GBA course offerings include Video Game Design and Development, Video Game Programming, 3D Computer Modeling and Animation, Robotics, Rocket Science, and Creating Digital Music and Sound. New courses are always in development so please check back often. For more information, including how to register, call Game Builders Academy™ at (516) 629-5333.

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VGD-00: Introduction to Video Game Design and Development
Grades 5 - 12
Sample Game: SUPER HAMBURGER THROWER -->
Students use and strengthen math skills, logic skills, communication skills, concentration and critical thinking skills, problem solving and creative thinking – all in the context of learning how to design and program video games! This course offers students an exciting introduction to the technical and artistic concepts and techniques of designing and programming video games. Students gain a working knowledge of the skills and tools necessary to design and develop video games. Students learn how to use Game Maker software and graphics programs. They are also introduced to the fundamentals of animation for use in their games. Students will create at least one full working video game, as well as an advanced pong-style game.
Prerequisites: None

NEW for 2009:
VGD-01: Video Game Design - Level 1 (click-n-build)
Grades 5 - 12
Students who have taken the introductory level continue to build their knowledge of Game Maker, learning and employing more advanced game development techniques. Students create a new 2-dimensional game and add advanced features and capabilities beyond their introductory level games. Students add custom sound effects and animations to their games. Students create at least one multilevel game and a number of mini-games.
Prerequisites: VGD-00

VGP-01: Video Game Programming - Level 1 (programming)
Grades 5 - 12
Students are introduced, in a very fun way, to writing computer programming code and the basic math concepts that are used in video game development. Students design and program a multi-level, side-scrolling platform game, with many of the features in professional side-scrolling platformers. Students add custom sounds, animations and visual effects to their games. This course is a great introduction to the world of game programming and computer programming in general.
Prerequisites: VGD-00 and basic typing skills

NEW for 2009:
VGW-01: Video Game Design Workshop  
Grades 5 - 12 
Students create their own totally individual, highly-customized game in the Video Game Design
Workshop using the knowledge gained in their previous video game work. Along with learning and using new advanced techniques, each student decides for himself or herself what type of game they want to create. Individualized attention and one-on-one help allows students to create games according to their own specific ideas and abilities. Students also create their own advanced animations and other visual effects, as well as creating and adding custom sound effects. The end product is a highly-polished, truly unique game, created entirely by the
individual student, specifically according to their own ideas and plans.
Prerequisites: VGD-01

NEW for 2009:
VGW-02: Video Game Programming Workshop  
Grades 5 - 12
(Description to come.)
Prerequisites: VGP-01

STR-01: Starburst™ Video Game Development - Level 1 (click-n-build)
Grades K - 4 
Young students (Grades K – 4) learn how to apply basic math (addition and subtraction) and other skills to design and program their own video games! In a very fun and easy process, students learn the technical and artistic fundamentals of designing and programming video games. Students also learn how to draw their own game characters on the computer and add sound to their games. Students are also introduced to the fundamentals of animation for use in their games. Each child in this course will create at least one full working video game.
Prerequisites: None

NEW for 2009:
3D-01: 3D Computer Modeling and Animation - Level 1
Grades 5 - 12
This course offers students an exciting introduction to the world of computer-generated 3D
modeling and animation. Students learn the fundamentals of drawing in 3D (very easy and fun - no drawing or art experience required) as a way to learn the visual principles of how humans
see in three dimensions. Students then use freeware and inexpensive software to create and
animate true three-dimensional, computer-generated models. Students will learn how to create their own 3D objects and characters, apply textures and materials, and add lighting and
animation. Students will also learn how to render their 3D creations and animations for use in video games, web sites, and short movies.
Prerequisites: None

ROB-01: Robotics - Level 1
Grades 5- 12
Students will learn the fundamental engineering and technical principles of building and programming robots to move and function autonomously (on their own). Students will work in small teams, (2-4 Students) which will require sharing and cooperation to accomplish various tasks. Through the use of sound, light, and touch sensors students will be able to program their robots to “see, hear, and perceive” their surroundings. Using these capabilities, students will put their newly acquired skills to work in exciting challenges such as obstacle courses, races, and contests of moving objects. Students learn how to use the actions and reactions of the robots to strategically solve problems and puzzles and most importantly, have fun doing it!
Prerequisites: None

NEW for 2009:
ROB-02: Robotics - Level 2
Grades 5 - 12
Students will design and build various specialized robots for different tasks, games, and challenges. In cooperative teams, students will personalize their robots and learn more advanced engineering and programming techniques. Students will use these skills to accomplish higher-end robot tasks and engage in challenging competitions. Students will engage in single-robot challenges, as well as group robot challenges to combine techniques and capabilities to complete more complicated tasks and challenges. Students will also learn the basics of programming remote-control for their robots, as well as learning to give their robots more advanced autonomous capabilities (Artificial Intelligence).
Prerequisites: ROB-01

NEW for 2009
AER-01: Rocket Science– Level 1
Grades 5 - 12
This course combines hands-on fun with an exciting introduction to the scientific fundamentals
of rocketry. Along with building and flying their own scale model rockets, students also learn the historical origins of rocketry and its important figures. Students will explore Newton’s laws of motion, the principle of conservation of momentum, and simple kinematics through experimentation. Additionally, the basics of model rocket construction, safety and flight will covered. Students will be introduced to an elementary, computer-based, soda bottle rocket flight simulator provided by NASA. Math and science are used in a very fun way, with the academic skills students already have being used in an exciting, real-world application – to design, build, and fly their own model rockets.
Prerequisites: None

NEW for 2009
SND-00: Creating Digital Music and Sound for Video Games
Grades 5 - 12
In this course students will use the computer, along with musical instruments, their voices, and
various everyday items to create, record, and edit music and sounds for use in a video game. Students will be given a choice of video games that have no music and no sound effects. Students will learn about various options and techniques for creating sounds of all kinds. Students will then design their own solutions as to what types of sounds should go in the various sections and events in the game. Students will then learn how to use their creativity, the materials around them, and the computer to create the sounds they want. The sounds will then be synchronized with the video game to play during specific sections and events in the game. Students will also create one or more musical pieces for the game (no musical experience required).
Prerequisites: None

Workshops and Seminars
GBA also offers specialized workshops covering various topics of game development, such as creating 3D games, creating your own customized artwork, creating multi-player online games and much more. Check back to see our new offerings! And remember to join our e-mailing list to keep up-to-date on all our new offerings and special events!

More to come soon - please check back!