Scratch Jr Project Idea: Build a Simple Maze Game

What a great idea!

In this project, you'll create a simple maze game using Scratch Jr. that lets users navigate through a virtual maze and collect stars while avoiding obstacles.

Project Goals:

1. Create a maze with walls, paths, and start and end points.
2. Allow the user to control a character (e.g., a ball or a bee) to move through the maze.
3. Add star-collecting and obstacle-avoidance mechanics.
4. Make the game fun and challenging!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Create the Maze Background:
   • Start by creating a new project in Scratch Jr.
   • Draw the maze using the pencil tool or import an image of a maze (e.g., from a printed worksheet).
   • Use the "Fill" tool to color the walls and paths.
2. Add the Character:
   • Create a new sprite (character) by clicking on the "Sprite" tab in the Stage area.
   • Draw or upload an image of your character (e.g., a ball, bee, or other small creature).
   • Set the character's initial position to the starting point of the maze.
3. Add Movement Controls:
   • Use the "Motion" blocks to control the character's movement:
     • Create a "Move 10 steps" block and add it to the character's script.
     • Add an "If" block with conditions for left, right, up, or down movements.
4. Add Star Collection:
   • Create a new sprite for the star (you can use the same image as the character).
   • Use the "Motion" blocks to make the star appear at random locations within the maze.
   • Add an "If" block with conditions for the character to collect the star:
     • If the character touches the star, hide it and add a score counter (using the "Variables" tab).
5. Add Obstacles:
   • Create obstacles by drawing or uploading images of blocks, walls, or other barriers.
   • Use the "Motion" blocks to make these obstacles appear at random locations within the maze.
   • Add an "If" block with conditions for the character to avoid touching the obstacles:
     • If the character touches an obstacle, reset their position to the starting point.
6. Add Game Over Condition:
   • Use the "Variables" tab to keep track of the score and game over condition.
   • Set a target score (e.g., 10 stars) that the user must reach within a certain number of moves.
   • If the character reaches the end of the maze without collecting enough stars, display a "Game Over" message.

Tips and Variations:

1. Difficulty Levels: Create different levels by changing the size and complexity of the maze, adding more obstacles or stars, or increasing the target score.
2. Power-Ups: Add power-ups (e.g., speed boosts, shields) that can be collected to give players an advantage.
3. AI Enemies: Introduce AI-controlled enemies that move through the maze, making it harder for the player to collect stars and reach the end.

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You've created a simple yet engaging maze game in Scratch Jr. Players will enjoy navigating through the virtual maze, collecting stars, and avoiding obstacles. As you continue to develop your skills in Scratch Jr., you can add more features, levels, and challenges to create an even more immersive gaming experience.