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Why we LOVE this product!
These cards come straight from the people who make Scratch, and they solve the biggest problem with a blank Scratch screen: not knowing what to make. Each card is a small, finishable project, and the cards work just as well for one child as for a group passing them around.
Because Scratch is free, the deck is an inexpensive way into real coding.
Two things to weigh: kids still need a computer or tablet and internet access, and the short cards explain the steps more than the ideas behind them, so curious kids may want a book alongside.
Description
SKU:
9781593279769
The Official Scratch Coding Cards (Scratch 3.0) is a boxed deck of 75 activity cards by Natalie Rusk, one of the lead developers of Scratch, and the Scratch team. Each card is a short, illustrated project that kids build in Scratch, the free block-based coding language from the MIT Media Lab.
What's inside
- 75 full-color, 5 x 7 in. activity cards in a box
- Projects such as Pong, an interactive story, a virtual pet, hide and seek, animated names and music
- Picture on the front, code steps on the back
How it works
Kids pick a card, open Scratch on a computer or tablet, and follow the steps to snap together code blocks. Each card is one small project, so a child can finish one in a sitting, then mix ideas from several cards into their own game or story.
What kids learn
- Coding concepts: sequencing, events, loops, conditionals and variables
- Creativity: remixing projects into their own games, stories and music
- Problem solving: working out why a script does not do what they expected
Good to know before you buy
- Age: the publisher lists ages 7 to 10.
- Needs a device: kids use the free Scratch website or app, so a computer or tablet with internet access is needed.
- Edition: this is the Scratch 3.0 edition, which matches the current Scratch site.
- Price: $19.99 at Barnes & Noble when we checked.
Who it's for
Kids from about 7 to 10 starting out in Scratch, families who want structured projects instead of "click and guess", and coding clubs and classrooms that share a deck between small groups.
CuriosityInspired may earn a commission on this purchase
Learn more!
Get started with Scratch
- Scratch: the free coding site from the MIT Media Lab, works in any web browser
- Scratch Ideas: free tutorials and printable coding cards from the Scratch team
About
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble traces its roots to 1873, when Charles M. Barnes began selling books from his home in Wheaton, Illinois. In 1917, his son William joined G. Clifford Noble in New York to establish Barnes & Noble. The company entered a new chapter in 1971, when bookseller Leonard Riggio acquired the Barnes & Noble name and flagship store, beginning a period of growth that would help shape the modern American bookstore.
Under Riggio's leadership, Barnes & Noble expanded across the country and introduced its distinctive superstore concept, bringing together an extensive selection of books with a welcoming atmosphere where customers could browse, discover new interests, and spend time exploring. The stores also expanded beyond books to include educational toys, games, music, and gifts.
Today, Barnes & Noble continues to connect readers and families with stories, ideas, and new discoveries through its bookstores and online shop. Its range extends from children's picture books and young adult fiction to puzzles, games, creative toys, and collectibles. By bringing reading together with opportunities for learning and play, Barnes & Noble remains a destination for families looking for inspiration, entertainment, and thoughtful gifts.
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