14. Collecting External Input Using a Scratch Board

In addition to using Scratch to develop all kinds of games and applications and interacting with those games and applications using the mouse and keyboard, Scratch is also designed to interact with a special piece of hardware known as a Scratch Board. Using a Scratch Board, you can create applications that are capable of sensing and collecting real-world input. Scratch Boards come with a number of built-in controls, including a slider, a button, and four pairs of alligator clips, as well as two sensors that allow it to capture light and sound data. This chapter will teach you everything you need to know to work with a Scratch Board, including how to install and programmatically interact with it.

The major topics covered in this chapter include:

• Learning how to purchase a Scratch Board

• Downloading and installing Scratch Board software

• Using sensing code blocks to programmatically interact with a Scratch Board

• Keeping an eye on Scratch Board data using different types of monitors