7.2 Animate Your Mythological Creature in Scratch

GOALS

1. Translate your pixel art sketch into a digital Scratch sprite using the costume editor.

2. Name and save your custom sprite correctly.

3. Code a short animation or interactive story using your mythological creature.

4. Reveal creative aspects of your creature’s backstory using coding tools like "say," "switch costume," and "broadcast."

5. Practice file sharing and organization using a shared Google Drive folder.

STEPS

1. Use www.pixilart.com/draw to create a 32 x 32 pixel canvas:

   • Draw your mythological creator in Pixilart.com (no login required)

   • Download as a PNG image

2. Open Scratch and Start a New Project

   • Visit scratch.mit.edu and log into your account.

   • Click “Create” and delete the default cat sprite.

   • Import your Pixilart PNG file and NAME your sprite

3. Optional: Use the Scratch Costume Editor to create multiple costumes and add MUSIC

   • Open the Costumes tab and select “Paint” to remix your sprite.

   • Use your Notability sketch from Lesson 1 as a reference.

   • Keep your sprite roughly within a 32 x 32 grid, and use pixel mode or the smallest brush to keep that look.

   • Keep the background transparent!

   • Use the Scratch Music library or Chosic.com to add fun background music. Remember to give CREDIT!

4. Name and Export Your Sprite

   • Rename your sprite using this format:
     CreatureName_YourFirstName

   • Right-click the sprite → export → save the .sprite3 file to your device.

5. Share a Copy in Google Drive

   • Upload your exported sprite file to this shared folder:
     👉 [Google Drive Sprite Folder]

6. Code a Short Animated Story (10–30 seconds) Use Scratch blocks like these to tell the story of your creature:

   • when green flag clicked

   • say [text] for [x] seconds

   • next costume

   • go to x: y:

   • wait [x] seconds

   • broadcast [message]

   Your creature’s story should include:

   • At least 3 key backstory facts

   • At least 1 movement or animation

   • Dialogue or a voice that represents your creature’s personality

7. Share Your Scratch Project

   • Click the orange "Share" button at the top of your Scratch project.

   • Title your project with your creature’s name.

   • Add a short description explaining what the project is and what your creature can do.

TURN IN

1. 🔗 Paste the link to your shared Scratch project in Canvas.

2. Submit this Google Form to share the link to your Scratch Project. (Your link should show up here!)

3. 🖼 Download / Save your .sprite3 file (your exported custom sprite)

4. 🗂 Upload a copy of your correctly named sprite in this shared Google Drive folder.