Scratch — Coding & STEM Learning Tool

Scratch remains one of the best entry points to programming and computational creativity, but older or advanced learners may eventually outgrow its block-based limits.

Scratch is a free programming language and online community where users create and share interactive stories, games, and animations. Its well-known framing, "Imagine, Program, Share," still reflects its core identity: creative coding for beginners in a social, project-based environment.

You can use Scratch to teach coding logic, animation, game design, storytelling, sequencing, debugging, and project-based computational thinking through visual blocks rather than typed syntax.

• Free block-based programming environment
• Online community for sharing and remixing projects
• Supports interactive stories, games, and animations
• Beginner-friendly path into coding and creative problem solving

• Excellent for introducing coding concepts without syntax barriers
• Strong project-based learning ecosystem
• Community sharing helps learners learn by remixing and exploration

• Advanced programmers will eventually need text-based environments
• Project moderation and online sharing should be reviewed in school contexts
• Complex software engineering practices are beyond its intended scope

Scratch is best for children, beginner coders, teachers, coding clubs, and anyone starting with creative programming and computational thinking.

For adjacent beginner coding paths, compare Scratch with Code.org, Tynker, and ScratchJr.

What can you create in Scratch? Users can create stories, games, and animations, then share them with the community.

Is Scratch only for very young children? It is especially strong for beginners, but it is also useful in middle school and introductory creative coding contexts.

June 27, 2026.