Mandala Magic

Students should have a basic understanding of the Scratch interface, including how to find and arrange code blocks. Familiarity with sprites and basic sequencing of commands is beneficial.

Minds On: 5 minutes

1. Warm-Up Questions: Start a discussion with questions like: "What are mandalas? Where have you seen them? What feelings or ideas do they bring to mind?".
2. Connect to Mental Health: Explain the workshop's central idea is Mental Health. Discuss how creating mandalas can be a calming and meditative process that promotes mindfulness and self-care.
3. Introduce the Project: Show students the completed Scratch project so they can see what they will be creating. Briefly discuss the patterns and symmetry they observe.

Model: 15 minutes

1. Introduce Starter Code & Pen Extension: Guide students to the starter project. Demonstrate how to add the Pen extension and explain its key blocks, like stamp, pen down, pen up, and erase all.
2. Code the Basic Pattern: Model how to use the stamp block in combination with a turn block inside a repeat loop. Explain the math: a full circle is 360 degrees, so to repeat a shape 10 times, each turn must be 36 degrees (360 / 10 = 36).
3. Demonstrate Functions: Explain that a "function" (My Blocks) allows you to create a reusable block of code. Model how to create a simple function for drawing the mandala to make the code more organized and efficient.

Practice: 30 minutes

1. Create a Custom Symbol: Instruct students to design their own unique symbol in the paint editor. Encourage them to choose symbols that represent something meaningful to them, such as inner growth, math, or science.
2. Code the Mandala: Students will apply the modeled concepts to their own project. They will use the repeat loop with stamp and turn blocks to create a full circle with their symbol. Circulate to provide support, reminding students to check their math for the turn degrees.
3. Implement a Function: Guide students to create and call their own function to generate their mandala pattern efficiently.
4. Add a Signature (Broadcast): Students will create a second sprite and use the broadcast block to make their signature appear after the mandala is drawn.

Consolidate: 10 minutes

1. Gallery Walk/Share: Have students share their completed mandalas with a partner or in small groups.
2. Reflection Questions: Lead a brief discussion with questions like:

▪ "What was challenging about making your code work?"

▪ "How did using a 'repeat' block help you create your pattern?"

▪ "How did creating your mandala make you feel?"

1. Pre-Made Symbol Templates

Provide simple, pre-designed symbols (stars, hearts, basic shapes) that students can choose from instead of creating their own. This allows them to focus on the coding concepts rather than design.

1. Visual Math Reference Card

Create a quick reference showing the turn degrees for different repetitions:

4 repeats = 90° | 6 repeats = 60° | 10 repeats = 36° | 12 repeats = 30°

1. Make Functions Optional

Allow students to complete the mandala using just the repeat loop with stamp and turn blocks. Add the custom function as an extension once they've mastered the basic pattern.