C.O.O.L.™ Zone Scholars Showcase Creativity and Coding Skills Through Scratch Animation Projects
- Vickie Liou
- 22 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Ridgeland, MS – Over the past four weeks, scholars in SR1’s C.O.O.L.™ Zone program explored storytelling, animation, and computer programming through Scratch-based courses designed for both elementary and secondary scholars. While younger students focused on building animated stories and character (sprite) interactions through the course Programming with Scratch Animations: From Dialogues to Dynamic Stories, middle and high school scholars explored more advanced storytelling and advertising techniques through the course Storytelling with Scratch Animations: From Stories to Social Impact.
Throughout the program, scholars learned how to bring ideas to life using Scratch, a block-based programming platform used to create interactive stories and animations. Students explored animation design, digital storytelling, storyboarding, persuasive techniques, and core programming concepts such as sequencing, events, loops, and sprite interactions.
The program concluded with a joint animation showcase where scholars from all groups presented their projects to classmates, instructors, and peers from other classes. During the presentations, students explained their creative process, demonstrated how they programmed their animations, and shared the ideas behind their projects. The showcase highlighted not only technical growth, but also confidence, collaboration, communication, and creativity.
To celebrate the scholars’ hard work and creativity, special awards were presented during the showcase:
Most Creative Award – Kristen Hobson, 6th grade
Awarded for demonstrating outstanding originality, imaginative storytelling, and unique creative choices throughout the project.
Best Use of Code Award – Anya Davis, 6th grade
Awarded for effectively using a variety of programming techniques and coding strategies to create an engaging and functional animation.
Best Presentation Award – Farrah Eubanks, 7th grade
Awarded for presenting a project clearly and confidently while helping the audience understand the thinking and process behind the animation.
While a few students received special recognition, every scholar contributed something valuable to the showcase. From humorous animations and creative characters to thoughtful programming solutions and persuasive storytelling, students demonstrated meaningful growth throughout the program.
SR1 is proud of all the C.O.O.L.™ Zone Program scholars who participated and look forward to seeing how they continue to grow as creators, storytellers, and problem-solvers.
About SR1
SR1 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving education, workforce development, and community health across Mississippi. Through innovative programs like SR1 C.O.O.L. ™ Zone, SR1 empowers students and families with the tools they need to succeed.
For more information about SR1 and its programs, visit www.sr1tech.org.
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