Unit 1: Getting started with Snap!

In this unit, the video first shows you the basics of the Snap! programming environment. Then you'll create your first small program: a game where you try to catch the course mascot. In the next exercise, you'll learn new commands to animate the mascot and make it say a few things about Europe. At the end, a short quiz helps you check what you've learned.

Welcome to Snap! – Let’s Get Started

Information: Saving Snap! Projects

There are two different ways to save Snap! projects.

Option A: Save your project to your computer

In Snap!, go to the File menu (File menu button), choose "Save As," select “Computer” from the save dialog, and name your project.

Saving the project on the computer

The project will be saved in the browser’s download location as an XML file.

 

Option B: Create a Snap! account with a personal email and save your project in the cloud.

Open a new tab or window and go to http://snap.berkeley.edu/sign_up.

  • Make sure your username does not include any personal information (no names, birthdays, student ID numbers, etc.) Same goes for your password.
  • In the "email address" box, enter a personal email. An email will be sent to that address to verify the account. That needs to happen in the next 3 days, but you don't have to do it right now.

After you create the account, go back to your Snap! window and log in using your new username and password. Click the Cloud menu  and select "Login..."

cloud login

If you have successfully logged in, you will see a filled cloud (Cloud menu button). You can change your password at any time using the Cloud menu.

To save your project in the cloud go to the File menu (File menu button) choose "Save As..." and select “Cloud” from the save dialog.

Exercise: Animation of Objects

Open the following snap! project:

https://snap.berkeley.edu/snap/snap.html#present:Username=knemeyer&ProjectName=unit01_headblocks&editMode&noRun

▶️ Time to Animate Alonzo!

Ready to bring your code to life? Let’s dive in!

Click the 🟢 green flag at any time to restart your program — it’s like hitting the reset button.
Then, press the 1 key on your keyboard to run the first example script.

🧠 Your Mission:

Complete the next three scripts so that Alonzo (your sprite buddy!) performs the actions described in the little comment bubbles attached to each one.

These are small challenges to help you practice your Snap! skills — you’ve got this! 💪

🎨 Time to Get Creative!

Once you’ve finished the tasks, it’s your turn to get creative:

  • 🕺 Animate Alonzo in fun, original ways

  • 💬 Make him say sentences about why he loves the EU

  • 🧩 Use any of the blocks from the reduced command palette — everything you need is right there!

💡 Pro tip: The first two blocks in each script are just there to reset the stage before your animation starts. You don’t need to change them — focus on the fun part!

Test yourself