Virtual STEM Master Class: Introduction to Scratch™ Game Design | Virtual

Register
  • Screenshot of a digital game with marine animals

Virtual STEM Master Class: Introduction to Scratch™ Game Design | Virtual

The Smithsonian Science Education Center is welcoming your game designer to a multi-day Virtual STEM Master Class in Game Design! Students in Grades 6-8 have the chance to learn how to design their very own game! They will learn what goes into the systems and design of a digital game while engaging with a scientific phenomenon centering on recreating a food chain.

The virtual class will run Monday (8/17), Wednesday (8/19), and Friday (8/21), from 1:00pm-3:00pm EST each day. Please see schedule outlined below for more details.

On the Friday prior to the class beginning, students will receive pre-course materials to familiarize themselves with the basics of the game design engine, Scratch™.

Download Flyer

Class Schedule

Monday, August 17: students will attend the virtual class: “Introduction to Scratch™ Game Design” and will start building their games

Wednesday, August 19 (No Class; Office Hours only): Instructor Ryan will be online from 1-3pm EST to hold Office Hours for any student who needs help or has questions about their project or the Scratch™ engine

Friday, August 21: Virtual Presentation Day. Each student will present their final product to the class.

Registration Details

This course is FREE and is limited to 15 middle school students. Registration is first-come, first-serve, and you must complete the entire registration process on this webpage to be enrolled. Once your transaction is complete, you will receive an email receipt from Smithsonian Associates. Any/all questions or concerns should be directed to TSACamp@si.edu.

**Registration will close on Thursday, August 13 at 12pm (Noon) EST - or when the class is full**

No coding experience is necessary for this course. All your student needs is internet access and a computer that can download files.

About the Instructor

Ryan Seymour is the Digital Producer at Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC). He is responsible for creating web and other digital STEM products including websites, online learning platforms, videos, simulations, interactives, apps, interactive e-books, and digital games within the subject-matter area of STEM. Prior to joining SSEC, Ryan began his career as an ESL teacher in China, South Korea and the United States. He then moved into the position of E-Learning Support Coordinator at American University. Ryan earned his MA in Game Design from American University, focusing his research on how games can improve educational experiences.

This project is in partnership with Smithsonian Associates and is generously funded by: The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and The Smithsonian San Francisco Regional Council.