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Speaking Code: Making a Video Game
Lesson 7 (of 7)

By Jen Perry 75+ minutes
Level
Grades 4-6
Subjects
English Language Arts,
Science and Technology,
Mathematics
components
  • Programming
Tools & Languages
Block-based,
Scratch,
Unplugged

Key Coding Concepts

  • Algorithms
  • Conditional Statements
  • Debugging
  • Events
  • Loops
  • Sequences

Terminology

Algorithm

A step-by-step set of operations to be performed to help solve a problem

 

Sequence

Identifying a series of steps necessary to complete a task

 

Loops

Running the same sequence multiple times

 

Conditionals

Making connections based on conditions (ie. if it is raining, then open your umbrella)

 

Events

When one thing causes another thing to happen

 

Debugging

Finding problems in code and solving them

This is the last of seven lessons. As a final assessment, learners will create their own video game.

Prerequisites

The educator should have some knowledge of coding concepts and experience with Scratch. Completing the individual activities ahead of time would be helpful as you may have to model how to complete activities. There is an option to see the solution for each activity.

  1. Review KWL Chart and have learners write down ideas and concepts they have learned about coding. Review questions they had - are they now able to answer them? What questions do they still have?

  2. Complete ‘Coding Concept Matching Assessment’.

  3. Ask learners to use what they have learned to be a computer programmer and design their own game.

    4. Note: In order for learner projects to be saved, they must have an account. You can sign them up for their own account and also review their progress here.

Coding Concept Matching Assessment

Coding

  • Provide additional opportunities to explore ‘Hour of Code’ activities
  • Learners can create their own games and projects using their knowledge of coding concepts using Scratch

English

  • For this lesson series, learners could use a digital or regular journal to include the coding vocabulary taught.
  • Learners can create a script or story map for their video game. This could also include detailed character descriptions.
  • In a journal, learners could complete a video game-related writing prompt (Building Creative Ideas, 2020)

Math

  • Have a class discussion about what math skills video game programmers need to code video games.

Technology & Society (History of Technology)

Flocabulary Coding Concept Videos:
https://www.flocabulary.com/search/?q=coding

‘Make your Own Game’ Activity (code.org)
https://studio.code.org/s/playlab/stage/1/puzzle/1

Coding Concepts - Matching Quiz Assessment
https://bit.ly/speaking-code-matching-quiz

ScratchEd Assessment Rubric (Karen Randall, Natalie Rusk)
http://scratched.gse.harvard.edu/resources/rubric-assessing-scratch-projects-draft-0

‘Hour of Code’ Activities (code.org)
https://code.org/learn

3rd Grade Writing Prompts #1: Video Games (build-creative-writing-ideas.com)
http://www.build-creative-writing-ideas.com/3rd-grade-writing-prompts.html

Evolution of Video Games in 3 Minutes (TheGamer)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33-uJiUwMN8&feature=youtu.be

Black Girl Gamers (BBC London)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl8jHQS_5DE&feature=youtu.be

Teach lessons that are tied to your existing curriculum! https://bit.ly/CLClessons

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