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Codecrafters: Game Design & Coding Adventures With Python & Blockly

Dive into the thrilling world of game design and coding. Designed specifically for young enthusiasts aged 10-14, this interactive course combines the power of Python and Blockly to offer a unique, hands-on learning experience.
Bright & Smart ~ Engineering Skills for Kids
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:
(212)
Class

What's included

4 live meetings
4 in-class hours
Homework
1 hour per week. Students will be allowed to continue to improve their projects in between meetings. Prior to every class, students can present their projects and the improvements they made in the process.

Class Experience

Beginner Level
Week 1: Introduction to Blockly and Basic Game Design

Introduction (15 minutes): Overview of the course, tools, and objectives.
A brief introduction to game design principles and the importance of storytelling in games.

Blockly Basics (30 minutes): The interactive demonstration of Blockly covers sequences, loops, and basic logic blocks.
Students start a simple project, such as an interactive story or a basic game (e.g., a puzzle or maze).

Wrap-up (15 minutes): Review of the day's concepts.
Q&A and preview of next week's focus on transitioning to Python and enhancing game mechanics.

Week 2: Transitioning to Python for Game Development

Introduction to Python (20 minutes): Overview of Python as a programming language.
Basic syntax, variables, and data types.

From Blockly to Python (25 minutes): Demonstrating how Blockly concepts translate into Python code.
Guided coding activity: Writing a simple Python script with control structures (if statements, loops).

Project Brief (15 minutes): Introduction to a simple game project using Python (e.g., a text-based adventure or quiz game).
Outline project goals and expectations for completion by the end of the course.

Week 3: Game Mechanics and Development with Python
Advanced Python for Games (20 minutes): Introduction to functions, lists, and handling user input in Python.
Brief overview of Pygame as a tool for game development.

Game Development Basics (25 minutes): Starting the game project: setting up a game loop and adding basic mechanics (e.g., movement or interactions).
Hands-on coding session with instructor guidance.

Review and Next Steps (15 minutes): Reviewing progress on the game project.
Preview of finalizing the game project, focusing on adding features and polishing.

Week 4: Finalizing and Presenting the Game Project
Game Development Continuation (20 minutes): Adding final features to the game project (e.g., scores, levels, or challenges).
Tips for debugging and polishing the game.

Presentation Preparation (15 minutes): Prepare a brief presentation on their game: concept, how it was developed, and what was learned.
Guidance on how to effectively showcase their project.

Game Showcase and Wrap-up (25 minutes): Students present their games to the class, sharing their development process and lessons learned.
Course wrap-up: Reviewing key concepts, discussing further learning resources, and encouraging continued practice and exploration in coding and game design.

This condensed syllabus ensures that each session is packed with learning and hands-on activities, making the most of the limited time while inspiring students to explore coding and game design further.
Learning Goals
Creative Game Design: Learn the art of game design from concept to completion. Students will explore storytelling, character creation, level design, and sound effects, culminating in the creation of their own playable video games.

Interactive Learning: Engage in fun, project-based activities that encourage exploration and innovation. Our curriculum includes live coding sessions, game design challenges, and collaborative projects that make learning an adventure.

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Through coding puzzles and game development projects, students will enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, essential skills for the digital age.

Future-Ready Skills: Coding is more than just creating games; it's about preparing for the future. Students will develop computational thinking, digital literacy, and an understanding of how technology shapes our world.
learning goal

Other Details

External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
4.8
212reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bright & Smart was founded in 2005, and since then, we have been dedicated to teaching and developing our programs for the past 18 years. Our programs are designed with the student's learning experience in mind, and our goal is to help them develop a love for STEM and enhance their higher cognitive skills and natural abilities. We aim to empower them to see themselves as creators of technology.

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$80

for 4 classes
1x per week, 4 weeks
60 min

Completed by 8 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
3-6 learners per class

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