In this lesson, youth learn how to 1) use MakeCode Arcade to create a side-scrolling video game and 2) adapt images and backgrounds in the video game. This lesson will take 1.5 to 2 hours and can be divided into two sessions. If youth are not familiar with MakeCode, it’s recommended that you complete lesson 3 of this learning journey, Micro:bit Light Meter, before attempting this lesson. The Code a Game in MakeCode Arcade handout and self-guided video of the lesson are provided. 

To prepare for the lesson:

1. Print out copies of the Code a Game in MakeCode Arcade handout for everyone.
2. Set up the self-guided interactive Code a Game in MakeCode Arcade on your class computer. Review it before the lesson. You can also reference the Facilitator Guide: Code a Game in MakeCode Arcade for visual screenshots. Make sure you have sound and internet access set up for the computer. It’s recommended to have the site projected on a large screen so youth can follow along together.
3. A laptop or tablet per small group (2-3 youth).
4. Set up the MakeCode Arcade site and Google Drawing (if available) for all laptops or tablets to be used by youth. 
5. Write down the vocabulary words on a whiteboard or flipchart for the lesson: 
   1. Words: platformer, sprite, tilemap, velocity and acceleration. 
   2. Reference the words when discussing the actions they’ll be taking (discussed in interactive).
6. Pencils for everyone. Paper and markers per group if Google Drawing is unavailable.
7. Read the chapter “North Pacific Gyre” from the book, Plastics Ahoy! by Patricia Newman, if available.

During the lesson:

1. Follow the instructions on the Code a Game in MakeCode Arcade Interactive. As you click through the steps on the interactive lesson, you’ll notice that there is an audio recording of the written descriptions for each section of the lesson. Play the audio so youth have a choice between listening to the words or reading the words on the screen.
2. Once you arrive at the section of the interactive, “Let’s program a game using MakeArcade!” pause the interactive while you place youth in small groups of 2-3 (if you haven’t already done so) and distribute their Code a Game in MakeCode Arcade handout, and laptop/tablet. 
3. Have each group click on the Simple Platform tutorial and go through the tutorial. The completion of the tutorial will unlock the next one, Camera and Tiles and completion of that, Simple Enemies. Have groups save their completed tutorials so they can refer to it in future lessons in this journey. 
4. To make things easy 🙂: Assign each group a login that they will use to save their tutorials.
5. Have groups refer to their handouts in creating their storyboard for their game. They can use Google Drawing or a piece of paper to sketch their ideas.
6. Have them follow along with the interactive in creating their video game.
7. When completed, have youth reflect on their game by answering the questions on their handout. Have them share out as a class or in smaller groups.
   1. What did they learn?
   2. What did they change in the block code? What difference did it make?
   3. What other stories might they tell using a video game?