Tech for Good with Scratch and Empathy: A Student-Led Innovation

At the 2024 Global Scratch Conference, Kai Coders proudly highlighted an inspiring "Tech for Good" project, led by a creative team of 6th graders. This innovative showcase featured three student prototype demonstration videos, along with a detailed slideshow that walked through the project lifecycle, focusing on the design framework and the power of empathy in tech development.

Project Inspiration: From ELA to Innovation

The project was inspired by the book Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper, an English Language Arts (ELA) assignment that deeply resonated with our young innovators. The book tells the story of Melody, an 11-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who struggles to communicate and move freely. This story sparked a passion for creating something that could help people like Melody.

From Inspiration to Invention: A Student's Journey

• Prototype 1: Communication Made Simple: The student began by using everyday household items, Scratch coding, and a Makey Makey invention kit. With Play-Doh blobs and a banana connected to an old laptop desk, they created simple communication buttons programmed in Scratch. (See student demonstration video 1)

• Prototype 2: Level Up with Teamwork and App Development: The project evolved with the help of a friend. Together, they revamped the app and prototype, entering it into the prestigious Congressional App Challenge. (See student demonstration video 2)

• Protype 3: Engineering Design Process in Action: The team applied the Engineering Design Process to create a third, improved prototype, which they submitted to the Thomas Edison Pitch Contest. (See student demonstration video 3)

  
  

The Takeaway: Tech for Good Begins with Empathy

This remarkable project illustrates the power of combining empathy with technology. Inspired by a literary character's challenges, these young innovators used coding and creativity to develop assistive technology that can make a difference in the lives of others.

The project is a perfect example of how project-based learning can spark curiosity and provide students with the confidence to continue their coding journeys—proving that tech for good truly begins with empathy.