Adjust graphic effects in Scratch to change the appearance of a sprite. Scratch is a coding app that can be used to introduce programming to children. It is free to use. Scratch has seven effects you can alter including color, fisheye, whirl, pixelate, mosaic, brightness, or ghost. Use the change effect coding block to enhance your projects.
TECHNOCODE TECHNOLOGY PROJECT
Tips are taken from the technology project TechnoCode. It includes a storytelling coding unit. Students explore the Looks palette to discover how to adjust the appearance of sprites. They apply their knowledge to animate an adventure in a strange or magical place. Instructional materials include a planning sheet, worksheets, example videos, sample scripts, story checklist, coding journal log, story rubric, Scratch quiz, diorama skill review, and extension activity.
Tips to Adjust Graphic Effects in Scratch
Ideas for Including Graphic Effects
Game Design
- Attract Attention: Make a target easy to spot. For example, it could bulge using the fisheye effect when it appears on the stage.
- Score Points: To show that a player has touched a target it could change its appearance. For example, it could distort using the whirl effect.
Storytelling
- Create a Character: Perhaps your character is a ghost. Use the ghost effect to make them transparent.
- Illustrate Action: Show an event. For example, if a character drinks potion maybe they change color.
Use Clear Graphic Effects
When you use the change effect the sprite alters its appearance permanently. To reset the appearance, add the clear graphic effects coding block to the script. For example:
Clear graphic effects to return the sprite to its original state.Repeat the Graphic Effect
You can place the change effect inside a repeat coding block. This will cause a sprite to adjust its appearance many times.
Repeat the graphic effect to have the appearance change many times.Study the sample script above. You will notice it includes a wait coding block. This slows down the action, to make the changes easier to see. You will also see that it includes a clear graphic effects block at the end of the script to reset the sprite’s appearance (this coding block can also be placed at the beginning of the script).
How Much Should the Graphic Effect Change?
The change effect coding block has a value that can be set. What number should you use? Use the information in the table as a guide.
TIPS FOR SELECTING GRAPHIC EFFECT VALUES | |
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color |
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fisheye |
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whirl |
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pixelate |
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mosaic |
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brightness |
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ghost |
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