Course Description

In this course, students learn to design and build their own interactive games using Scratch, a block-based programming platform designed for young learners. The course emphasizes curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and persistence rather than memorizing syntax. This is a great class for students who love playing games, inventing stories, and bringing their own ideas to life. It is especially well suited for creative learners who enjoy art, animation, problem-solving, and experimenting with technology. 

Students develop foundational computational thinking skills such as sequencing, debugging, loops, events, and conditionals by working through guided puzzles and open-ended game projects that encourage experimentation and self-expression. By the end of the course, each student will have created a playable game they can share with classmates and family. 

No prior programming experience required. Students are encouraged to bring a laptop to class. The Robinson Center will provide loaner laptops for students who need one. Please note that tablets are not permitted for this course.

Essential Questions

  • What is coding, and how do programmers use it to create games, stories, and animations?
  • How do computers follow instructions, and what makes them different from human thinking?
  • How can programming help us turn ideas into interactive games?
  • How do programmers test, improve, and solve problems?
  • What makes a game fun, engaging, and easy to understand?

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1 What is coding? 

  • Explore the basics of programming
  • Explore the Scratch interface
  • Run a simple animation
  • Drag blocks to make a sprite move
Week 2 Sprites, Movement, and Sounds

  • Change sprite costumes
  • Add sounds to actions
Week 3 Coordinates and Animation

  • Move sprites using coordinates
  • Create animated movements
    Project: Build a simple animated scene.
Week 4 Conditionals and Interactions

  • Move a sprite with arrow keys
    Simple decision-making
  • Project: Create a keyboard-controlled character game.
Week 5 Variables and Score Systems

  • Clicker-style mini game
  • Changing variable values
  • Project: Build a simple score-based clicking game.
Week 6 Loops and Repeating Actions 

  • Make continuous animations
  • Create repeating sprite movements
  • Project: Build a loop-based animation or mini game.
Week 7 Sensors and Game Mechanics

  • Make a sprite follow the mouse
  • Detect when sprites touch
  • Project: Create a catching or collecting game.
Week 8 Final Creative Project - Day 1 

  • Project planning and management skills
  • Sample Creative Project
Week 9        Final Creative Project - Day 2

  • Project showcase

Instructor

Other Details

Cost

  • $337.50
    • 9 classes, 50 minute class

Location

Date & Time

  • Saturdays, September 26 - November 21st 2026
  • 9:00am - 9:50am

Refund and Transfer Deadlines

  • Full refund: Two weeks before classes start
  • 50% refund: One week before classes start
  • No refund: Less than one week before classes start