Course Goals and Overview

Course Overview

Game Workshop that is essentially split into two units. The first is a Scratch Game Jam and the second is a HTML and JavaScript web game project. Throughout the first unit of the course you’ll develop and refine core programming concepts through creating Scratch games. The Game Jams are built into the course. There will be two definitely Game Jams and possibly a third. These are designed so that you’ll be able to demonstrate the course concepts.

Course Objectives and Goals

One of the bigger picture goals of this course is to build your confidence and understanding of fundamental programming concepts. You’ll practice and refine these in Scratch and then transition into HTML and JavaScript, where you’ll build on these fundamentals. Some of the later course lessons include concepts that are designed to help prepare you for JavaScript programming.

There are several skills and concepts that you’ll develop throughout this 14 week course. These are the core concepts that are emphasized throughout the course.

Core Concepts

1. Plan a basic storyboard / map for a game
2. Understand and demonstrate use of conditional logic in control flow
3. Demonstrate understanding of collision detection
4. Understand how to use variables and arrays for storing and modifying data
5. Understand how to use to functions to streamline the coding process
6. Using a library and/or framework
7. Create a game with player interaction

CORE PROJECTS

1. Two Game Jams for Scratch
   • Platformer
   • Scroller
   • Maker’s Choice (time permitting)

The Scratch games will be created during the Game Jams. You’ll be able to work in teams for these projects, but you’ll need to document independently.

Course Resources

Here is a studio containing several useful examples. In order to maximize your understanding, try to avoid copying the code. Use it to guide your development!

Scratch Resource Studio