Animation and Programming Methods with Alice and Netbeans - Level 3 or 4 - (Ages 10-15)

Prerequsite:  At least one of my other Alice classes or permission from the instructor.  Alice combines object-based drop-and-drag block coding with more traditional text code editing in Java (using Netbeans IDE). This class will explore extending our animations using camera shots, more extensive scripting of scenes, and by creating class methods that define new behaviors for objects. 

Some of the methods we will create in Alice include swimming, hopping, loop-de-loops, building a checker game, creating an exercise video, and creating a longer original animated story.  We will also look at how to use methods in creating and editing code in Java in the Netbeans IDE.  

Parents or students will need to download and install Alice 3.6 on their computer prior to the first week (teacher will be available for any technical support needed!)  Download it from: http://www.alice.org/get-alice/alice-3/.  Alice 3.6 will run on Windows (32- or 64-bit systems), Mac OS, or Linux. There is a NetBeans add-on that works with Alice 3.6 which we will be using with this course.  I will post information on downloading and installing the Java JDK and Netbeans in the course and I can help you with this if you need it.

Students will be expected to complete basic assignments, but are encouraged to be creative and personalize their work and share their creations with the class.