Trigger
An event that starts a response.
Curriculum topic
Events and Commands
Programs need a reason to begin and a precise instruction about what should happen next. Events provide the reason; commands provide the action.
Why it matters
A small idea that returns in larger systems.
Without events, a game cannot tell the difference between waiting and acting. Without commands, a robot has no sequence to follow. This topic gives students the basic grammar of interactive systems: when something happens, do something observable.
Real-world connection
An elevator button, a pedestrian crossing, and a game controller all wait for an event. The systems differ, but each must connect an input to a dependable sequence.
The connection shows where the idea returns; it does not claim every advanced application is taught in this first topic.
Math and logic kernel
The structure beneath the project.
Sequence
Commands run in an intentional order.
Cause and effect
A visible action should have an identifiable cause.
Specificity
A useful command says exactly what changes.
Small examples
Make one relationship visible at a time.
Green flag
Start a Scratch scene from a known state.
Key press
Move or act only when a chosen key is pressed.
Button input
Make a simulated or physical output respond.
Message received
Start one part of a project when another part is ready.
Program connections
Where this topic appears.
Active now
Scratch & Game Design
Beginner-friendly programming through original games, animations, simulations, and interactive stories.
Active now
Robotics
Commands, sensors, simple electronics, simulations, and physical systems organized around Sense, Decide, Act.
Available later
Roblox Studio / Lua
A future bridge from visual programming to Lua, 3D objects, events, and larger game systems.
Common mistakes
Useful clues, not reasons to stop.
Commands in the wrong order
The output happens before the setup is complete.
No clear trigger
Code exists but nothing tells it to run.
Too many jobs in one event
A single script becomes difficult to test.
Assuming instant completion
The next command begins before an animation or movement has finished.
Lesson and projects
Use the idea inside a working system.
Scratch & Game Design
Guided Class Project
Robot Hamster Command Centre
Queue or trigger movement commands for a robot hamster navigating a tiny security map.
Open project
Robotics
Guided Class Project
Button and Buzzer Alarm
Connect a button input to visible and audible outputs, then improve the alarm's state rules.
Open project
Scratch & Game Design
Guided Class Project
Quiz of Questionable Knowledge
Build a quiz with answer checks, feedback, score, question state, and respectfully strange wrong answers.
Open project