Learn Python by Game Building

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Learn Python by Game Building

This course serves as an introduction to learning how to program using the Python programming language: one of the easiest and most popular programming languages used in real-world projects. What better way to make programming exciting for young learners than by building a simple video game? In this course, we will build a simple keyboard-based 2-dimensional "Feed The Monster" game in one week breaking it down to learn how the components of the game all come together starting with the basics. If the students are feeling more adventurous, we could also build a second game: "Catch Me If You Can", similar to the first game, but different in the sense that it incorporates the use of a computer mouse to play it.

Students will learn concepts that will be very useful for high-school level (and higher) computer science courses. They will learn concepts such as algorithms (not logarithms, so do not worry if they're not fond of math), functions, objects, loops, lists, dictionaries (not the word/meaning kind), conditionals, events, and libraries (not the physical kind). This course is designed for students without any programming experience and designed to be fun!

Earning Criteria

- Complete Learn Python by Game Building.
- Attend at least 3 workshops.
LaMar N Davis

LaMar N Davis

Senior Director, Institute of Extended Learning

Division of Professional Studies

Sherman Hall (Academic IV Bldg) 463

ladavis@umbc.edu

+1 410 455 2875