What do kids learn from playing computer games? Here is a published paper showing how we measure Retention of Flow and here is a paper comparing the 3D Frogger activity to the Angry Birds Hour of Code activity. The retention of students is higher than with other activities simply providing artwork for kids.

A sensational 65% of participants do continue. Big question: are they hooked enough by the programming that they go home and finish their game? You may wonder if creating their own 3D shape, e.g., the frog, is just a waste of precious programming time. If we create a cliffhanger activity and actually measure how many kids want to continue? In just one hour kids create their 3D characters, start to program and play with the early version of their game. When you are done make sure to submit your game so that no one else can edit it and you can continue working on it later! Teacher Notes How well does the Cliffhanger approach work? You can create anything you like! You can make a simple game or a super-sophisticated one that includes 3D layers, and multiple levels. Of course, you don't have to build a 3D Frogger game. In one hour you will create the beginnings of a 3D Frogger game that you can share with your friends. Create Your 3D Game Start programming your first game in less than an hour

Free game creator for kids