Game Design Grades 9 – 12

“Game Design” is an immersive, project-based program that introduces students to the fundamentals of game development through the lens of STEM education. Using the PICO-8 fantasy console and the Lua programming language, students will explore essential concepts in computer science, physics, logic, and visual design while building their own retro-style video games.

Throughout the course, students will:

  • Learn foundational programming concepts, including variables, conditionals, functions, loops, and game states
  • Apply mathematical and physical principles such as coordinate systems, velocity, acceleration, and collision detection
  • Design levels with a focus on player experience, feedback loops, and pacing
  • Develop skills in sprite creation, map editing, and sound design
  • Collaborate in teams to conceptualize, build, and playtest original games
  • Classes run for 8 consecutive weeks (1 hour per week) with a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 8 students per class to ensure the optimal student experience
  • Next class start date is the week of Oct 1

The course emphasizes problem-solving, computational thinking, and iterative design core competencies in STEM education. By the end of the program, students will have completed playable games and gained a deeper understanding of the systems behind interactive media.

Applied STEM Grades 5 – 8

Applied STEM: Game Design is a hands-on, project-based program where middle school students learn the basics of game development through STEM. Students will build their own retro-style video games while exploring key ideas from computer science and game design.

Throughout the course, students will:

  • Learn how to write code using variables, loops, functions, and game logic
  • Explore how games use real-world ideas like speed, gravity, and screen positions
  • Design fun and challenging game levels focused on player experience
  • Create pixel art, maps, and sound effects for your games
  • Work together in teams to brainstorm, build, and test their games
  • Classes run for 8 consecutive weeks with a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 8 students per class to ensure the optimal student experience
  • Next class start date is the week of Oct 1

Students will build confidence in coding, problem-solving, and creativity as they turn their game ideas into working projects. By the end of the course, each student will have a game they can play, share, and be proud of.