What's included
12 pre-recorded lessons
12 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will need to work on each module by reviewing the code and video, and working on building their own version of the game. This should take at least one to two hours per week. Each week covers about 20 pages of text, an hour of video, and various code that will be built into the final version of the game.Class Experience
In this 12 week flex course, we will work on building graphical games with Pygame Zero and Python. Each week will cover an in-depth overview of Mission Python - Code a Space Adventure Game! by Sean McManus. The book is optional for the course. We will discuss Python programming topics like variables, lists, arrays, graphics, animation, and more as we build the game. Students will submit their in progress work weekly for updates and feedback as we progress each week. We will start from the beginning, talking about variables, lists, tuples, and more and working from there. Experience with text programming is not required, and we will build concepts as we go along from simple and basic to more advanced and complex. Each week there will be a module with video, code, and other resources for students to follow along with as they go through the corresponding chapter of the book. This will also include examples of the code, and working on fixing problems as they arise. The goal is to work through each step of building a 2D and 3D game in Pygame, while learning lots of Python programming concepts. The 3D graphics and sound effects for this course are provided as a download. In this course we will launch into coding with Mission Python, a space-themed guide to building a complete computer game in Python. You'll learn programming fundamentals like loops, strings, and lists as you build Escape!, an exciting game with a map to explore, items to collect, and tricky logic puzzles to solve. As you work through the book and the modules, you'll build exercises and mini-projects, like making a spacewalk simulator and creating an astronaut's safety checklist that will put your new Python skills to the test. You'll learn how to use Pygame Zero, a free resource that lets you add graphics and sound effects to your creations, and you'll get useful game-making tips, such as how to design fun puzzles and intriguing maps. Before you know it, you'll have a working, awesome game to stump your friends with (and some nifty coding skills, too!). The Pygame Zero platform works best on a PC or on a recent Raspberry Pi, Mac can be used with the muCode program.
Learning Goals
You'll learn how to use Pygame Zero, a free resource that lets you add graphics and sound effects to your creations, and you'll get useful game-making tips, such as how to design fun puzzles and intriguing maps. Before you know it, you'll have a working, awesome game to stump your friends with (and some nifty coding skills, too!).
Syllabus
12 Lessons
over 12 WeeksLesson 1:
Your First Spacewalk
Learn the basics of Python and get familiar with Pygame Zero. Start your space adventure by setting up the environment and running simple scripts.
Lesson 2:
Lists Can Save Your Life
Understand how to work with lists in Python. Organize your tools and supplies, ensuring you have everything needed for your spacewalks and tasks aboard the space station.
Lesson 3:
Repeat After Me
Dive into loops in Python. Automate routine tasks in the space station, ensuring the space station runs efficiently while reducing manual work.
Lesson 4:
Creating the Space Station
Build the space station in Pygame Zero. Use Python to create the foundational structure and understand how different components fit together.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
We use various educational tools for the "Mission Python" course to teach coding and game development. Python, PyGame Zero, NoStarch Press Game Files, Sync, Code With Mu, Game Updates, Audacity, and Free Music Archive require parental consent because they can access external content or download software. YouTube and Loom are approved for use without specific consent, but parents should monitor these platforms as they may contain diverse or user-generated content. None of these tools require creating an account. This course does not contain content that might be scary or upsetting.
Supply List
We will be using this book for each module of the course: Mission Python - Code a Space Adventure Game! by Sean McManus October 2018, 280 pp. ISBN-13: 9781593278571 Print Book and FREE Ebook, $29.95 Ebook (PDF, Mobi, and ePub), $23.95
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
I love teaching programming using fun and interesting examples because it helps students go farther than learning hard to contextualize concepts. Understanding what we are doing and why means that students will be able to apply algebraic concepts (like x+y) having understood examples like (red bike + blue bike) in a way that has context and meaning.
Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$14
weekly or $159 for all content12 pre-recorded lessons
12 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 120 learners
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Ages: 10-15