What's included
4 live meetings
4 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Using previously learned Python skills, students will develop an arcade-style game where the main character (Munch) will chase after food. Munch must stay on the screen or he loses a life, but he'll go faster every time he eats a piece of food! Lose 5 lives and it's GAME OVER! Each class is structured as follows: -Introduction/Review - some theory about Python that is needed for the class (for example, if-statements) -Apply theory to the graphical environment with a warm-up activity (for example, making a simple button that can be clicked) -Learn a new graphical concept (for example, interaction with the mouse) -Apply the graphical concept to the project that the group is working on -Work on the main project Prerequisite Python skills: -variables -basic understanding of coordinates** -if-statements/logical operators (and, or, not) -random numbers Also, students need to be able to type using the full keyboard to keep up in class (recommended 20 WPM). Students will be coding in class, so they need to have Processing installed (download from http://processing.org). **If students have not taken this teacher's Python Graphics I course, they should check in with the teacher first to ensure that they have sufficient understanding of this concept. I encourage students to code and ask questions, and I will check for understanding as we code together. Students are encouraged to stretch themselves to learn new skills, but I also scaffold learning to support all students. Skills covered: -Basic game design/game states -Mastery of complex if-statements -Basic understanding of functions -Keyboard and mouse input and interaction -Basic use of loops -Use of images, fonts, and sounds -File reading and writing Approximate Weekly Plan Day 1: Introduction to the Game/Game Design -Set up game environment (game states) -Create splash screen -Get Munch on the screen and moving with the keyboard -Reset when off the screen -Lives -Game Over Screen for homework Day 2: -Collision detection -Get food on screen and moving randomly when collision happens -Points -Speed up Day 3: -Fixing bugs -Adding graphics -Loops -Tidy up interface by turning lives into an image, etc. Day 4: -High score (File input/output) -Sound -Fixing any last bugs/adding enhancements -Show and tell our games
Learning Goals
Students will combine previous coding skills into one major project
Students will explore various components of game design (goals, challenge, easy-to-use interface, for example)
Students will use external files, such as images and sound files proficiently
Other Details
Supply List
Students need to use a laptop with full keyboard. Unfortunately, Chromebooks, tablets, or phones won't work for this class. Students will need to install Processing on their computers. A handout will be provided prior to each class.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have taught Computer Science to over a thousand students from K-12, most of whom are beginners, ages 10-16. Having worked through many iterations of similar courses in classrooms in Canada and overseas, I am aware of what students need to get a good foundation in Python. This course is the second of my Making Graphical Games in Python courses.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$20
weekly or $80 for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
70 min
Completed by 6 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-14
2-4 learners per class