Build a Timer from Scratch

Build a Timer from Scratch: A Fun Learning Activity for Kids 

Do you want to learn how to build a timer from Scratch? Whether you're a beginner or a coding enthusiast, creating a timer is a fantastic way to understand programming basics while having fun! At 98thPercentile, we believe in making learning interactive and exciting for students in grades 1-12. 

In this blog, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to create your own timer using Scratch, a free block-based coding platform developed by MIT. By the end, you’ll have a working timer that counts down or up—just like the ones you see in games and apps! 

Why Build a Timer in Scratch? 

Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand why creating a timer is a great project: 

Improves Logical Thinking – Coding a timer helps you understand how time functions in programs. 
Hands-On Learning – Scratch makes coding visual and easy to grasp. 
Customizable – You can design your timer with fun sounds, animations, and messages. 
Prepares for Advanced Coding – Learning Scratch is the first step toward mastering real-world programming languages like Python and JavaScript. 

Now, let’s get started! 

 

Step 1: Open Scratch and Set Up Your Project 

1. Go to the Scratch website and sign in (or create an account if you don’t have one). 

2. Click "Create" to start a new project. 

3. Delete the default Cat sprite (right-click and select Delete). 

 

Step 2: Create a Timer Sprite 

Since we’re building a timer, we need a way to display the time. Let’s create a variable to track seconds. 

1. Click on the "Variables" category in the block's menu. 

2. Click "Make a Variable" and name its "Timer". 

3. Make sure the "Timer" variable is checked so it appears on the screen. 

 

Step 3: Code the Timer 

Now, let’s program the timer to count down from 10 seconds. 

1. Drag a "When Green Flag Clicked" block (from Events) to start the script. 

2. Add a "Set [Timer] to [10]" block (from Variables). 

3. Use a "Repeat Until" block (from Control) and set it to "Timer = 0". 

4. Inside the loop, add: 

1. A "Wait 1 Second" block (from Control). 

2. A "Change [Timer] by [-1]" block (from Variables). 

5. Finally, add a "Say [Time's Up!] for [2] seconds" block (from Looks) outside the loop. 

Your code should look like this: 

scratch 

Copy 

Download 

when green flag clicked   
set [Timer] to [10]   
repeat until [Timer = 0]   
  wait (1) seconds   
  change [Timer] by (-1)   
end   
say [Time's Up!] for (2) seconds   

 

Step 4: Make It Fancy! (Customizations) 

A basic timer works, but why not make it more exciting? Here are some fun additions: 

1. Add a Background & Characters 

• Click "Choose a Backdrop" and pick a fun theme (like a racetrack or space). 

• Add a sprite (like a rocket or a dinosaur) that moves when the timer runs out. 

2. Play Sounds 

• Go to the "Sound" tab and add a "Beep" sound every second. 

• Add a "Cheer" or "Alarm" sound when the timer ends. 

3. Change Colors & Effects 

• Use "Change Color Effect" blocks to make the timer flash when it reaches zero. 

 

Step 5: Test & Share Your Timer 

• Click the Green Flag to test your timer. 

• If something does not work, check your code for mistakes. 

• Once it is perfect, click "Share" to let friends and family try it! 

 

What’s Next? Challenge Yourself! 

Now that you have built a basic timer, try these advanced challenges: 

🔹 Count-Up Timer – Modify the code to make the timer count up instead of down. 
🔹 Stopwatch with Laps – Add buttons to start, stop, and reset the timer. 
🔹 Quiz Game Timer – Use the timer in a trivia game where players answer questions before time runs out. 

 

Why Learn Coding with 98thPercentile? 

At 98thPercentile, we help students in grades 1-12 master coding, math, English, and more through live, online classes. Our expert teachers make learning fun and interactive—just like this Scratch timer project! 

Small Group Classes – Personalized attention for every student. 
Accelerated Learning – Get ahead of school curriculum. 
Certified Teachers – Learn from the best in a supportive environment. 

Ready to take your coding skills to the next level? Join 98thPercentile today! 

 

Conclusion 

Building a timer from Scratch is a fun way to learn coding basics while creating something useful. Whether you're in 1st grade or 12th grade, projects like this help develop problem-solving skills and creativity. 

So, what are you waiting for? Open Scratch, follow these steps, and make your own timer today! And if you want to learn even more cool coding tricks, check out 98thPercentile’s live online classes. 

Happy coding!