• one Hour of Code

    Grades 6 - 12 Activity

    How do game designers use code to move characters around the screen and to earn points?

    Resources Needed 

    1. Select Grades 6-8 or Grades 9+
    2. Select a game
    3. Start playing the game
    4. Notice how the changes you make in the program code affect the game

  • 2 Code Studio - Express Course

    Grades 6 - 12 Activity

    How do coders use their understanding of computer science fundamentals to create fun games?

    Resources Needed 

    1. Sign up for a Code.org account

    2. Use your name@stpaul.k12.mn.us Google account

    3. Select Grades 6-12

    4. Select Express Course

  • 3 Code Studio - App Lab

    Grades 6 - 12 Activity

    How does adding interactivity impact the user experience when creating games?

    Resources Needed 

    1. Sign up for a Code.org account or use one you already created
    2. Use your name@stpaul.k12.mn.us Google account
    3. Start with the Intro to App Lab Tutorial
    4. Explore the sample apps and make them better
    5. Create your own project

  • 4 Create & Play with Hopscotch

    Grades 6 - 12 Activity

    How important are design elements like color, image size, and simple directions to user experience when playing a game or using an app?

    Resources Needed 

    1. Select and play some of the games
    2. Notice the design elements that are used in the game
    3. Think about the ease of navigation in the game

  • 4 Create a Hopscotch Game

    Grades 6 - 12 Activity

    How do game developers come up with ideas for games? Do the characters or background designs impact the appeal of the game to a player who hasn't tried the game yet?

    Resources Needed 

    1. Watch one of the tutorials at https://www.gethopscotch.com/hour-of-code-video
    2. Install the Hopscoth app from Self Service
    3. Use the Hopscotch app on your iPad to create the game from the tutorial
    4. Create your own game

  • 5 Explore & Code with Swift Playgrounds

    Grades 6 - 12 Activity

    How does leveling up encourage players to keep going in a game?

    Resources Needed 

    • Swift Playgrounds (iPad App, free)

    1. Install the Swift Playground app from Self Service
    2. Start playing the game
    3. Make changes to the Swift programming as you play to move the character along the path and earn points
    4. Keep going through the levels
    5. Think about the structure of the Swift coding language