SCRATCH - GAME DESIGN & VIDEO ANIMATION
Scratch is a game design and animation making program for students (and adults). It allows students to create animations and basic computer games. The program is free and was developed by students at MIT in Cambridge, Mass. To get started, download the Scratch program from their website (or your students can run off of the web based version).
I would also have students check out other games people have made. One of my favorite examples is this Tron game.
Scratch has an excellent education resource center with discussion forums and tutorials. Below are 3 tutorials that students can use to get started on Scratch. I suggest doing these tutorials in order; the tutorials progress in order of difficulty. By the end, students should be able to create their own game with tons of different features.
I would also have students check out other games people have made. One of my favorite examples is this Tron game.
Scratch has an excellent education resource center with discussion forums and tutorials. Below are 3 tutorials that students can use to get started on Scratch. I suggest doing these tutorials in order; the tutorials progress in order of difficulty. By the end, students should be able to create their own game with tons of different features.