Puzzle Programming
VISST SummerCamp
Aug 2-5, 2022
Recommended ages: 10+
For new and experienced coders alike, in this camp you'll create your own simple video games using PuzzleScript. Taught by a UBC computer science professor, you will learn about coding, algorithmic thinking skills, and how to design engaging games. Everything you make will be visual, creative, and playable from day one!
Program Details
When?
This camp runs Aug 2-5, 2022 from 10am-2pm each day. Participants should bring a lunch.
Where?
This camp is at the Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology, located on the 2nd floor at 1490 West Broadway in Vancouver.
Who?
This camp is designed ages 10+. Students who participated in this class last year are welcome to come back; we have advanced materials prepared as well.
Cost
The camp fee is $225. However, a limited number of free spots are available where the fee would be a barrier to participation - please contact us at workshops@visst.ca.
Why?
Learn coding from a UBC computer science professor with years of experience teaching introductory programming.
Be creative with the games you create and the artwork you design.
Build something you can show your friends in just one week.
Try something you won’t find in school that combines programming and puzzle solving.
Earn a certificate of completion from the Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology.
Here’s what we’ll do:
Day 1:
The Basics
In the morning we’ll get oriented with PuzzleScript. You’ll learn how to create artwork and basic rules. After lunch, you’ll work on creating a simple game to practice your new skills. By the end of the day, you’ll have a link to share your first game with friends.
Day 2:
Coding with PuzzleScript
On the second day we’ll dive into some more sophisticated rules in PuzzleScript. Can two objects occupy the same space? Can the game update between your moves? Does the order of the rules matter? We’ll answer these questions with hands-on exercises. Then, you’ll start to plan your own PuzzleScript project.
Day 3:
Puzzle Design
By now we have learned the concepts of how PuzzleScript can be used to create puzzle games, but what makes a good game? And beyond that, there are many ways to code the same game, so what makes good code? On Day 4 we’ll dive into design philosophies to answer both of these questions: what makes a puzzle game fun and, once you’ve settled on a game design, what is the best way to code that design?
Day 4:
Projects & Playtesting
On the last day of the camp, we’ll play-test each other’s games and give each other feedback. Then we’ll implement the feedback we received and, finally, share our games with the class. Everyone will leave the camp with a shareable link to their game, new knowledge of fundamental programming concepts, and perhaps a new hobby!
Camp Instructor
Mike Gelbart, PhD
Mike Gelbart is the Co-Founder and Principal of VISST. He is currently on leave from his position as an Associate Professor of Teaching in the UBC Department of Computer Science, where he has taught over 25 courses from first-year to graduate level and also served as Co-Director of the UBC Master of Data Science program. Mike attended K-12 in the Vancouver public school system, and then completed an undergraduate degree in physics at Princeton University and a PhD in machine learning at Harvard University. Mike has also created a couple of his own PuzzleScript games, Line of Sight and Herding Hero! You can read more about Mike here.
Why PuzzleScript?
PuzzleScript is a special-purpose programming languages for making puzzle games. What we discovered is that it’s also a perfect tool for education. Because PuzzleScript is so visual, it’s super easy to hit the ground running and start channeling your creative impulses right away. In fact, you will be able to create your own simple puzzle game after just one day of this camp!
In the process of learning PuzzleScript we’ll encounter fundamental and challenging questions in programming and algorithmic thinking, with a lot to offer for new and experienced programmers alike.
Here is what a PuzzleScript game looks like:
Testimonials from Puzzle Programming 2021
I liked that I learned a lot about coding and how it works. Before the course I felt like I didn't know much about coding and how to code. Now that the right instructors have taught me and helped me learn I know a lot more about coding and how to code.
- Participant, Puzzle Programming 2021, Age 13
I loved it! It’s really fun and I love making the little games, it’s just satisfying to see the games coming out of my own hands!
- Participant, Puzzle Programming 2021, Age 13
I liked how the teachers taught us how to code and then let us create fun games ourselves. It was really fun.
- Participant, Puzzle Programming 2021, Age 12
Also, check out the PuzzleScript games made by last year’s participants at our Student Work page.
Our Story
We are a team of experienced educators opening a not-for-profit high school in Vancouver to pursue our mission of educating high school students without leaving them wondering, Why am I learning this?
Join us! Sign up below.
This camp is now full. If you would like to join the waitlist in the event of a cancellation, please use the “Join Waitlist” button below. If you would like to stay up to date about future camps, you can join our mailing list here.
Questions?
Contact us at workshops@visst.ca
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