Lucasfilm, Disney and Code.org, the nonprofit organization that is working on expanding access to computer science, have joined forces in a quest to help students learn how to code by building their own Star Wars game.
Showcased as part of the nonprofit's third annual global Hour of Code campaign, the tutorial, called "Star Wars: Building a Galaxy with Code," presents learning programming skills in a fun and interactive way.
"Millions of us have been transported to a galaxy far, far away thanks to the creativity of the team behind Star Wars. Every one of us, especially young boys and girls, should also have the chance to learn how to power our own creativity with computer science," co-founder and CEO of Code.org Hadi Partovi said in a press release. "Code.org is honored to have the support of Disney and Star Wars on the Hour of Code, making it possible for students everywhere to experience firsthand how this foundational field opens new doors, and can be a lot of fun too."
The game tutorial consists of an online lesson that instructs students on how they can build a game starring popular characters from the franchise, including Rey, BB-8, Princess Leia, C-3PO and R2-D2.
Helping kids "become strong with the programming side of the force," the online tutorial introduced students to Javascript by dragging-and-dropping blocks of the language to control BB-8 in real-time (while using logic and problem-solving skills) to have him collect scrap metal with help from Rey.
Students can play their created Star Wars-themed game on their smartphones or share with their family via a link.
The lesson is supposed to take an hour, with short video lectures popping up that feature Rachel Ross, an engineer from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and senior creative producer at Walt Disney Imagineering Charita Carter further explaining the world of programming.
"For generations, Star Wars has sparked kids' curiosity and imagination, and we hope the appeal of characters like Princess Leia and Rey will help fuel greater participation in science and math, especially among girls, around the world," Kennedy said in the press release. "Computer science has helped shape our legacy and changed the way movies are made, which is why programs like the Hour of Code are so important to us."
"Star Wars: Building a Galaxy with Code" is recommended for ages 11 and older, and is available for free in more than 180 countries. Start creating your own Star Wars game at Code.org here.
Hour of Code takes place during Computer Science Education Week, which is held this year from Dec. 7 to 13.
Source: StarWars.com
