Coding Games W/ Game Maker - 4 Day Winter Break Camp

Welcome to the world of game design with our course, Coding Games with Game Maker! This program is designed for kids in grades 4-10 who want to explore the exciting world of game design and development. In this 4-day course, we will take you through a step-by-step process of creating your very own 2D game using Game Maker.

Our course focuses on student-centered learning with collaborative projects. This means that your child will not only learn about game design but also get hands-on experience in designing, customizing, constructing, and testing their creations. Our goal is to provide a fun and interactive learning experience where kids can explore their creativity and learn new skills.

No prior coding experience is required to join our course, but we do expect participants to be familiar with computer use. For beginners, we use a block-based programming language that is easy to learn and allows them to customize their creations in-game. More experienced participants can try out the integrated scripting language and explore advanced programming concepts.

Throughout the course, students will learn the Game Maker language and IDE to create custom programming. They will learn to program things like controls, graphics, and sound effects, and will gain an understanding of how to build their own video game with Game Maker. At the end of the course, participants will have the opportunity to publish their games and share them with friends and family.

Our class is structured into 3-hour long meetings that take place once a day for 4 days. We use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, games, slides, and discussion, to keep participants engaged and motivated. Our teaching style is student-centered, which means that we focus on the individual needs and learning styles of each participant. We encourage questions and discussions throughout the course to promote a collaborative learning environment.

At the end of each day, participants will have the opportunity to interact with each other and the instructor to share their progress, ask questions, and get feedback. We believe that interaction and collaboration are essential to the learning process, and we encourage participants to engage with each other and the instructor throughout the course.

Day 1 - Learn about Game Maker Studio and game design, Learn about sprite design and animation, Learn to create projects, sprites, and objects.
Day 2 - Create mazes using your sprites and objects, learn how to Design and code a simple plat-former map with gravity.
Day 3 - Create your our own game from Hero's Trail, by adding a coin functionality and allowing the player to pick them up
Day 4 - Learn about creating new enemies and setting follow distance and projectiles, Learn how to create health pickups and heal the players, and add finishing touch to your games and share with fellow campers.

In summary, our Coding Games with Game Maker course is designed to provide a fun and interactive learning experience for kids in grades 4-10 who want to explore the exciting world of game design and development. With no prior coding experience required, participants will learn the Game Maker language and IDE to create custom programming, learn to use controls, graphics, and sound effects, and build their own video game with Game Maker. Our student-centered learning approach and collaborative projects will keep participants engaged and motivated throughout the course. Join us and explore your creativity today!

English Language Requirement: This class is designed for students who can communicate comfortably in English at a basic to intermediate level (CEFR A2-B1). Students should be able to understand simple instructions, ask questions, and engage in discussions about their coding projects. If you're unsure about your child's proficiency level, feel free to reach out for guidance!