The Knowledge Ninja is looking for sixth- through eighth-graders to complete this challenge and become Knowledge Ninjas. Use your ninja skills to investigate, then answer the questions below by December 18 to be entered in a raffle to win a prize to help you continue your ninja training. Watch for more challenges coming soon!
Ever wonder how games like Minecraft are created to allow users to make their own challenges and outcomes? Learn more about the technology behind Minecraft, computer languages and game design, then design your own game or program.
Books
Coding Games in Scratch: Learn to design and build your own computer game even if you've never programmed before!
Want to learn more? Check out our complete list of recommended titles.
Articles
- Cracking the Code: Should coding be taught to kids in school?
- Instant Expert: Making an Indie Game: Try this basic guide to develop your own video game.
- Markus Persson: Meet “Notch,” the video game designer who developed Minecraft and find out what other games he’s created.
- Minecraft Goes to School: Find out how schools are using Minecraft to teach subjects like science, history and even teamwork!
- Scratch That: Interview with Scratch inventor Mitchel Resnick.
Websites
- Code.org: Play hundreds of different coding games (including a Minecraft coding game) and learn to code at the same time.
- Scratch: Learn to code with simple drag-and-drop blocks. Click on "Tips" for an easy tutorial.
- Secret Coders: Activities and coding games related to the graphic novel series Secret Coders.
- HelpGidget.org: Try this game to learn simple text-based coding.
- Stencyl: Free drop-and-drag game design software very similar to Scratch that you can download to devices. Play other people's games to get inspired.
Explore Further
- At home or school, search these keywords for even more information: Computer programming, scratch computer language and game design.
- At the library, check these call numbers for more books: QA 76 and GV1469.
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