Face Detection Games in Scratch with AI

Apps used:

1. Scratch Lab – https://lab.scratch.mit.edu/

Introduction

Face detection technology is revolutionizing the way we interact with computers, making applications more intuitive and engaging. This article explains how educators and students can use Scratch’s Face Sensing Extension to create interactive games, turning coding into an enjoyable and educational experience.

Overview of Face Detection in Scratch

Scratch’s experimental Face Sensing Extension allows users to track facial features via a webcam. Key parameters like face tilt and face size can be used to control elements in Scratch projects, enabling students to build games that respond to their facial movements.

Activity 1: Using Face Tilt to Rotate and Move Sprites

Objective

Create a simple interactive experience where the rotation and position of a Sprite are controlled by face tilt.

Steps

1. Use the Face Tilt parameter to:

   • Rotate a Sprite (e.g., the Scratch cat) in sync with the user’s head movements.
   • Adjust the Sprite’s position on the screen based on face tilt angles.

2. Enhance the range by scaling the tilt value to cover the entire screen:

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   Multiply face tilt by 4 to map its range to the screen's width.


Learning Outcome

Students see how numerical inputs can dynamically affect visual elements, fostering an understanding of how sensors interact with code.

Activity 2: Making a Balloon-Popping Game

Objective

Develop a game where players pop balloons by touching them with their noses.

Steps

1. Create a Sprite for the balloon and program it to move randomly across the screen.
2. Add a Touch Detection block that triggers when the Sprite is touched by the user’s nose:
   • Play a popping sound.
   • Animate the Sprite to simulate an explosion.
   • Increment a score variable.

Learning Outcome

Students learn about collision detection and how to connect real-world movements with in-game actions.

Activity 3: Adding Challenges

Objective

Introduce a second balloon to make the game more competitive.

Steps

1. Duplicate the balloon Sprite and modify its color to differentiate it as the “spiky” balloon.
2. Program the “spiky” balloon to:
   • Deduct points when touched.
   • End the game if the score reaches zero.

Learning Outcome

Students gain insight into conditional programming, learning how to manage multiple variables and add stakes to gameplay.

Broader Applications

These activities demonstrate how motion detection can:

• Enhance accessibility in games and apps.
• Introduce students to fundamental coding concepts like loops, variables, and event handling.
• Make STEM education more interactive and engaging.

Conclusion

Face detection in Scratch offers endless possibilities for creative projects. By leveraging this technology, educators can inspire students to explore coding in an intuitive and fun way. Whether creating games or interactive art, the potential of face sensing is limited only by imagination. Encourage your students to experiment and innovate with this exciting tool!