← ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8

Scratch My Blocks as Python functions

Makes a Python function, like defining a Scratch My Block once. Run it any time by calling its name, e.g. greet(). Inputs become parameters, so you reuse the code instead of copying blocks.

Part of: ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8 — Programming with Control Structures and Functions (Python) — Module 44

Understanding Scratch My Blocks as Python functions in ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8

What it does: The Scratch block input becomes a parameter inside the brackets of the def line. Calling the same function three times reuses one definition, just like using a My Block three times instead of copying its blocks. The 'define' hat block becomes def. For example, def jump(): is like define jump. Functions let you reuse code. You write the steps once with def, then call the name whenever you need them. A def line must end with a colon. Without the colon Python gives a syntax error.

Common mistakes: Writing only the name does not run the function. Like dragging out a My Block, you must call it with brackets: jump(). The call is missing its closing bracket. The block input 3 must go inside a full pair of brackets: spin(3).

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 522–560) and word search (Modules 522–580).

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Learning

Duo

In Scratch you make a custom block in My Blocks. Which Python keyword does the 'define' hat block turn into?

defblock

Matches

cheer() print('Go team!')

↓

This is missing the def keyword, so Python cannot define the function. It also has no colon, so it is a call, not a definition.

Applying

Meanings

Term

def

Meaning

Makes a Python function, like defining a Scratch My Block once. Run it any time by calling its name, e.g. greet(). Inputs become parameters, so you reuse the code instead of copying blocks.

Practice

def cheer(name):

Testing

Gaps

cheer():

Check Answer

Spots

2 print("Jump!")

3jump

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Quick Questions

1. In Scratch you make a custom block in My Blocks. Which Python keyword does the 'define' hat block turn into?

A. def ✓

B. block

The 'define' hat block becomes def. For example, def jump(): is like define jump.

2. Which line runs (uses) a function called jump, like dragging the jump block into a script?

A. def jump()

B. jump() ✓

Calling a function means writing its name with brackets: jump(). Writing def again would define it a second time instead of running it.

3. You define a Scratch My Block once and use it many times. What is the Python version of this?

A. Copy and paste the same lines every time you need them

B. Define the function once, then call it many times ✓

Functions let you reuse code. You write the steps once with def, then call the name whenever you need them.

4. Which function definition is written correctly in Python?

A. def dance(): ✓

B. def dance()

A def line must end with a colon. Without the colon Python gives a syntax error.

5. A My Block has an input called steps, like 'move (steps)'. How is this input written in Python?

A. def move_forward(steps): ✓

B. def move_forward:steps

Block inputs become parameters. They go inside the brackets after the function name.

Match the Pairs

def cheer(): → Defines a new function called cheer, like making a Scratch My Block with the define hat

cheer() → Calls the function so its code runs, like dragging the My Block into a script

A My Block with an input, like 'jump (height)', becomes a function with a parameter → def jump(height):

Reuse: define once, then use the My Block many times instead of copying blocks → greet() greet() greet()

cheer() print('Go team!') → This is missing the def keyword, so Python cannot define the function. It also has no colon, so it is a call, not a definition.

def cheer(): print('Go team!') cheer → The call is missing brackets, so the function is named but never run.

Key Term

def

Makes a Python function, like defining a Scratch My Block once. Run it any time by calling its name, e.g. greet(). Inputs become parameters, so you reuse the code instead of copying blocks.

Fill in the Blanks

1. def cheer(): print("Go team!")

Hint: Type the keyword that defines a function, like making a new My Block.

2. def cheer(): print("Go team!") cheer()

Hint: Type the punctuation that ends the def line, before the indented body begins.

3. def cheer(): print("Go team!") cheer()

Hint: Type the function name used to call it, like dragging your My Block into a script.

4. def hello(name): print("Hi", name) hello("Zoe")

Hint: Type the parameter, like the input of a My Block, that the function body prints.

5. def bonus(points): print(points + 10) bonus(5)

Hint: Type the arithmetic operator that adds ten to the input value.

Spot the Error

Question 1

A def jump():

B print("Jump!")

C jump

Line C — Writing only the name does not run the function. Like dragging out a My Block, you must call it with brackets: jump().

Question 2

A def spin(times):

B print("Spin", times)

C spin(3

Line C — The call is missing its closing bracket. The block input 3 must go inside a full pair of brackets: spin(3).

Question 3

A def clap():

B print("Clap!"

C clap()

D clap()

Line B — The print call inside the function is missing its closing bracket. It should be print("Clap!").

Question 4

A def move(steps)

B print("Moving", steps)

C move(10)

Line A — The def line must end with a colon. It should be def move(steps):.

Question 5

A function say_hi(name):

B print("Hi", name)

C say_hi("Sam")

Line A — Python uses the keyword def, not function, to define a function (like the define block in Scratch). It should be def say_hi(name):.

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