App / Game Design

App and game design is the process of imagining, planning, and creating digital tools or interactive experiences people can use and enjoy. Browse K–12 app and game design lessons, creative projects, curriculum guides, and hands-on resources that empower students to build, design, and innovate.

Grade Levels: K - 12

Subject Matter: Game Design

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Curriculum Options

Epic’s Unreal Engine
Code.org:
- Interactive Animations and Games
- Elementary Game Design
- Intro to App Lab
- Creating Apps with Devices (Circuit Playground / micro:bit)
CodeHS:
- All App Design course offerings
- All Game Design course offerings
PLTW Game Design and Development (comes free with CS or Engineering)
MakeCode (game controller, alternative controller, another controller)

Nexus Lessons and Activities

Topics in Computer Science (7351) Exploring Board Games Lesson Plan

Students will explore a variety of board games, examining their components to understand what contributes to their fun or lack thereof.

Grade Levels: 9 - 12

Subject Matter: Algorithms, Game Design, Programming

Topics in Computer Science (7351) Exploring Video Games Lesson Plan

Students will play and evaluate video games, identifying which components make them engaging or less enjoyable.

Grade Levels: 9 - 12

Subject Matter: Algorithms, Game Design, Programming

Topics in Computer Science (7351) History of Video Games Lesson Plan

In this lesson, students explore the history of games, particularly video games, and create a timeline showcasing the most significant milestones.

Grade Levels: 9 - 12

Subject Matter: Game Design, Programming

Topics in Computer Science (7351) Intro to Video Game Design Lesson Plan

In this lesson, students begin exploring key components of video game design that will guide the decisions they make for their final project.

Grade Levels: 9 - 12

Subject Matter: Game Design, Programming

Topics in Computer Science (7351) The Psychology of Video Games Lesson Plan

Students will examine the motivations behind player behavior in video games and explore the reasoning behind the choices developers make when creating games.

Grade Levels: 9 - 12

Subject Matter: Game Design, Programming

Topics in Computer Science (7351) Introduction to the End-of-Year Video Game Project

This lesson introduces students to the final project and provides them with the project guide document.

Grade Levels: 9 - 12

Subject Matter: Game Design, Programming

Stand-Alone Activities and Resources

App and Game Design Platforms

Other Resources

GetMeCoding: Game Design Document
Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design book

Professional Development

Code.org: Self-Paced Professional Learning App and Game options
MakeCode: First Lessons with MakeCode and the micro:bit
CodeHS: Teaching Game Design with Roblox