Explorer (Ages 8 - 10)
Game Design
Online In this course, students get up close and hands-on to all the major aspects of Game Development – including topics like level design, character design, programming, materials, lighting, audio, various editors, and more! Students will create fully immersive worlds, complete with character and object interaction, in all kinds of styles. From month to month, they’ll be introduced to tools like the game editor Construct to help round out their skills and inspire them to continue learning and growing. Come explore game design with us!
Minecraft Modding Jr.
Online For our younger Minecraft fans – we have something awesome for you too! Start learning how to “mod” (modify) Minecraft using the ever-popular editor MCreator, coupled with all age-appropriate, easy-to-understand methods, and create your own original mods that you can share with your friends in Multiplayer mode. Come learn and play with us!
Minecraft & Roblox Modding
Online In this program, students learn by doing – in this case, how to mod two of their favorite games: Minecraft and Roblox! In Minecraft, younger students learn to design and create their own modifications by using age-appropriate, easy-to-understand methods. In Roblox, they’ll create new worlds, game types, and mods using the Java and Lua programming languages, design and build 3D models, and use Roblox Studio to put it all together and publish their games! During the course of the class, they’ll conquer the basics of all the major aspects of game development, such as level design, character design, programming, materials, lighting, and audio. They’ll also be introduced to a variety of modding editors, such as Code Kingdoms and MCreator. From month to month, students will be introduced to new tools to help round out their skills and inspire them to continue learning. They can even share their creations with friends in multiplayer – so come on in and mod away!
Robotics
Online Learn engineering and robotics through virtual and, when possible, hands-on experiences with age-appropriate equipment. Participants will study the basics of robotic programming, electrical circuitry, and mechanical design – by building their own robot! After mastering the foundations, participants will be set a variety of engineering design challenges, each with their own set of circumstances and requirements for the student to overcome. These unique tasks, designed to meet the needs of all learners and interest levels, will foster mastery of engineering and the design process, as well as help develop key critical thinking and problem-solving skills applicable to all areas of life. Come on in and build!
2D Art: Foundations & Explorations
Online This class focuses on the key elements of art, allowing students to learn to exercise and express their creativity successfully through a medium of their choice. Students will learn foundational concepts such as value, line, color, space, composition, and figure/gesture drawing, among others. Students will also explore a variety of mediums and a series of projects as they progress. No experience required!
2D Art: Design & Illustration
Online This class covers the fundamentals of 2D Design & Illustration. Students will master methods that allow them to create a wide range of designs and illustrations for their games – from vast landscapes to spy gadgets, all the way to dazzling character designs and UI art – and so much more! Using both digital and traditional media, students will tackle various challenges and learn how to apply their new design skills to a myriad of projects, creatively problem-solving as they go. Specially crafted by a professional designer and illustrator, this class introduces new ideas while also providing time to hone abilities with fun themes and engaging independent projects. 2D Design & Illustration will give your child the foundation they need to not only to make art for their games – but master design skills for their future.
Open Lab
Online Open Labs are available free of charge to current students. While no lessons are taught in Labs, students have the opportunity to work on achievement badges, ask questions, improve on current projects, and work on side projects, all under the supervision of an instructor.