Connecting your LEGO BOOST set with Scratch allows you to bring your robotic creations to life through block-based coding. To use LEGO BOOST with Scratch, you must install and run Scratch Link, turn on Bluetooth on your computer, and then load the Boost extension within Scratch.
Getting Started with LEGO BOOST and Scratch
Integrating LEGO BOOST with Scratch enables interactive projects where your physical models respond to digital commands. This process involves a few crucial setup steps to establish communication between your computer and the BOOST Creative Toolbox.
Here are the essential steps to prepare your system for LEGO BOOST programming in Scratch:
- Install and Run Scratch Link: This software acts as a bridge, allowing Scratch to communicate with hardware devices like LEGO BOOST.
- Turn On Bluetooth: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your computer, as this is the wireless technology LEGO BOOST uses for connection.
- Load the BOOST Extension: Within the Scratch environment, you need to add the specific extension for LEGO BOOST to access its programming blocks.
Step-by-Step Connection Guide
Follow these steps to successfully connect your LEGO BOOST to Scratch:
- Install and Run Scratch Link: Before opening Scratch, download and install the Scratch Link application on your computer. Once installed, make sure it is running in the background. Scratch Link facilitates the communication between the Scratch editor in your browser (or desktop app) and your LEGO BOOST hub via Bluetooth.
- Enable Bluetooth: Navigate to your computer's settings and ensure that Bluetooth is turned on. This is critical for the wireless connection between your computer and the LEGO BOOST hub. Without an active Bluetooth connection, Scratch will not be able to detect your BOOST device.
- Add the BOOST Extension in Scratch:
- Open Scratch (either the online editor or the desktop application).
- In the Scratch editor, look for the "Add Extension" button, usually located in the bottom-left corner.
- Click on "Add Extension" and then select the "LEGO BOOST" extension from the list. This will add a new set of programming blocks specifically designed for controlling your LEGO BOOST creations.
Supported LEGO BOOST Features in Scratch
Once connected, you can program various functionalities of your LEGO BOOST models directly from Scratch. It's important to know which components are supported for programming:
- Motors: You can control the movement and speed of the LEGO BOOST motors, enabling your robots to drive, lift, or manipulate objects.
- Tilt Angle Sensors: The built-in tilt sensors can be read, allowing your Scratch programs to react to the orientation of your BOOST hub.
- Color Sensor: The color sensor is supported, meaning you can detect different colors that your BOOST model encounters and use this information in your code.
Capabilities Overview
Here's a quick overview of what you can and cannot do with LEGO BOOST in Scratch:
| Feature/Sensor | Support in Scratch | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Motors | Fully Supported | Control movement, speed, and direction for various robotic actions. |
| Tilt Angle Sensor | Fully Supported | Detect the orientation and angle of the Boost Hub for interactive programs. |
| Color Sensor | Fully Supported | Identify different colors, useful for line-following robots or object sorting. |
| Distance Sensor | Not Supported | The integrated distance sensor on the BOOST hub cannot be utilized in Scratch. |
By following these steps, you can effectively integrate your LEGO BOOST set with Scratch, opening up a world of creative coding and robotic projects.
