SPRING BREAK @ EXPLORA!
Hey there, future game developers and creative minds! Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of game design? Get ready to unleash your imagination, sharpen your problem-solving skills, and bring your gaming dreams to life in our special Spring Break program!
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Join us for a week of adventure as we dive into the fascinating realm of game development using Scratch, a beginner-friendly platform that lets you create your very own interactive games, stories, and animations. Whether you're a seasoned coder or completely new to programming, this is your chance to become a game-making superstar!
Throughout the week, you'll learn the essentials of game design, from crafting characters and environments to programming gameplay mechanics and testing your creations. With guidance from our expert instructors and plenty of hands-on practice, you'll discover the magic of turning your ideas into playable games that you can share with friends and family.
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By the end of this class, you will present your game design!
Day 1: Introduction to Game Design and Scratch (9 am - 12 pm)
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Overview:
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Introduce students to the concept of game design and the basics of Scratch, a block-based programming language for creating games and animations.
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Tutorial:
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Walk students through a beginner tutorial on Scratch, covering essential features such as sprites (characters), backgrounds, and programming blocks.
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Brainstorming:
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Encourage students to brainstorm ideas for their games, discussing themes, settings, characters, and objectives.
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Day 2: Creating Characters and Environments (9 am - 12 pm)
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Character Design:
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Guide students in designing and customizing sprites (characters) for their games using Scratch's built-in editor.
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Environment Design:
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Assist students in creating and selecting backgrounds for their games, considering how they can enhance the game's atmosphere and storytelling.
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Day 3: Programming Gameplay Mechanics (9 am - 12 pm)
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Basic Mechanics:
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Teach students how to program basic gameplay mechanics using Scratch, including player movement, collision detection, and scoring.
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Interactive Elements:
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Introduce students to programming interactive elements such as obstacles, collectibles, enemies, and power-ups, adding depth and challenge to their games.
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Day 4: Level Design and Testing (9 am - 12 pm)
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Level Design:
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Guide students in designing and constructing game levels or stages using Scratch's stage editor, incorporating elements like terrain, platforms, hazards, and puzzles.
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Playtesting:
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Facilitate playtesting sessions where students can test each other's games, provide feedback, and identify areas for improvement.
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Iteration:
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Encourage students to iterate on their game designs based on feedback from playtesting, refining level layouts, adjusting difficulty curves, and balancing gameplay mechanics.
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Day 5: Finalizing and Sharing Games (9 am - 12 pm)
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Polishing:
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Assist students in finalizing their games by adding finishing touches such as sound effects, music, transitions, and instructions.
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Presentation:
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Provide opportunities for students to showcase their completed games to the class, sharing their design process, gameplay features, and creative inspirations.
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Sharing:
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Guide students in sharing their games online through the Scratch community, allowing them to receive feedback from a wider audience and explore other projects created by their peers.
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Reflection:
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Facilitate a reflection session where students can discuss their experiences, challenges, and achievements throughout the game development process, highlighting lessons learned and skills acquired.
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