JavaScript Quick Start Guide

Welcome to JavaScript 101, Tynker’s first JavaScript course for schools. This course prepares students for the rigors of AP Computer Science when they get to high school and bridges the gap between block-based coding and text-based coding. We recommend JavaScript 101 for intermediate or advanced coders in upper middle or high school who have already completed at least one of our block-based coding courses to get comfortable with basic programming concepts.

In this advanced lesson plan, students will be introduced to JavaScript as they complete engaging lessons, solve challenging puzzles, and build their own games in JavaScript. As they work through the different modules in JavaScript 101, students gain a strong mastery of JavaScript syntax, as well as the ability to creatively program games and other projects and debug their own code.

• Have your students complete at least one Tynker Course that teaches programming fundamentals using block-based coding

• Review how this course is different from our block coding courses in the table below

• 12 scaffolded, self-guided lessons, approximately one hour each

• 12 lesson guides (one for each lesson) that will teach you what is important to emphasize and how you should teach important concepts

• Answer keys for all puzzles, quizzes, and DIY activities

• Each student will need a laptop, desktop, or Chromebook computer with internet access. If you do not have enough computers, students can pair up to work on lessons together. The course is not supported on tablets or phones.

• Part I - JavaScript Syntax and Basics: Students learn basic JavaScript syntax and programming as they set sail with the famous pirate Victoria Skyhart, completing puzzles to help her. They use JavaScript to navigate her pirate airship, avoid enemies, and collect treasure along the way.

• Part II - UI and Interaction: The second part of the course teaches students to use the canvas, background images, x-y coordinates, keyboard interaction, mouse interaction, and pen drawing.

• Part III - Game Design: This final portion of the course focuses on putting together everything students have learn to build games. Students will even build several games on their own.

Your students will be able to move through modules and lessons at their own pace. As the teacher, you have access to answer keys for all puzzles and quizzes, as well as completed samples for all do-it-yourself projects. Your Gradebook allows you to check how your students are doing in real time. It includes metrics on which modules students have completed, as well as which concepts they understand or are struggling with. This information makes it easy to know where your assistance would be most helpful and provide accurate solutions and tips.

For more information about setting up your class and starting to teach, check out our teacher training videos and Quick Start Guide for Teachers.

Topics covered : JavaScript syntax, sequencing, repetition, conditional logic, nested loops, automation, pattern recognition, simple motion, keyboard and mouse events, creating and using an HTML canvas, operators, expressions, variables, collision detection, using arrays and objects to store structured data.

If you have any issues or questions, just send us an email at schools@tynker.com .

Tips for contacting support:

1. Let us know what browser, operating system, and machine you’re using.

2. If your question is about a specific lesson, specify which course and lesson you’re using.

3. If your question pertains to a specific account or project, let us know the username and project name.

4. Provide us a screenshot of what’s going wrong if applicable.

5. If you’re receiving an error message, tell us what the specific error message is.

6. If you’re having problems onboarding students, send us the CSV file you’re using.

Thanks for using Tynker!