What is Game Design?

Game Design is the art and science of creating interactive entertainment experiences, covering storylines, character development, level design, and gameplay mechanics. With advancements in technology and tools like Scratch and MakeCode Arcade, aspiring designers can easily bring their visions to life. Modern game design tools empower anyone to craft engaging games, turning imaginative ideas into reality.

 
 
 

Who Can Learn Game Design?

At NextWaveSTEM® we offer Game Design courses for kids and professional development for teachers.

 

Grade 3-5

Video Games from “Scratch”

 
 

When creativity meets coding, what do we get? Innovation. Students will learn basic block coding skills as they modify and customize a variety of video games using Scratch. Through 15 lessons, students will design custom levels, characters, rules, and controls as they create the game of their dreams!

Tools/Software/Technical Requirements: Computers/tablets with internet access, access to Scratch (Free, online, Chromebook compatible, no accounts needed to make or save code)

 

Grade 6-8

Coding Arcade: Game Design Essentials

 
 

When imagination meets technology, what do we get? Mastery. Students will learn the fundamentals of block-based and text-based coding as they design their own custom online arcade games. Students are introduced to game design essentials such as probability, level design, power-ups, character customization, and more! Upon completion of the course, students will have designed real, playable arcade games of their own.

Tools/Software/Technical Requirements: Computers/tablets with internet access, access to MakeCode Arcade (Free, online, Chromebook compatible, no accounts needed to make or save code).

Optional: Class set of MeowBit or Adafruit Pybadge so students can download and play their own games

 
 

Why Game Design?

The world is evolving rapidly, and so are the ways we engage with technology. Students are digital natives, capable of creating and innovating in ways that were unimaginable just a generation ago. Game design not only fosters creativity but also enhances problem-solving skills and logical thinking.

Students will learn the fundamentals of block-based and text-based coding as they design their own custom online arcade games. Through 15 lessons, students are introduced to game design essentials such as probability, level design, power-ups, character customization, and more! Upon completion of the course, students will have designed real, playable arcade games of their own.

 

 How Can I Bring Game Design?

With all NextWaveSTEM® courses, Curriculum & LMS Access, Equipment Kits, and Student Connection Materials are included. The only thing left to decide is whether you want to teach the course or you want a NextWaveSTEM® certified mentor to teach.

Our All-In-One STEM curriculum, equipment and professional development make it easy for you to excite and inspire students through hands-on STEM experiences.

Perfect for schools needing:
- STEM equipment & curriculum
- Professional development

NWS sends trained teachers to your school, during or after school, or for summer programming. They bring the hands-on STEM curriculum, the equipment and the fun!

Perfect for schools needing:
- Schools needing STEM resources
- After-school or enrichment classes