How to Code a Video Game (Intro to Game Design): Projects 5 & 6 [Ages 11-16]

We start off with an overview of the GameMaker: Studio main interface and vocabulary including sprites, objects, alarms, events and variables. Also we will learn about the GameMaker: Studio 2 main interface toolbars, icons and menus.

Major computer science concepts covered during this class:
 Basic sprite actions, player actions, controls, and animations with specific methods and tools.
 Learn the basic concepts and logical thinking skills of object-oriented programming.
 GameMaker: Studio's custom special effects engine overview and demonstration.
 Designing for smooth, fun and bug-free gameplay.
 Learn to use game resources: Rooms, Sprites, Objects, Sounds, Paths
 Learn about the variable properties of game objects.
 Create custom variables to track values. Learn about variable interactions and the power of random numbers. 

I have over a decade of programming and independent game development experience and I have put together several published and unreleased games and mini-games, animated videos and other projects for fun and for personal education purposes.

For the past 5 years I've been teaching professionally using my own lessons as well as lessons from the online curriculum provided by Code.org and Khan Academy. I've taught hundreds of students, both in-person and online, and my students range from mixed groups at libraries and online to full-year students in charter and public schools. 

In the past I've worked with students who have special needs and / or behavioral issues, and those students were able to feel successful with these same lessons. I have many reference letters available upon request, but I am new to Outschool and would like your help to build a strong reputation here! Thank you for taking the time to read about my experience. 

The only homework would be to put finishing touches on your game projects and make them your own (after saving a working version, of course). At the end of the class, students also receive the completed project files, so each student leaves with a fully complete version of each of the 2 games that is working and ready to customize. 

Criteria for Success Lessons 1 & 2:
0. Intro, Interface, and Menus
1. Program the snow storm
2. Customize the particle properties to make the storm as intense or wacky as you like
3. Use GameMaker Language in a put the ID for each background piece into a variable
4. Use background IDs to change the speed of each background in response to user interaction
5. Use particles that have their own sprite to emphasize the movement of the player ship

Criteria for Success Lessons 3 & 4:
0. Intro, Interface, and Menus
1. Draw the score using the score object
2. Program the ninja's movement / gravity
3. Program the ninja's alarm and collision
4. Program the platforms to re-set and randomize their position
5. Program the cloud and star objects to make the background more active

1 hour per week in class, and an estimated 0 - 1 hours per week outside of class.