Interactive Coding Blocks Help Students Get Started!

Students can use coding as a tool when working on science projects in all fields, not just computer science! New embedded code blocks encourage students to explore coding as part of their projects.

Students using science and engineering projects at Science Buddies will find new opportunities to explore coding with interactive, embedded code blocks that empower them to run and edit ready-made code simulations.

These coding blocks enable students to engage with science concepts and experimental procedures in new ways, including using customizable digital simulations instead of traditional physical tests.

These interactive code blocks are beginner-friendly and make it possible to "instantly" try coding. No special equipment or coding experience is needed! By changing variable values or making simple modifications to the provided Scratch programs and Javascript code blocks, students get immediate feedback and gain exposure to basic coding concepts.

A Stroop Effect Example

In the What Conflicting Mental Tasks Reveal About Thinking: The Stroop Effect project, an embedded code block allows students to create their Stroop tests using Scratch instead of paper.

Students can instantly run the provided simulation in the left-hand Scratch window (shown below). Clicking "Edit Code" will allow them to make changes to the Scratch program and rerun it. Each project with an embedded Scratch code block includes a how-to video that walks students through using Scratch to customize the program for the project.

Projects with "Try Coding" Blocks

The following projects feature interactive code elements:

• What Conflicting Mental Tasks Reveal About Thinking: The Stroop Effect: use Scratch to do the experiment instead of making flash cards
• Multitasking: Brain Drain or Boost in Efficiency?: use Scratch to generate random math problems for use in the project
• M&M Survival Challenge: use Scratch to do the project digitally
• Can Peppermint Improve Reaction Times?: use Scratch to configure and run an online reaction time test
• Does a Cell Phone Conversation Affect Reaction Time?: use Scratch to configure and run an online test instead of a physical ruler drop test
• Testing the Accuracy of Eyewitness Testimony: use Scratch to set up a simulation for participants to watch as part of the project
• Bouncing Basketballs: How Much Energy Does Dribbling Take?: edit the Javascript on screen and run the simulation code to see the impact of changes to variables like the radius of the ball or gravity
• Model How Environment and Genetics Change the Chances of Getting Cancer: use Scratch to build a simple model and explore how environmental and genetic changes affect the development of cancer.

In each project, guidance is provided for changing variables and editing the code. Follow the prompts to make changes, "run" the code, and see what happens!

Do More with Scratch

Students who enjoy these introductions to coding with Scratch can explore free tutorials in the Getting started with Scratch guide from the Raspberry Pi Foundation.

Recognition for Student Coding Projects

Students using coding in their projects may be eligible for the Broadcom Coding with Commitment® award. Learn more about this initiative for students in grades 5-8 and find science fairs at which it is awarded.

These stories highlight students who received Broadcom Coding with Commitment awards for their coding projects:

• A Video Game Science Project to Help People with Alzheimer's
• Middle School Student Codes to Improve Life with Visual Impairment

Ready for More?

For additional projects and lessons that involve coding, see the following:

• 25+ Coding Projects for Beginners and Beyond
• Student AI and Machine Learning Projects
• Arduino Projects for Students
• Pocket-Sized Physical Computing Projects with micro:bit
• Browse computer science projects