**Course Title:** Introduction to Programming with Scratch **Section Title:** Costumes, Backdrops, and Sounds **Topic:** Changing backdrops to enhance storytelling In the previous topic, we explored the world of sprite costumes and how they can be used to create engaging and interactive projects. In this topic, we'll focus on changing backdrops to enhance storytelling in your Scratch projects. A backdrop is the background image or color of your project, and changing it can greatly impact the atmosphere and theme of your story. **Why Change Backdrops?** Changing backdrops is a simple yet effective way to add variety and depth to your projects. Here are a few reasons why you might want to change backdrops: * To create different scenes or locations in a story * To set a specific mood or atmosphere * To show a change in time or season * To add visual interest and keep your project engaging **How to Change Backdrops** Changing backdrops in Scratch is a straightforward process. Here are the steps: 1. Click on the **Backdrops** tab in the Scratch editor. 2. Click on the **Paint** button to create a new backdrop or **Upload from file** to use an existing image. 3. Design your backdrop using the paint tools. You can choose from a variety of colors, shapes, and textures. 4. Once you're happy with your design, click **OK** to save the backdrop. 5. To change the backdrop in your project, simply click on the **Backdrops** tab and select the backdrop you want to use. **Switching Backdrops with Code** Changing backdrops can also be done using code blocks. This allows you to create dynamic and interactive projects where the backdrop changes in response to user input or other events. To change the backdrop using code, follow these steps: 1. Click on the **Scripts** tab in the Scratch editor. 2. Drag and drop the **Switch Backdrop** block into your script. 3. Select the backdrop you want to switch to from the dropdown menu. 4. Add the block to your script, and run it to see the backdrop change. **Example Project:** Let's create a simple example project that demonstrates how to change backdrops using code. We'll create a project that tells the story of a day in the life of a character, with different backdrops for different scenes. * Create a new project and add a sprite. * Create two backdrops: one for daytime and one for nighttime. * Use the **Switch Backdrop** block to change the backdrop when the character reaches a certain point in the story. * Add some code to animate the character and make the story more engaging. **Tips and Variations:** * Use the **Switch Backdrop to and wait** block to change the backdrop and then wait for a certain amount of time before continuing the script. * Use the **Switch Backdrop to** block to change the backdrop instantly. * Experiment with different backdrop designs and colors to create different moods and atmospheres. * Use backdrops to create interactive stories where the user can choose what happens next. **Conclusion:** Changing backdrops is a simple yet effective way to add variety and depth to your Scratch projects. By using the **Switch Backdrop** block and creating multiple backdrops, you can create dynamic and interactive stories that engage and entertain your audience. **What's Next:** In the next topic, we'll explore the world of sound effects and music in Scratch. You'll learn how to add sound effects and music to your projects, and how to use them to create a more immersive experience. **External Resources:** * Scratch Online Community: [https://scratch.mit.edu/](https://scratch.mit.edu/) * Scratch Documentation: [https://en.scratch-wiki.info/wiki/Scratch_Documentation](https://en.scratch-wiki.info/wiki/Scratch_Documentation) **Leave a Comment/Ask for Help:** If you have any questions or need help with this topic, please leave a comment below. I'll do my best to respond and provide further assistance.