teacher_notes.md

Week 18 – Game Jam (Capstone Project)

Objectives

• Create complete game with start screen, gameplay, and game over
• Implement state machine (start → play → gameover)
• Polish and present a finished product
• Demonstrate all Pygame Zero skills from weeks 13-17

Game States

state = "start"  # or "play" or "gameover"

def draw():
    if state == "start":
        # Show title and "Press SPACE"
    elif state == "play":
        # Show game
    else:
        # Show game over and score

Lesson flow (75 min - extended!)

1. Warm-up (10 min): Play examples from weeks 13-17
2. Teach (10 min): State machines, polish techniques
3. Jam Time (45 min): Students create their game!
4. Showcase (10 min): Each student demos their game

Game Jam Prompts (choose one):

• Collect 20 items before time runs out
• Dodge enemies and survive 60 seconds
• Click targets like Week 12 but in Pygame Zero
• Student's original idea (approved by teacher)

Success Criteria

• Complete game loop (start → play → game over → restart)
• At least one unique feature or twist
• Playable and fun!
• Student can explain their code