Maine Kids Code
We focus on creating interactive stories, making games, and the intersection of technology, art, and music. Our course offerings include a beginner course for kids who are just starting out and an advanced course for those who are already familiar with tech & programming. MKC is a program of Mechanics’ Hall, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, located at 519 Congress Street in Portland, Maine.
Harness your creativity and become a game designer!
2020 Spring Semester sign-ups have ended.
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We will update you when Fall 2020 registration begins.
Parents
We are looking for middle school kids who are curious about technology, interested in learning how computers work, fascinated by computer games and robots and looking for a place to pursue that interest with like minded peers.
Volunteers
We’re always welcoming talented educators and professionals to join our team! If you’re interested in lending a helping hand to our cause, get in touch with us via email at info@mainemechanics.org. We’re seeking people to help raise money, teach in the classroom, or just contribute ideas during curriculum planning sessions!
Sponsors
Maine Kids Code introduces kids to creative technologies, computer programming, and collaborative problem solving. It is important to us to make sure that all necessary knowledge, material, and hardware are available to all students regardless of background. A huge Thank You to our sponsors: Big Room Studios, Arkatechture, Tyler Technologies, the Bill and Joan Alfond Foundation, and the Maine Community Foundation!
If you or your company are interested in helping us with our mission, please email us at info@mainemechanics.org.
Click the links below to go to the MECA Continuing Studies website to get your spot. Full scholarships will be available to all with need, just ask. Classes are limited to 10 students each.
Both the intro and advanced courses are presented by and take place at Mechanics’ Hall, in the second floor classroom at 519 Congress St. in Portland, Maine 04101.
Design and Code Your Own Game. Using Scratch, a free creative coding platform from MIT, students will learn basic concepts of programming while building simple and fun computer games. Students will then create backgrounds, characters, and the other sprites that comprise a game. Lastly, using the visual blocks language, they will learn to build their game mechanics – movements such as jumping, moving platforms, and special abilities. Upon course completion, students will be able to:
- Design backgrounds, sprites, and 2D game levels
- Add movement, action, and score-keeping
- Practice collaborative coding
- Test and debug their code
- Play, test and iterate on their level designs to create better game user experiences.
This class is for students who are new to coding or would like to expand their abilities with Scratch. Previous programming experience is not required.
Take it to the next level and become an advanced game designer! Learn to program in JavaScript, make shapes, characters as well as more complex game mechanics and creative visuals. After learning the basics of text based programming, drawing shapes and animations, students will learn game mechanics like physics, collisions, as well as mouse and keyboard events. Then, we teach how to design sprites and sprite animations, and build a fully working game that students can run and play on any computer or on the web to share with friends and family. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Design 2D game levels
- Create, import, and manipulate sprites and 2D objects
- Learn intermediate programming techniques in JavaScript
- Play, test and iterate on your level designs to create the perfect gaming experience
This class is for students who are looking for a fun challenge. Previous programming experience is not required, but it is helpful.