GameSalad Curriculum
CS.1 Getting to Know GameSalad
Wizard Run
This unit serves as the most basic introduction to the GameSalad interface. Students start with a pre-built game and use existing actors to construct their own levels.
CS.2: Creating A Game
Monster Maze
This unit covers the basics of the GameSalad user interface and foundations of a basic game including user input, actor movement, collision, object collection, and victory / failure conditions.
Computer Science Concepts
- Conditional Statements
- Algorithms
- Variables
CS.3: Computer Systems
Fruit Fall
While its game mechanics appear simple, this lesson introduces the concept of object-oriented programming through random object spawners, introduces students to the design challenges of implementing logic and behaviors that take place off-screen, and focuses heavily on user interface design across multiple device platforms (and the affordances each device offer).
Computer Science Concepts
- Object-Oriented Design
- User Interface Design
- Random Functions
- Hardware Sensors
CS.4: Artificial Intelligence
Good Tank, Bad Tank
This unit introduces a number of more sophisticated game development topics including object spawning, attribute constraints and basic AI-driven enemies.
Computer Science Concepts
- Mathematical Expressions
- Looping
- Game AI
CS.5: Variables in Games and Troubleshooting
Pong
This unit covers spawning, scoring, and more complex AI logic through building the classic game Pong.
Computer Science Concepts
- Spawning
- Game AI
- Physics
CS.6: Animations and Game Physics
Space Runner
This unit introduces physics simulation, particle systems, animation control and a variety of platformer game mechanics such as running, jumping, object collection and more.
Computer Science Concepts
- Animation Systems
- Particles
- Looping
- Physics
CS.7: Conditional Branching and Data
Top-Notch Trivia
This unit introduces concepts of conditional branching and multidimensional arrays (GameSalad’s table feature) in a quiz game that inspires creativity.
Computer Science Concepts
- Data Driven Programming
- Variable Scoping
- Data Structures
