🎨 Phase 2 · Animation Skills
🟢 Beginner
MODULE 05
Motion Magic
Your progress in Phase 225%
🎯 What you'll learn: Every motion block in Scratch — move, turn, glide, go to position — and how the X/Y coordinate system works. Then build a fun Dance Party project with multiple sprites moving in sync!
Section 1
The Scratch Stage — X and Y Coordinates
The Scratch stage is like a graph. Every position has an X coordinate (left-right) and a Y coordinate (up-down). Knowing this lets you put sprites exactly where you want them!
THE SCRATCH STAGE — 480 × 360 pixels
Y:180
Y:-180
X:240
X:-240
X:0, Y:0
🐱
(-240,180)
(240,180)
(-240,-180)
(240,-180)
⬅️ Left = X decreases (more negative)
➡️ Right = X increases (more positive)
➡️ Right = X increases (more positive)
⬆️ Up = Y increases (more positive)
⬇️ Down = Y decreases (more negative)
⬇️ Down = Y decreases (more negative)
💡
Find any position's coordinates
Move your mouse over the stage in Scratch — the X and Y coordinates of your mouse appear in the bottom right corner! This is super useful for placing sprites exactly where you want them.
Section 2
All the Motion Blocks
Here's your complete guide to every useful motion block. These are the tools that bring your sprites to life!
move (10) steps
Moves the sprite forward in the direction it's facing. Negative numbers move backwards!
turn ↻ (15) degrees
Rotates the sprite clockwise. Turn ↺ rotates anticlockwise. 360° = full circle.
go to x:(0) y:(0)
Instantly teleports the sprite to exact coordinates. Centre = x:0, y:0.
glide (1) secs to x:(0) y:(0)
Smoothly slides the sprite to a position over 1 second. Looks amazing for movement!
point in direction (90)
Sets the facing direction. 0=up, 90=right, 180=down, -90=left.
if on edge, bounce
When the sprite hits the edge, it automatically bounces back. Perfect for ball games!
go to [random position]
Teleports the sprite to a random spot on the stage. Great for spawning enemies!
set rotation style
Controls how a sprite rotates: all-around, left-right only, or don't rotate at all.
Direction Values — point in direction
SCRATCH
0 = ⬆️ facing UP 90 = ➡️ facing RIGHT (default) 180 = ⬇️ facing DOWN -90 = ⬅️ facing LEFT Tip: click the direction field and drag the arrow dial — it's easier than typing numbers!
Section 3
Build: Dance Party!
Let's use everything we know about motion to build a Dance Party with 3 sprites dancing in different ways. This project uses glide, turn, and move all together!
1
Add 3 dancer sprites
From the sprite library, add 3 fun characters — try Avery, Cassy, and Dan! Position them across the stage: left, centre, and right.
2
Add a party backdrop
Click the Stage → Backdrops tab. Add "Party" or "Spotlight" from the backdrop library. Then add some dance music in the Sounds tab of the Stage!
3
Code Dancer 1 — the Spinner
This dancer spins around and changes colour while dancing.
4
Code Dancer 2 — the Bouncer
This dancer glides back and forth across the stage repeatedly.
5
Code Dancer 3 — the Groover
This dancer moves up and down and switches costumes for animation.
Dancer 1 — The Spinner
SCRATCH BLOCKS
when 🚩 clicked go to x:(-150) y:(0) forever turn ↻ (15) degrees change color effect by (5) next costume
Dancer 2 — The Bouncer
SCRATCH BLOCKS
when 🚩 clicked set rotation style [left-right] forever glide (1) secs to x:(0) y:(0) glide (1) secs to x:(150) y:(80) glide (1) secs to x:(-100) y:(-80)
🎉
Pro tip: Add music to the Stage!
Click on the Stage (not a sprite) in the bottom right panel. Go to its Code tab. Add
when 🚩 clicked → forever → start sound [Dance music] to loop party music for all sprites!Section 4
Lesson Summary
✅The Scratch stage uses X (horizontal) and Y (vertical) coordinates. Centre = x:0, y:0.
✅
move steps moves in the facing direction. turn degrees rotates. glide slides smoothly.✅
go to x: y: teleports instantly. glide secs to x: y: moves smoothly over time.✅Direction: 0=up, 90=right, 180=down, -90=left.
if on edge, bounce bounces off walls.✅Hover your mouse over the stage to see the X/Y coordinates of any position!
🧩 Knowledge Check — Lesson 5
5 motion questions. How many can you get right?
1. What is the X and Y position at the very centre of the Scratch stage?
2. What direction is a sprite facing when "point in direction" is set to 90?
3. What is the difference between "go to x:y:" and "glide to x:y:"?
4. What does "if on edge, bounce" do?
5. Moving a sprite to the RIGHT increases which coordinate?
Scratch Challenge — Lesson 5
Motion mastery · Beginner Level
Challenge: Orbit Simulator 🌍
Build a solar system where planets orbit around a sun!
Requirements:
1. A Sun sprite in the centre (x:0, y:0 — use the star or sun sprite)
2. Earth sprite that glides in a circular path around the sun
3. Moon sprite that follows the Earth using
4. Add colour effects to make the sun glow and pulse
5. Add a space backdrop and some star sound effects
Build a solar system where planets orbit around a sun!
Requirements:
1. A Sun sprite in the centre (x:0, y:0 — use the star or sun sprite)
2. Earth sprite that glides in a circular path around the sun
3. Moon sprite that follows the Earth using
go to [Earth] with a slight offset4. Add colour effects to make the sun glow and pulse
5. Add a space backdrop and some star sound effects
💡 Show hints if you're stuck
- Earth orbit: glide to 4 positions in a square-ish path: (0,100), (150,0), (0,-100), (-150,0)
- Or use
turn 5 degrees+move 2 stepsin a forever loop for a real circular path - Moon: use
go to [Earth]thenchange x by 30to offset slightly - Sun pulsing:
change size by 2thenchange size by -2in a loop
Finished this lesson?
Mark it complete to track your progress.
Module 05 of 16Phase 2 — Animation Skills