===================================
PREREQUISITES + WHAT WE'LL LEARN
===================================

This 5-session class is intended for students who have previously completed a "Math in Motion Camp" class and may be taken repeatedly. If learners have not previously completed Math in Motion Camp, please contact me so I can help!

Learners will expand essential algebra skills like recognizing patterns and representing them in symbols, using these skills in new and more complex ways. For example, we'll write equations that not only move shapes but also make them bounce. We'll use variables not only to move and bounce shapes, but also to make games pause and restart. We'll explore expressions that not only add and subtract but also perform more complex calculations. Learners can "play" with symbolic representations, changing them to see how the animation responds. Because that response is immediate, visual, and concrete, learners develop an intuitive understanding of what the symbols represent, why we use them, and how to manipulate them to produce the changes learners want. 

===================================
SCHEDULE
===================================
I am happy to add new days and times for this class if you need them (just click the "Request Another Time" button)! 

====================================================
CURRICULUM FOR STUDENTS TAKING THIS CLASS FOR THE 1ST TIME
====================================================

>>>>> DAY 1: LINES (SCREEN SAVER) <<<<<

Learners will create animated art that shows lines floating peacefully across the screen while they also change position, color, and size. Learners will also write code to add reflected lines, creating lovely and mesmerizing patterns.  For example, when the main shape moves to the right, another shape moves to the left by the same amount. Mathematically, learners analyze and discuss the mathematics of reflections and then investigate how to represent these patterns with variables. 

In JavaScript, learners:
- write commands that create colors and lines
- create equations that move lines or reflect the movement of other lines
- create and use variables to change the position and speed (direction) in which the line travels
- and investigate the coordinate plane and how it facilitates creating reflections.


>>>>> DAYS 2 AND 3: ROLE-PLAYING GAME (RPG) <<<<<

Learners create a simple role-playing game where they battle an evil spirit. Learners design the battle attributes – for example, dexterity, strength, magic powers, and good fortune – and then write code that assigns random values to these attributes. Once that's done, learners write code to engage a battle and determine its outcome. The battle continues until either the evil spirit or the player loses all its allotted lives.

In JavaScript, learners:
- write text on screen (including battles statistics and player/spirit lives)
- write equations that assign random value to an attribute and additional equations to determine the outcome of battles
- create and change variables for the player/spirit attributes 
- create and change variables to control the game "scene" – the time within a game when it sets up attributes, shows a battle, or shows the outcome
- create and change variables to track player/spirit "lives", and end the game when player/spirit loses their allotted lives
- create on-screen buttons and detect which button is clicked ("Fight" or "Run")


>>>>> DAYS 4 AND 5: PONG <<<<<

Learners will create a simple version of the classic arcade game Pong. A ball travels across the screen at a random speed and direction. It bounces off the left and right walls. Along the top wall, an "AI" paddle follows the ball's motion so that it always makes the ball bounce back towards the player's paddle. Along the bottom wall the player controls a paddle. If the player's paddle successfully touches the ball and returns it towards the "AI" paddle, a point scores. But if the player misses the ball, a life is lost. The game ends when all players lose all their allotted lives. If time permits, we'll explore extensions like making the ball speed up over time.

In JavaScript, learners will:
- write equations that make shapes bounce off other shapes
- create and use variables to change the position and speed of shapes
- create and use variables to track score and lives, and end the game when players lose all their allotted lives
- write text (including score and lives) on screen



===========================================================
CURRICULUM FOR STUDENTS REPEATING THIS CLASS ===========================================================

This class may be taken as many times as learners wish. Curriculum will include art, games, and stories. Additionally, curriculum will be tailored to each learner's interests. Special attention will be paid to helping learners become independent coders who design and create their own games from scratch.



=============================
HOW WE'LL LEARN
=============================

In this class we write code the computer programming language called p5.js JavaScript, which makes it easy to draw and move shapes. Learners begin by working in a collaborative coding environment where everyone can write commands together. I'll model how the commands should look, and learners will practice them. Both learners and teacher can help each other with questions and problems. We'll learn one command at a time, with plenty of time for exploration and practice. As learners become comfortable with the commands, they'll begin to work on their own projects.

Class sizes are small so that I can work with individual learners. Learning is carefully structured to provide appropriate challenges that help all learners progress through the basic skills they need to work confidently and independently on their projects. 

This class is intended learners who have previously completed Math in Motion Camp: JavaScript Apps with Algebra Gems. If your learner has not yet completed this class, please contact me so I can help!

=====================
GETTING READY
=====================
(1) Learners who have completed Math in Motion Camp should already have a login at Open Processing, where we'll write code and see our animations. If your learner has not completed Math in Motion Camp, please contact me for more information. 
(2) On each class day, learners should log into Open Processing *before class* so they're ready to work when class begins. 
(3) Learners should know how to cut and paste and how to move among different tabs in their web browsers.


Thanks! Please let me know if you need assistance with these requests. I am always happy to help!

#builder