What's included
2 live meetings
3 in-class hoursClass Experience
This class will begin with an overview of the Scratch games, followed by an interactive demo and mini-lesson on the concepts and use of variables and operators in Computer Science. We will then work together as each student creates their own game. They will add artwork and coding, and we will discuss variables, operators, conditional code, sensors and debugging techniques as we use them. We will also discuss other topics related to student questions and interests. This class is for students who have used Scratch or a similar coding tool before. Students new to Scratch are encouraged to take my Scratch for Beginners class. We will choose the types of games to make (collector, maze, adventure, etc) based on our students’ prior experience and interests. If you can’t decide between signing up for a class on making games or story telling, this will be a good class for you! Great games often have a backstory, and we can include that in our Scratch games. Class 1 Activities: - Discuss game genres & ideas. - Preview the use of variables and operators in games. - Select/create artwork. - Code, test and debug basic game mechanics, including scoring. Class 2 Activities: - Show work added after class. - Discuss transitions. - Add a backstory. - Add a second level. - Test & debug. - Demo & give compliments on each other's games!
Learning Goals
Students will learn about variables, operators, and sensors in the Scratch interface, as well as logical thinking and debugging techniques. Students will use their creativity to make a fun game reflecting their own style.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Scratch is approved by OutSchool for coding classes. Students will need a Scratch account to save their projects for this class and beyond. Scratch has you use your (the parent’s) email address for children under 16, so parental help is needed if a student has to reset their password. Here is Scratch’s info page for parents: https://scratch.mit.edu/parents/. Please note, as with any online account, parental guidance is needed to monitor students' use of their account.
Supply List
Students will need a Scratch account for this class. If you don't already have a Scratch account, please create one prior to the start of this class.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
Hi, my name is Joan Mendelson. I teach Computer Science (CS) to Kg - 8th graders in a brick and mortar school. I also teach with Outschool!
In my classes, students use CS and their creativity to make animations, stories and games. I love creating with Scratch and other CS tools, because it’s like putting together pieces of a puzzle to make something special. My approach to teaching is to spark this joy in students, by making coding skills engaging and accessible. My classes bring together critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and collaboration. They empower students with confidence and skills to express themselves, help others, and continue learning.
I enjoy teaching beginners and experienced students alike. Students can progress at their own pace while sharing the experience with their classmates. There are so many things we can create with animation tools! My classes and animation clubs focus on various projects, including story telling, documenting events in kids’ lives, animated cards and letters, prototypes, and of course game creation. Whether I’m teaching a large class or a small group, I love to encourage student voice while developing technical skills. I hope you’ll join me! What should we create next?
When I’m not teaching, I enjoy bike riding, cooking, dancing, working on creative projects, and spending time with family and friends. What inspires you? Let’s use our passions to create something awesome!
Reviews
Live Group Class
$40
for 2 classes1x per week, 2 weeks
90 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
2-6 learners per class