Different External Libraries available

Exploring Scratch Extensions with Arun and Raj

Arun: Raj, did you know we can connect external hardware and software to our Scratch projects?

Raj: Really? How do we do that?

Arun: Let’s explore some extensions available in Scratch.

Music Extension

Arun: The Music Extension allows us to play notes and compose music.

• Blocks:
  • Play drum sound
  • Pause sound
  • Play note
  • Set instrument
  • Set tempo
  • Change tempo
  • Report current tempo

Pen Extension

Arun: The Pen Extension lets sprites draw on the stage.

• Blocks:
  • Stamp sprite
  • Put pen down
  • Release pen

Video Sensing Extension

Arun: The Video Sensing Extension uses webcams to interact with projects.

• Blocks:
  • Stack blocks: Start video, set video transparency
  • Hat block: When video motion is greater than
  • Reporter block: Video motion

Text to Speech Extension

Arun: The Text to Speech Extension converts text to speech using Amazon Web Services.

• Blocks:
  • Speak
  • Set voice
  • Set language

Translate Extension

Arun: The Translate Extension translates text using Google Translate.

• Blocks:
  • Translate text to language
  • Report language

Makey Makey Extension

Arun: The Makey Makey Extension connects Scratch to Makey Makey devices.

• Blocks:
  • When key pressed
  • When key released

micro: bit Extension

Arun: The micro

Extension connects to the micro

device.

• Blocks:
  • Stack blocks: Display icon, display text, clear display
  • Hat blocks: When button pressed, when tilted
  • Reporter block: Report tilt angle
  • Boolean blocks: Button pressed, pin connected

LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Extension

Arun: The LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Extension connects to EV3 units.

• Blocks:
  • Stack blocks: Start motor, stop motor
  • Reporter blocks: Motor position, sensor value
  • Hat blocks: When the button is pressed
  • Boolean block: Motor running

LEGO BOOST Extension

Arun: The LEGO BOOST Extension connects to LEGO BOOST devices.

• Blocks: Various stack, reporter, hat, and boolean blocks for controlling LEGO BOOST

LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 Extension

Arun: The LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 Extension connects to WeDo 2.0 sets.

• Blocks:
  • Stack blocks: Start motor, stop motor
  • Hat blocks: When distance is less than
  • Reporter blocks: Distance, tilt
  • Boolean block: Tilted

Go Direct Force & Acceleration Extension

Arun: The Go Direct Force & Acceleration Extension connects with the Go Direct® Force and Acceleration Sensor.

• Blocks: Various blocks for force and acceleration data

Arun: These extensions make Scratch projects more interactive and powerful.

Raj: They look very useful for creating advanced projects!

Arun: In the next chapter, we’ll discuss the Pen extension in detail.