Junior Coders Virtual STEM Camp

Learn to build Minecraft games such as Capture the Flag, Slimeball Soccer, Tower Defense, and more.

An introduction to JavaScript for intermediate or advanced coders in upper middle or high school. In this advanced lesson plan, students will be introduced to JavaScript as they complete engaging lessons, solve challenging puzzles, and build their own games in JavaScript. This course is ideal for students who have already completed at least one Tynker course and are comfortable with the basics of programming logic and computational thinking. This course will help them transition to JavaScript and adapt to the additional challenges of text-based syntax.

Students who successfully complete this lesson plan will demonstrate a strong mastery of JavaScript syntax, as well as the ability to creatively program games and other projects and debug their own code. Students will also be able to come up with an idea for a game and take it through the entire design and implementation process, creating custom versions of many of their favorite games in JavaScript.

Topics Covered: JavaScript syntax, sequencing, repetition, conditional logic, nested loops, automation, pattern recognition, simple motion, keyboard and mouse events, creating and using an HTML canvas, operators, expressions, variables, collision detection, using arrays and objects to store structured data.

Introduction to Python for intermediate or advanced coders in upper middle or high school. In this advanced lesson plan, students will be introduced to Python as they complete engaging lessons, solve challenging puzzles, and build their own games in Python. This course is ideal for students who have already completed at least one Tynker course and are comfortable with the basics of programming logic and computational thinking. This course will help them transition to Python and adapt to the additional challenges of text-based syntax.

Students who successfully complete this lesson plan will demonstrate a strong mastery of Python syntax, as well as the ability to creatively program games and other projects and debug their own code. Students will also be able to come up with an idea for a game and take it through the entire design and implementation process, creating custom versions of many of their favorite games in Python.

Topics Covered: Python syntax, sequencing, repetition, conditional logic, nested loops, automation, pattern recognition, simple motion, keyboard and mouse events, pen drawing, operators, expressions, variables, Turtle graphics, using arrays and objects to store structured data.

Create animated cartoons just like the pros. Learn the basics of animation as you draw your own characters and bring them to life with code.You will use visual programming to control the speed and type of animation as you add animals, dragons, monsters, and avatars into your coding projects. Create a portfolio of fun projects including original animated games, cartoon strips, music videos, and interactive worlds to share with friends and family. No prior programming experience required.

Learn what it takes to build your own video game worlds. Design and build your own games from start to finish by connecting Lego-like code blocks. Build 2D game worlds, design animated heroes and villains, program game controls and motion, add music, and program game logic. At the end of the week, show off your own original games and play them with friends and family. No prior programming experience required.

Learn to plan and design a variety of game types. Over the course of a week, you will design and build 2D platformers, top-down RPGs, side scrollers, and physics-based games. Students learn a foundation of programming basics and apply them as they build a different class of game each day. Use the level editor to create a physics game like Angry Birds and design platformer and top-down worlds. At the end of the week, show off your own original games and play them with friends and family. No prior programming experience required.