Course Description
Students who take Intro to Real World Programming are making the decision to move out of Scratch and into a very useful scripting language — JavaScript. In this class, your child will go from drag and drop to written programming and will start to get a sense for what real programmers are doing in their everyday lives. We will be exploring a multitude of subjects, ranging from basic computer science concepts, to animation, to decision making within a program. If you are ready to graduate into the next level of programming, come join us!
Learning Objectives
When students complete Intro to Real World Programming, they will:
- Understand how text-based programming works using JavaScript
- Know how to convert game logic into actual code
- Create more organized and efficient code
Prerequisites
These courses must be completed before Intro to Real World Programming:
- Wizard Level 1, Course 1 : Animation and Games with Scratch
- Wizard Level 1, Course 2 : Logic With Scratch
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1. Real World Programming
In this lesson, we are going to dive into a general overview of what programming is. We will be covering different examples of applications and software and will discuss how to convert these ideas into code. We will also start getting into some of the finer details of syntax and typing. Students will also be provided with a library which is available solely for CodeWizards students, and will use this library to make a fun animation of a rocket being launched into space!
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2. Variables
In this lesson, we will start learning about different functions and concepts in order to make your JavaScript projects more dynamic! First, we will try to remember what we know about variables, and expand on that knowledge. Afterward, we will figure out how to position images by designing a city with code!
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3. Animations
In this lesson, we will add to what we already know about variables by exploring the different data types and how they can be used. We will also start introducing movement by looking at functions that animate images and functions that create sounds.
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4. Functions
In this lesson, we will be taking a detailed look at programming conventions that ensure our code is efficient and clean. We will cover what we previously learned and add to it by learning about the DRY (don’t repeat yourself) principle by incorporating functions. Functions play a powerful role in many programming languages and let us keep our code simple and concise.
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5. Mid term project – I
In this lesson, we will be starting to code our own game: Fruit Ninjas! We will be using everything from animation to functions and variables. This is a great way to practice and apply all of the coding skills that we’ve learned.
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6. Mid term project – II
In this lesson, we are going to be learning some new functions that will help us complete our midterm project. In order to make sure that our Fruit Ninjas game works correctly, we will learn how to use: vanish(), click(), and updateText(). Students will also get a chance to put their finishing touches on their projects and share it with their friends!
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7. Making decisions
In this lesson, we are going to introduce two of the most important programming concepts: conditionals and inputs. We cover how to let the user impact the output of a program by giving them the ability to input information. Additionally, we will introduce the “if’ conditional to add more depth and complexity to our code.
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8. Complex decisions
In this lesson, we will combine what we know about inputs with our previous short introduction to conditionals to code up a cool guessing game. We will be diving deeper into the world of conditional statements by discussing if, else-if, and else statements. We will also be taking a look at comparison operators to make decisions by relating information to other information.
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9. Rock and Roll
In this lesson, we will be learning how to connect sounds and actions to specific keys. Think about how often you use your keyboard when playing computer games. A lot. Programming keyboard events is also an important skill when it comes to game development. We are going to learn how to hone these skills by coding a digital band!
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10. Loops
In this lesson, we are going to learn how and when to use loops. Oftentimes while programming, there are moments when we need to repeat specific actions and code segments. What if we’re counting? Or need something to run continuously? We are going to be revising how we look at the DRY principle by incorporating loops and creating a ghost busters game.
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11. Final Project – I
In this lesson, we are going to start creating a space adventure game. We will use everything that we’ve learned so far by creating an animated spaceship that is controlled by your keyboard in order to ride through outer space and save astronauts. This is a great way to ensure that all of the skills that we’ve learned are cemented together.
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12. Final Project – II
In this lesson, we will wrap up and debug your space adventure game. After adding a few more interesting sound effects and tying up some loose ends, you will be done.
Class Schedule
All students start in Animation and Gaming in Scratch at Wizard Level I. If you have previous coding experience, take the Advanced Placement test. Returning students can continue with the class where they left off.
#1 Most Comprehensive Program for Your Student’s Success!
The CodeWizardsHQ program comes with everything your child needs to be successful in learning to code.
All of the below are included at no extra cost.
Course Duration & Time Commitment
All courses are 12 weeks long. A Wizard will receive a certification for their achievement at the end of the course.
Expect a weekly time commitment of 2-3 hours. 55 minutes of class time, plus 1-2 hours of practice time, with instructor support throughout, including weekends.
100% Guarantee
Our goal is to make all our students successful. If your child is not happy with our program, please notify us within the first four class sessions and you will receive a full refund. See refund details.
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