Game Development Foundations (GDF) leverages the excitement of creating games to teach computer science, mathematics, and problem-solving.
Game Development Foundations (GDF) leverages the excitement of creating games to teach computer science, mathematics, and problem-solving. Students use custom JavaScript engines and the PixilArt editor to build games while learning computational thinking, 2D graphic design, and game development principles.
Grade Band: Grades 6-8
Format: Year-long (60 hrs)
Prerequisites: None
Video-Based Lessons
Self-Grading Quizzes
Project Portfolio
JavaScript
UI Design
Pixel Art
Level Design
2D Animation
Narrative Storytelling
Upon completing this course, students will be prepared to earn the following industry-recognized certification(s):
ICT Gaming Essentials
Students create video game assets using pixel art software. Then they learn the fundamentals of JavaScript and how to utilize object-oriented programming to build a text adventure game.
Students utilize game mechanics to build player-oriented gameplay and leverage new data types, logical operators, conditionals, loops, and other coding concepts to build a word-guessing game.
Students use the HTML5 Canvas element to draw and animate their own graphics with code.
Students build and theme an arcade game within HTML 5 Canvas. They use tools, math, and creativity to discover the magic of coding.
STEAM connections embedded in this course reinforce relevant science and math concepts to provide a well-rounded educational experience.
Using science concepts from disciplines including physics, biology, and ecology, students will create games that simulate the real world in meaningful ways.
Students learn computer science principles as they utilize JavaScript to write game logic. The history and development of modern computer technology including software and hardware are discussed.
Students will work with a custom game engine to improve their understanding of mathematics and understand engineering concepts to design a more realistic game.
Game art is an integral part of producing a fun and engaging video game. Students create their own game art assets to make their games unique.
Students apply mathematical concepts, including arithmetic, vector mathematics, and geometry, in their code to achieve desired results.
Hands-On Learning
Through a combination of follow-along projects and self-directed activities, students build a unique coding project portfolio demonstrating the skills and knowledge they acquire.
In this project, students build out a word-guessing game where a random word is chosen and the player is given the opportunity to guess letters.
A browser-based text adventure game to learn how to build and incorporate a unique game narrative using JavaScript.
RAM: 4GB or more
CPU: Pentium 5 or later
Chromebook: Chrome OS 100.0 or later
Windows: 7, 8, 8.1, 10 or later
Mac: OS X El Capitan 10.11 or later
Linux: 64-bit Ubuntu 18.04+, Debian 10+, openSUSE 15.2+, or Fedora Linux 32+
Google Chrome
13" or bigger display
Full keyboard
Three-button mouse with scroll wheel
Headphone jack and headphones
Schedule a demo today with one of our education specialists to find out how Mastery Coding can help you meet students where they are.