Game Development Courses for Grades 3–8

At NextWaveSTEM, students dive into game design and game development through hands-on projects that build creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Our pathways for grades 3–5 and grades 6–8 combine block-based and text-based coding, preparing learners for a tech-driven future—whether during the school day or in after-school programs.

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What is Game Design and Development?

 

Game Design and Development is the process of creating interactive digital experiences that combine storytelling, art, coding, and problem-solving. Our STEM gaming curriculum involves key elements such as narrative development, character creation, level design, and gameplay mechanics to ensure an engaging user experience.

With advancements in technology, game design has become more accessible than ever. Tools like Scratch and, MakeCode Arcade allow beginners to create games without extensive coding knowledge, using block-based or simplified scripting.

 
 
 

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”

Introduction and learning outcomes:

Students learn foundational block coding by building and customizing video games in Scratch.

Across 15+ lessons, they design levels, characters, rules, and controls, developing core skills in sequencing, events, variables, and logic while strengthening problem-solving and creative design.

Technology and gear used:

Students use computers or tablets with internet access and Scratch software (free, online, Chromebook compatible).

No accounts are needed to make or save code, enabling secure, browser-based creation and classroom-friendly deployment without logins.

 

Grade 6-8: Coding Arcade: Game Design Essentials

8th grader on a computer using the MakeCode arcade software

Introduction and learning outcomes:

Students master game development fundamentals through both block-based and text-based coding, creating custom online arcade games. They apply key design concepts—including probability, level design, power-ups, and character customization—and finish with real, playable games that demonstrate coding rigor and design intent.

Technology and gear used:

Students use computers or tablets with internet access and MakeCode Arcade sotware (free, online, Chromebook compatible).

No accounts required to create or save code.

Optional hardware: a class set of MeowBit so students can download and play their own games on handheld devices.

 
 

Why Game Design & Development?

 
 
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Outcomes and skill development

  • Computational thinking, logic, and probabilistic reasoning.

  • Creativity applied to real-world game design challenges.

  • Collaboration, communication, and iterative improvement with feedback.

  • Strong STEAM/CTE foundations for future tech pathways.

  • Level design: structure, flow, challenge, and progression.

  • Core mechanics and probability: balancing difficulty, risk, and chance.

  • Power-ups and reward systems: engagement, motivation, and replayability.

  • Character customization: narrative, visual identity, and game UX.

  • Coding foundations: a clear progression from block-based to text-based coding.

FAQs

  • Children as young as 7 or 8 years old who are in 3 - 5 grade, can begin learning game design with block-based coding platforms like Scratch, which help them grasp programming logic in a visual, intuitive way.

  • Learning to code through video game development improves problem-solving, creativity, and computational thinking. It enhances STEM skills, including math and physics, by applying real-world logic to game mechanics.

  • The best programming language depends on the student’s skill level and game development goals:

    • Scratch: Block-based coding for beginners

    • Python: Great for 2D games using Pygame

    • JavaScript: Used for browser-based games

    • C#: Essential for Unity game development

    • C++: Used in Unreal Engine and professional game development

  • Yes! Our Game design courses are available as after-school programs, summer camps, and extracurricular activities.


  • No prior coding experience is required to enroll in our course.