not a big deal or anything, but i think that changing the

(() * ())

to

(() × () :: operators)

would make the block look much nicer and easier to kids to understand, as in most schools “x” is used for multiplication.

I think it looks prettier =3

Sure, why not also change

(() / ())

to

(() ÷ ()) //category=operators

I didn't knew there was a “÷” symbol. Interesting… xD

Zambonifofex wrote:

I didn't knew there was a “÷” symbol. Interesting… xD

On Windows, it's Alt + 246.

In most schools, “x” is used as the unknown in algebra. (Even in fourth-grade balance algebra)

And personally I think “*” looks better.

But if it would make it easier, then I support.
Actually I support anyways.

AonymousGuy wrote:

In most schools, “x” is used as the unknown in algebra. (Even in fourth-grade balance algebra)

And personally I think “*” looks better.

But if it would make it easier, then I support.

you prove a pretty good point pretty much. I started using algebra in first grade, but I went crazy with the different letters.
However, I Think that using an actual “÷” would help alot more.

I disagree, as in ‘proper’ programming / is used for division and * for multiplication.

MrFlash67 wrote:

I disagree, as in ‘proper’ programming / is used for division and * for multiplication.

Yeah, but what if your like a 8 year old and don't know what it means?

I think the “x” and the “÷” are more intuitive to kids

I had a 4th grader ask me last week where the multiplication operator is. I showed him, and he said that he didn't know that was the multiplication symbol.
I support this.

Like with the different vocabulary in maths, it is important that they understand * is the same as x and / is the same as ÷

when your younger you are told to use X for multiplication and ÷ for division
In algebra to avoid confusion between x (the variable sometimes known as a or n or y) and X you use *
In algebra fractions are generally used rather than ÷ eg rather than 1÷2 you do 1/2

and how about

(() [+ v] ()) //category=operators

It's more readable as ‘x’ for multiplication, and 'x' for algebra.

Support.

I never knew that either until, like, fourth grade that they were the multiplication and division symbols. My mom said the “*” is better because the x is used as the unknown in a lot of questions, but my teacher says that we should keep the symbol and use another letter for the unknown. I know that was a lot of useless info, but hey… And yes, I definitely support this.

No support, as other programming languages use those symbols.

…Besides, they can try and figure it out on their own.

Seeing as how * and / are used in other languages, I think they should be kept as is.
Also, do most 8-year-olds who use Scratch know about trigonometry, logarithms, etc.?
I don't think so.

And then when they want to move on to Java, they will have to do a Google search for
“How do I multiply in Java?!?!?!?!?!”

and realize that they were lied to.

Well this is an interesting discussion. Frankly, I'm torn between keeping the current symbols because most programming languages use them or switching to these new ones because they are easier to be understood by kids. Hmm…

Are you guys saying that it shoulde use “*” and “/” just because it's used in other programing languages? Scratch is not made to look like other programing languages, but actually to be easier to understand.

AonymousGuy wrote:

Seeing as how * and / are used in other languages, I think they should be kept as is.
Also, do most 8-year-olds who use Scratch know about trigonometry, logarithms, etc.?
I don't think so.

And then when they want to move on to Java, they will have to do a Google search for
“How do I multiply in Java?!?!?!?!?!”

and realize that they were lied to.

Of course they wouldn't know about trigonometry and log.s, so they would just ignore it. But imagine that a kid start using scratchsee the “*” and the “/” block, and don't know what they do, and just ignore them, even if they alredy know how to divide and multiply?

Well, they will search to know how to multiply in java, and probably quickly find an answer and start coding! Java way more complex than Scratch, I don't think that who doesn't know what “/” and “*” means would be able to use java…

Zambonifofex wrote:

and don't know what they do, and just ignore them, .

That is actually exactly what I did when I was introduced to Scratch in fourth grade.
I didn't even have a use for them, because I was doing simple things, using the "when key pressed" block.