Learn to Code! Create a Hill Racing Game in Microsoft Makecode

In this 2 hour class, students will learn the basics of Microsoft MakeCode while making a Hill Climb Racing Game.

Our philosophies at TechWise Academy:
1) Embrace Mistakes - Coding provides immediate feedback to the learner to correct any mistakes along the way. Mistakes are part of the process of learning. 
2) Enjoy Learning - We use fun characters and games to make the learning fun for your student. We know that students learn better when they enjoy the process.
3) Explore Computer Science - We want to expose the problem solving techniques used in computer science to every child. We know every student will not be programmers one day; however, we want to give tools that can be used across any field of study or career. 

Below is a rough breakdown of what we will cover during the class:

- What is programming? We like to start each class with a discussion of computer science: what does it mean, what do developers create? 
- Introduction to Microsoft MakeCode. Students will follow along while we create a new project and learn how to save.
- Discussion about the code blocks available in MakeCode vs. Scratch.
- Discussion about event-driven programming (especially for game & app design).
- Follow along and create a tilemap for our 2D game (your student's will be unique!)
- Follow along and add a vehicle to the game. 
- Discuss and create vehicle movement in the game.
- Add gas cans
- Add timer, sound effects, finishing wall (with conditional statement), and game over functionality.

It will be important that students have access to a separate device or monitor for coding so that they can follow along with class.