Pixel Power: Sixth-Graders Code Retro Games

In an exciting meld of creativity and technology, Computer Science Teacher Hal Roberts guided sixth-grade students through a semester-long project focused on designing 8-bit pixel games due to their simple graphics and bright, fun retro look, making them an excellent choice for students new to coding.

In working with the sixth-grade students, Roberts hopes to "engage their sense of wonder about programming and to build their confidence about solving problems." 

Through the power of creativity in conjunction with our girls' passion for innovation, each student coded their own 8-bit game using Microsoft MakeCode Arcade customized down to the most minute details – like evergreen trees, pink shining stars, and monkeys chasing cherries, but avoiding ducks.

This project allowed students to explore their individual interests and focus on what they were most excited to explore. "Some kids are super into the programming; some are super into the art or music," said Mr. Roberts.

MakeCode Arcade provides an array of graphics and sounds for users to implement in their games, but many students opted to create their own game elements to make their projects more personalized. One student illustrated characters, and another created background music and sound effects. While these 8-bit games can be played on the MakeCode Arcade website, Roberts went the extra mile by uploading their games onto handheld game consoles so the girls could have a retro “Gameboy” experience like their parents did in the 1990s. He noted, "They are fun to play online but twice as much fun to play on the consoles."

These colorful and lively games brought immense joy to our students, who were excited to play both their peers' games and their own creations. Iris Lawhead ’31 said, "My favorite part about the project was trying other people's games and talking to the people at my table about their ideas."

Each class voted on which game they enjoyed the most, and the top 3 playable versions of the winning games are linked below for you to try!

• Iris Lawhead: Monkey Dash 
• Rowan Porter: Princess Maze
• Adelaide Hooser: Monkey Chase

 

Written by Anna Osias