Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Robotics with LEGO
In addition to add-in sensor modules, it's possible to control an external robotics system
through Scratch. he LEGO Education WeDo robotics kit is designed to connect motors,
distance sensors, and speed sensors to a computer—all of which can be controlled using
specialised blocks found in Scratch.
For children, the WeDo kit is an excellent way to get started with robotics: the components
clip together just like regular LEGO, and there are no risks of receiving an electric shock
should anything be badly connected. he WeDo kit boasts compatibility with regular LEGO
and LEGO Technik kits, too, meaning it's possible to build large projects quickly and easily.
More information on using a LEGO Education WeDo kit with Scratch can be found at
http://info.scratch.mit.edu/WeDo
.
Further Reading
Although this chapter serves as a brief introduction to Scratch, it's far from exhaustive. It's
also a little verbose for younger readers, who tend to learn more quickly when their lessons
are accompanied by lots of colour pictures.
he Support section of the oicial Scratch website, hosted by MIT at
http://info.
scratch.mit.edu/support
, includes a link to a Getting Started Guide in PDF format.
he guide describes how to work with Scratch in a colourful, child-friendly manner, and is a
great educational tool. his learning experience can be enhanced even further when com-
bined with Scratch Cards, which are downloadable lash cards containing explanations for
each of the block types found in Scratch.
MIT also runs a user forum for Scratch, allowing enthusiasts of the software to learn together
and share solutions for common problems. Membership is free, and the site works well using
the Midori web browser included in the Debian distribution for the Raspberry Pi. he forums
can be accessed at
http://scratch.mit.edu/forums/
.
he easiest way to advance your Scratch skills, however, is to play. he name Scratch has its
roots in turntablism: when a DJ spins a record, the needle creates a scratching sound. Just as
DJs remix existing songs into something new, Scratch enthusiasts are encouraged to submit
their creations to the oicial website for others to download, examine, modify and remix.
he oicial Scratch site currently hosts more than 2.5 million Scratch programs, making it a
perfect source for learning how Scratch is being used to create projects and for sharing your
own ideas with others. A list of the most recently shared projects can be found at
http://
