within the interactive story.
Exemplary
4 PointsCharacters are richly developed with compelling backstories, distinct personalities, and clear motivations that significantly enhance the narrative.
Proficient
3 PointsCharacters are well-defined with adequate backstories and personalities that support the narrative effectively.
Developing
2 PointsCharacters are introduced with basic traits, but their backstories and personalities are underdeveloped, limiting their impact on the narrative.
Beginning
1 PointsCharacters lack clear definition, with minimal backstories or personality, hindering the narrative's engagement.
Setting Design and Atmosphere
Evaluates the effectiveness of the settings in creating a vivid and immersive environment for the story.
Exemplary
4 PointsSettings are exceptionally detailed and immersive, significantly enhancing the story's atmosphere and emotional impact. They dynamically change based on user choices.
Proficient
3 PointsSettings are well-designed and contribute to the story's atmosphere, providing adequate context for the narrative.
Developing
2 PointsSettings are present but lack detail, limiting their impact on the story's atmosphere and immersion.
Beginning
1 PointsSettings are minimal or absent, failing to establish a sense of place or atmosphere for the story.
Coding Implementation & Interactivity
Assesses the technical implementation of the interactive story in Scratch, including the use of conditional logic, branching narratives, and user input mechanisms.Branching Narrative Structure
Evaluates the complexity and coherence of the branching narrative, including the number of choices and the logical flow of the story.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe branching narrative is intricate and seamless, offering a multitude of meaningful choices that significantly impact the story's progression and outcomes. The flowchart is comprehensive and easy to follow.
Proficient
3 PointsThe branching narrative is well-structured with clear choices that lead to distinct outcomes, enhancing the interactive experience.
Developing
2 PointsThe branching narrative is basic, with limited choices and some inconsistencies in the story's flow.
Beginning
1 PointsThe narrative lacks clear branching, with minimal choices and a linear storyline.
Conditional Logic and User Input
Assesses the effective use of conditional statements (if/else) and user input mechanisms to control the story's flow.
Exemplary
4 PointsConditional logic is flawlessly implemented, creating a dynamic and responsive interactive experience. User input mechanisms are intuitive and seamlessly integrated into the story.
Proficient
3 PointsConditional logic is used effectively to control the story's flow based on user input, creating a functional interactive experience.
Developing
2 PointsConditional logic is used inconsistently, leading to some errors or limitations in the interactive experience.
Beginning
1 PointsConditional logic is either absent or poorly implemented, resulting in a non-interactive or broken experience.
Multimedia Integration & User Experience
Focuses on the effective use of multimedia elements (sound, images) and the overall user experience of the interactive story.Sound and Visual Effects
Evaluates the quality and appropriateness of sound and visual effects in enhancing the storytelling experience.
Exemplary
4 PointsSound and visual effects are expertly integrated, significantly enhancing the story's atmosphere and emotional impact. They are appropriately timed and perfectly complement the narrative.
Proficient
3 PointsSound and visual effects are used effectively to enhance the story's atmosphere and create a more engaging experience.
Developing
2 PointsSound and visual effects are present but may be poorly timed or inappropriate, detracting from the storytelling experience.
Beginning
1 PointsSound and visual effects are minimal or absent, failing to enhance the storytelling experience.
User Experience and Polish
Assesses the overall user experience of the interactive story, including its ease of use, clarity of instructions, and visual appeal.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe interactive story is exceptionally user-friendly and visually appealing, providing a seamless and engaging experience. Instructions are clear, and the interface is intuitive.
Proficient
3 PointsThe interactive story is easy to use and visually appealing, providing a positive user experience. Instructions are clear and easy to follow.
Developing
2 PointsThe interactive story is functional but may have some usability issues or lack visual polish, detracting from the user experience.
Beginning
1 PointsThe interactive story is difficult to use and lacks visual appeal, providing a frustrating user experience.
Testing, Refinement, and Presentation
Evaluates the student's ability to test and refine their Scratch projects based on feedback, and effectively present their work to others.Incorporation of Feedback
Assesses the extent to which the student incorporated feedback from beta testing into their final project.
Exemplary
4 PointsFeedback from beta testing was thoroughly incorporated, resulting in significant improvements to the functionality, user experience, and overall quality of the project. The student demonstrates a strong understanding of the feedback and its impact.
Proficient
3 PointsFeedback from beta testing was effectively incorporated, leading to noticeable improvements in the project. The student demonstrates a good understanding of the feedback.
Developing
2 PointsSome feedback from beta testing was incorporated, but the impact on the project is limited. The student demonstrates a basic understanding of the feedback.
Beginning
1 PointsLittle to no feedback from beta testing was incorporated, and the project shows minimal improvement. The student struggles to understand the feedback.
Presentation Clarity and Engagement
Evaluates the clarity and engagement of the student's presentation of their interactive story.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe presentation is captivating and insightful, clearly explaining the design choices, coding challenges, and creative process. The student effectively demonstrates the interactive story and engages the audience.
Proficient
3 PointsThe presentation is clear and informative, explaining the key aspects of the interactive story and the development process.
Developing
2 PointsThe presentation is somewhat unclear or disorganized, lacking detail or failing to fully explain the design choices and coding challenges.
Beginning
1 PointsThe presentation is difficult to understand and lacks engagement, failing to effectively showcase the interactive story or the student's work.