Game Creation 101

3rd - 5th Grade

Why just play video games when you can learn to code your own?! Using Scratch 3.0, your students will learn how to create their very own games from beginning to end. Teach essential programming terminology and skills as they build multiple games with varying play styles. Students can receive a link to all the class creations at the end of the course so they can share their fun, one-of-a-kind games. Students should have minimal experience using a computer to take this class. No programming experience required.

Course Package

District of Multi-Location Packagesr

Note: You must obtain an Educational User Account before you can purchase a package. If you have not done so already, please click here to complete the request form.

Description

Game Creation 101 is a game design course at an introductory level, which will walk students through designing their own games. This is a project-based learning course that will allow you to walk your students through step-by-step programming. They will learn essential programming terminology and skills as they build multiple games with varying play styles. The students that complete this course will have a basic understanding of the mechanics of programming, the process of building a game, problem-solving and attention to detail. This 14-week, instructor-led, course can be used in whole or in part. It is written as a stand-alone course and can be used as a supplement to your current technology class or as an after-school course or summer learning opportunity. Your purchase gains you online access to everything you need for your chosen course. Each course package comes with a teacher guide, step-by-step lesson plans, worksheets, software downloads, and programming resources. Lesson plans and teacher’s guide can be easily downloaded or printed for use depending on the instructor’s preference. *The subscription to the license for this course is limited to the students and teachers within your school (or district if district license purchase) and can only be utilized on the assigned campus during your subscription period There is no limit to the number of students or teachers that can utilize the course during the subscription period. Please review our Subscription Terms for complete term details.

Course Standards

Brainy Bytes curriculum follows the newest generation of ISTE, (International Society for Technology and Education), standards for students. Each of our curricula will expose students to technology and at least one other curriculum topic area (i.e., Science, Language Arts).

The following ISTE standards can be found throughout Brainy Bytes curriculum:

EMPOWERED LEARNER

1C – Students use technology to seek feedback that informs and improves their practice and to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways.

1D – Students understand the fundamental concepts of technology operations, demonstrate the ability to choose, use and troubleshoot current technologies and are able to transfer their knowledge to explore emerging technologies.

DIGITAL CITIZEN

2B – Students engage in positive, safe, legal and ethical behavior when using technology, including social interactions online or when using networked devices.

KNOWLEDGE CONSTRUCTOR

3D –Students build knowledge by actively exploring real-world issues and problems, developing ideas and theories and pursuing answers and solutions.

INNOVATIVE DESIGNER

4A – Students know and use a deliberate design process for generating ideas, testing theories, creating innovative artifacts or solving authentic problems.

4B – Students select and use digital tools to plan and manage a design process that considers design constraints and calculated risks.

4D – Students exhibit a tolerance for ambiguity, perseverance and the capacity to work with open-ended problems.

COMPUTATIONAL THINKER

5D – Students understand how automation works and use algorithmic thinking to develop a sequence of steps to create and test automated solutions.

CREATIVE COMMUNICATOR

6A – Students choose the appropriate platforms and tools for meeting the desired objectives of their creation or communication.

6B – Students create original works or responsibly repurpose or remix digital resources into new creations.

6D – Students publish or present content that customizes the message and medium for their intended audiences.

GLOBAL COLLABORATOR

7B – Students use collaborative technologies to work with others, including peers, experts or community members, to examine issues and problems from multiple viewpoints.

7C – Students contribute constructively to project teams, assuming various roles and responsibilities to work effectively toward a common goal.

Technical Requirements & Materials Needed

Technology Requirements

Game Creation is taught on Scratch 3.0 which is a PC/Mac based program. It can be downloaded and installed or you can also use it in most web browsers.

Running Scratch 3.0 online requires a relatively new web browser: Chrome 63 or higher, Edge 15 or higher, Firefox 57 or higher, Safari 11 or higher, Mobile Chrome 63 or higher, Mobile Safari 11 or higher. Internet Explorer is NOT supported

Scratch Desktop, otherwise known as the Scratch 3.0 offline editor, is a version of Scratch 3.0 that can be downloaded and installed on a computer, as opposed to being used in a web browser like the online editor. This is useful for those who wish to use Scratch without an internet connection.

System Requirements

For Scratch to run properly, the following minimum system requirements are needed:

Windows 10 or later or macOS 10.13 or later, though users have reported successfully running the editor on Windows 7
Approximately 400 MB of free hard drive space

Downloading and Installation

Scratch Desktop can be downloaded from the Scratch website. An installer is provided which requires no interaction.

Information

Scratch Desktop is slightly different from the online editor. Projects are named by saving the project to one’s computer (unlike the online editor, where a text input above the stage is used). The tutorials also appear in Scratch Desktop. The top-right of the project editor, instead of displaying the login link or one’s username, is empty.

Equipment

Curriculum – Must be with you in every class
Projector
12 Student Laptops (1 per student – unless using a computer lab)
1 Teacher Laptop
Headphones (optional for sound day)
Game Samples (included)
Class files and images (included)
Prezi walkthrough “Recipe of a Good Game” (included)
Teacher’s USB drive to collect the games at the end of class
“Out of the Box” coding worksheet (included)
2 small boxes with lids
1 ball that fits inside the 2 small boxes with lids.

Training Options

Our lesson plans are uniquely created to provide you with both the course guide and the step-by-step lesson plan all in one convenient location. In the front of all our curricula, you will find objectives, weekly breakdowns, resource lists, and lesson guides/tips. There is also a teacher’s guide to ensure you have everything you need for a successful program. Your instructors and students will enjoy experiencing the easy-to-follow, day-to-day structure of all of our courses. Need help? Feel free to call us for support. We are available 10am – 3pm Monday through Friday. Or use our Educator’s Forum to ask your questions or share your experiences. Onsite or online training is available. Let us train your teachers first-hand on how to make the most of our amazing courses. Click here for more information.