This introductory course offers students who are comfortable with math a hands-on learning approach to building creative projects and learn about the basics of computer science. Using Snap!(a block-based programming language), students have the ability create classic arcade style games such as Pong, Super Mario Brothers, and more. The course is far more than just a fun, collaborative environment for learning to program graphical and engaging games in Snap. The class is based on the UC Berkeley CS10 course, basic CS concepts covered are: control blocks such as loops and if-statements, logical operators, variables, animation, abstraction, lists, and more.
This course is an introduction to programming and intended for students who have completed Algebra I, are comfortable with math, and looking for an opportunity to build creative projects. We will complete a number of interesting and challenging projects to demonstrate that programming provides a powerful set of tools for creative expression.
We will be using the freely available Snap! visual programming language, an easy-to-learn language that allows for easy development of fun storytelling and game programs. The problem-solving skills students gain in this course will be helpful no matter what field they choose to pursue. The experience of writing programs will make them more savvy software users.