JavaScript Coding & Game Design (Middle School Edition)

Price: $949 USD
Age: 11 - 14
Skill Level: Beginner–Advanced
Format: Summer Online Teen Academies | Small-Group, Online
Duration: Two-week program, 2-hour lesson per day

About This Course

JavaScript is the backbone of the internet, used in 95% of all websites worldwide! With this powerful programming language, you can learn coding fundamentals, build engaging, interactive games, and lay a foundation to pursue an incredible number of career paths!

In this academy, you’ll start by exploring coding and game design with JavaScript and HTML in p5. Then, you’ll build projects with custom graphics and code-driven game mechanics. Interactive applications are just the start—JavaScript has immense support and many libraries to expand its functionality.

After getting started, you’ll soon understand how your code comes together with advanced content and algorithms. When you stick with JavaScript, you can advance your techniques and implement them into future projects, from developing games in engines like RPG Maker and Unity to designing websites with human-centric UX/UI.

By learning JavaScript, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the code, design, and technologies that keep our modern world running. Start developing a coding portfolio that will be relevant for years to come!

In this course you will:

Learn the fundamentals of JavaScript coding
Apply computational thinking to develop your own programs
Design game mechanics and custom graphics
Explore game design principles by implementing obstacles, enemies, and a variable score

Sample Schedule

Sessions 1-5: Intro to JavaScript Coding

You’ll begin by covering the basics of JavaScript coding through various exercises, starting with variables, functions, loops, and arrays. From there, you’ll learn the fundamentals of game design by planning out the mechanics, scope, objectives, and rules for your final project. Finally, you’ll explore the tools for making pixel art assets. Close out the first half of this course with a solid understanding of JavaScript coding concepts, a game design document, and a collection of art assets for your own game!

Sessions 6-10: Game Development with JavaScript

Building on your knowledge from earlier sessions, you’ll begin developing a customized JavaScript game. Hone your skills to create interactive user functionalities such as player movements, animated obstacles, collisions, and shooting projectiles. Finish out strong with a completed top-down shooter game that shows off your advanced coding and computational thinking abilities.

Earn a Certificate

Your digital certificate will be emailed to you, at no additional cost, in the name you used when registering for the program. All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of iD Tech.

Certificate recognizing your skills and success
Skills that can help secure internships and potential jobs
Portfolio to share with colleges and future employers
Designated office hours for additional help and advice

When does your teen want to learn?

School Year 2022-2023: Weekly for 10 Weeks

Supercharge your teen’s school year with an online group class meeting once a week for 10 weeks! For maximum flexibility, you can choose the ideal day of week and time to learn—perfect for teens juggling multiple after-school activities! Each two-hour session includes a live instructor, individual attention, and access to exclusive curriculum. Office hours are included for further help and personalized guidance.

Summer 2023: Daily for 2 Weeks

Maximize your teen’s summer learning with an online group class meeting Monday-Friday for two weeks! This focused schedule will help them boost their resume as quickly as possible, with plenty of summer left for travel, hangouts with friends, and other favorite activities. Each two-hour session includes a live instructor, individual attention, and access to exclusive curriculum. Office hours are included for further help and personalized guidance.

Enroll now
Space is limited

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What Parents Are Asking

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a programming language that allows coders to implement complex features and interactions on web pages. While HTML forms the body of a webpage, JavaScript can be thought of as the brains of the operation, controlling responses to things like button clicks, mouse drags, and more. Like Python and other extremely popular programming languages, JavaScript is an excellent option for pre-teens wanting to establish a foundation in coding or level up their skills in preparation for college and future careers.

Why should my child learn JavaScript?

If your child has ever dreamed of creating their own website, this is the course for them! They will build strong JavaScript and HTML skills—both must-haves for college-bound students considering majoring in Computer Science. After college, your child can look forward to abundant (and lucrative!) job opportunities in tech, as well as the flexibility to freelance. 75% of companies are looking to hire JavaScript pros!

Is this course suitable for all skill levels?

Absolutely! Whether your child is just starting out with JavaScript or is super advanced, our experienced instructors will engage them and properly pace their learning for maximum success.

What are the technical requirements for this program?

In order for your child to participate, they will need a Mac or Windows computer, webcam, and stable internet connection with access to Zoom video conferencing. Curriculum will be delivered through Game Plan.

How will my child receive their certificate?

Upon successful completion of this program, iD Tech grants a certificate of completion to participants. This program is graded as a pass or fail; students must earn a pass on their final submitted project to obtain the certificate of completion. Your digital certificate will be emailed to you, at no additional cost, in the name you used when registering for the program. All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of iD Tech.

Who will be teaching this course?

This course is taught by live iD Tech instructors who specialize in JavaScript, recruited from top universities like Stanford, Caltech, NYU, and Carnegie Mellon.