Hi there! I’m Amara, and I’m a student at Dartmouth College. I love both coding and dancing. Ever since I was young, people have noticed that I’m pretty good with technology, like computers and phones. When I joined a group called Girls Who Code, I discovered that many other girls were also interested in coding. This made me realize that coding is more accessible than I initially thought. It was a fantastic way to start learning about computer science.
Game Lab is a cool platform where you can create drawings, design animations, and even build your own games using code. You’ll be using a programming language called JavaScript. Game Lab is perfect for beginners, but it also has lots of advanced features to help you bring your creative ideas to life.
Let’s dive in! In Game Lab, you can add lines of code to your projects by dragging blocks from the toolbox and snapping them together. Once your code is ready, click the ‘Run’ button to see what happens. The results will show up on the left side in the display area. If you prefer typing, you can also write the commands directly. You can easily switch between block mode and text mode. In fact, you can work in text mode and drag blocks to insert text whenever you need it. If you make a mistake, you can use the blocks to check the correct command. To remove a line of code, just drag the block off the screen or delete it from the text.
To start drawing, you’ll use basic shapes like rectangles and ellipses (which is just a fancy word for ovals). You can change where the shapes appear on the screen by adjusting the numbers in each command. The first two numbers decide the shape’s position, while the last two numbers control its size.
For example, if you want to move a rectangle down the screen and make it wider, you need to increase the ‘Y’ value to move it downward and change the width to make it wider. Learning new commands doesn’t have to be a guessing game. By hovering over any of the blocks, you can read more about how to use them and see detailed examples of each command.
As for my future, I’m not entirely sure what I want to do after college, but I believe that studying computer science will open up many opportunities in different industries. That’s one of the reasons I enjoy it so much.
Use Game Lab to design a unique avatar using basic shapes like rectangles and ellipses. Experiment with different positions and sizes to create a character that represents you. This activity will help you understand how to manipulate shapes and coordinates in JavaScript.
Try creating a simple animation by moving shapes across the screen. Use the ‘Run’ button to see your animation in action. This will teach you how to use loops and timing functions to create dynamic effects.
Challenge yourself by designing a mini game. Start with a simple concept, like a ball bouncing off walls, and use Game Lab’s features to bring it to life. This activity will enhance your problem-solving skills and understanding of game mechanics.
Work with classmates to create a collaborative project in Game Lab. Each member can contribute different elements, such as characters or backgrounds. This will help you learn how to integrate different pieces of code and work as a team.
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, explore some of the advanced features in Game Lab. Try using functions, variables, and conditional statements to add complexity to your projects. This will deepen your understanding of JavaScript and prepare you for more advanced coding challenges.
I’m Amara, a student at Dartmouth College, and I have a passion for coding and dancing. People have always thought I was skilled with technology, including computers and phones. After participating in Girls Who Code, I realized that many other girls were also interested in coding, which made it feel more accessible than I initially thought. This experience served as a great introduction to computer science.
Welcome to Game Lab! Game Lab is a platform that allows you to create drawings, design animations, and build your own games using code. In this environment, you’ll be learning and utilizing the programming language JavaScript. Game Lab is designed for beginners, but it also offers many powerful features to help you bring your creative ideas to life.
Let’s get started! In Game Lab, you can add lines of code to your programs by dragging blocks from the toolbox and snapping them together. Once you’ve set up your code, click the ‘Run’ button to see the results. The output will appear on the left side in the display area. If you prefer, you can also type the commands directly. You can easily switch between block mode and text mode. In fact, you can work in text mode and drag blocks to insert text as needed. If you make a mistake, you can use the blocks to verify the correct command. To remove a line of code, simply drag the block off the screen or delete it from the text.
To begin, you’ll be drawing with basic shapes like rectangles and ellipses (which is just a fancy term for an oval). You can adjust the position of shapes on the screen by changing the numbers associated with each command. The first two numbers determine the shape’s position, while the last two numbers control its size.
For example, if we want to move our rectangle down the screen and make it wider, we need to increase the ‘Y’ value to move it downward and adjust the width to make it wider. Learning new commands doesn’t have to be a process of trial and error. By hovering over any of the blocks, you can read more about how to use them and see detailed examples of each command.
As for my future, I’m not entirely sure what I want to do after college, but I believe that studying computer science will open up many opportunities across various industries, which is one of the reasons I enjoy it so much.
Coding – The process of writing instructions for a computer to perform specific tasks. – Example sentence: Coding allows us to create software that can solve complex problems.
Computers – Electronic devices that process data and perform tasks according to a set of instructions. – Example sentence: Computers have become essential tools in both education and industry.
Game – A software application designed for entertainment, often involving challenges or puzzles. – Example sentence: Many students enjoy creating their own video game projects in coding class.
Lab – A controlled environment where experiments and practical work are conducted, often involving computers. – Example sentence: In the computer lab, students learn how to build websites and applications.
JavaScript – A programming language commonly used to create interactive effects within web browsers. – Example sentence: JavaScript is essential for adding dynamic features to web pages.
Shapes – Geometric figures that can be drawn and manipulated in computer graphics and coding projects. – Example sentence: Using code, you can create shapes like circles and squares to design graphics.
Commands – Instructions given to a computer program to perform specific actions. – Example sentence: Programmers use commands to tell the computer what tasks to execute.
Blocks – Visual elements used in block-based coding languages to represent code instructions. – Example sentence: Block coding makes it easier for beginners to understand programming concepts.
Animations – Sequences of images or frames that create the illusion of movement when displayed in rapid succession. – Example sentence: Animations can make a website more engaging and interactive.
Technology – The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry and everyday life. – Example sentence: Advances in technology have transformed how we communicate and access information.
