Coding with Scratch and VEX Virtual Robotics

Price: Starting at $399
Age: 7 - 9
Skill Level: Beginner–Intermediate

About This Course

Scratch, developed by MIT, is the gold standard for learning to code creatively. This software helps develop computational thinking skills while removing barriers to self-expression through program design. Without intimidating grammar or syntax, you can focus on solving problems and building projects that are more fun than work. These skills transfer to exploring VEX Virtual Robotics where you’ll dive into navigation, more advanced AI, and solve real-world-inspired problems with sensor data. Start your pathway to a lifelong journey of creative coding and design!

Tools: Scratch by MIT Media Lab

Topics Covered

Create variables and if-else statements
Program using arithmetic operators
Design and animate sprites
Experiment and explore to build creativity and confidence

Sample Schedule

Here’s a sample of what a week in the course could look like. Please keep in mind that students will progress at varying paces; this is a general outline of key material and the overall student experience.

Monday: Dive Into Coding Fundamentals

Students will dive into the fundamentals of coding with Scratch’s visual code blocks. Using drag-and-drop coding, they’ll create and animate sprites with motion and visual effects.

Tuesday: Develop a Game with Custom Variables

Building on their new Scratch skills, students will develop a game featuring custom variables that keep track of the player’s score and imaginative sprites they’ll draw on a digital canvas.

Wednesday: Record Custom Audio for Sound Effects

Turn up the volume! About halfway through the week, students will record custom audio for in-game sound effects and use code-driven sensors to turn games into interactive, dynamic experiences.

Thursday: Calculate Distances & Trajectories

Incorporating the robotics component of the course, students will calculate distances and trajectories with the VEXcode VR virtual robot.

Friday: Train Virtual Robot to Navigate Obstacles

Students will train the virtual robot to navigate obstacles and mazes using sensors and dynamic equations.

Course Formats

Virtual Camp

Ideal for kids and teens who thrive in a high-energy, team-oriented environment! Meeting Monday through Friday, campers spend 2 hours together with their peers and instructors and 2 hours working independently on their project. Not your average online learning, our virtual camps include the games and challenges that make iD Tech camps core memory makers.

Private Lessons

Ideal for kids and teens who thrive in a focused, 1-on-1 setting, need flexible scheduling, or both! Your child will unlock new skills at their own pace, led by an experienced mentor who is dedicated to their success. These 8, one-hour lessons feature customized curriculum and are available to be scheduled 24/7.

Portfolio-Boosting Transcript

At the conclusion of your child's course, they will receive an official iD Tech transcript outlining the skills they learned over the course of the week.

Learn from the best.

Passion for tech. Unmatched expertise. Personality that brings out the absolute best in your child. With 23 years of experience, we know there's no replacement for the best teacher. It's no surprise that iconic companies like Google, EA, Microsoft, and Disney hire the same talent we do. Our iD Certified instructors possess the whole package of skills that top employers seek.

100% USA-based, adult instructors
Recruited from top universities like Stanford, Caltech, and NYU
Rigorous background and reference checks
Robust training programs and certification
Adherence to American Camp Association accredited guidelines

Instructor Highlights

Chris M.

Software Engineer
at Google

Instructor Highlights

Chris M.

Software Engineer
at Google

“My time as an iD instructor was really formative. I stayed with STEM in college as a Computer Science and Electrical Engineering major, and now I’m working at Google in Chicago. If you find yourself thinking about STEM-related things outside of school, follow that passion. Major in it. Keep pursuing it.”

Instructor Highlights

Aspen C.

Associate Designer
at Bethesda Softworks

Instructor Highlights

Aspen C.

Associate Designer
at Bethesda Softworks

“The spirit of innovation and creativity I felt around my students while teaching Unity led me toward my career as a professional game designer. My time at iD Tech taught me that no dream is too big, and that brilliant ideas can come from anywhere.”

Instructor Highlights

Brian M.

Software Engineer
at Disney

Instructor Highlights

Brian M.

Software Engineer
at Disney

“The opportunity to create an environment of collaboration, inclusion, and creativity was a truly special experience. The skills I honed while teaching at iD Tech led me to my software engineering roles at ESPN and the Walt Disney Company.”

Select your online format

Private Lessons $449

8 lessons on your schedule

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scratch?

Scratch is a platform for kids to make games, but more educationally, it’s a tool for young minds to bring imagination and ideas to life with code. In fact, Scratch is one of the most popular “block-based coding” options out there, and it’s one of the best programming languages for kids. Learn more about making games on Scratch.

Why should my child learn Scratch?

Learning to code can seem intimidating at first, but Scratch removes that barrier for kids. With adorable characters and straightforward block-based coding, Scratch is the ultimate introduction to the wide world of programming!

What college and career opportunities can this course lead to?

Scratch may be designed for younger kids, but the programming fundamentals they will learn through Scratch will set them up for more sophisticated programming and computational skills down the road! With block coding basics under their belts, kids will have an easier time learning Java, Python, C++, and other sophisticated, yet beginner-friendly, languages that unlock a world of possibilities in STEM majors and careers!

Is this course suitable for all skill levels?

Yes, this course is designed for beginner to advanced students. Our small class size ensures that each student receives individual attention and has the freedom to learn at their own pace.

What is the online camp experience like?

While we are proud to offer world-class experiences on many of the world’s most prestigious university campuses, we also recognize that many families need the flexibility of quality virtual learning! It’s with these families in mind that we’ve adapted the core elements of our flagship camps to an online format with our Virtual Tech Camps.

Like our on-campus programs, Virtual Tech Camps feature structured small-group sessions led by expert instructors. Each week includes live teaching of our signature, cutting-edge curriculum, plus peer collaboration, social time, and independent project work. To complete the experience, our Virtual Tech Camps incorporate all the magic of summer camp including games, challenges, and legendary iD traditions!

What are the technical requirements for this online course?

To run this online course with iD Tech, students will need a Mac, Windows, or Chromebook computer, a webcam, and a stable internet connection with access to Zoom video conferencing. Any course-specific installation requirements will be communicated after registration.