Are you interested in designing your own characters, animations, and games while also learning foundational skills in coding? In this semester-long, project-based course, you will create renderings of 3D models, physics-based animations, and user-interactive games using VPython, a coding environment that combines the Python programming language with a 3D graphics module. Through your projects, you will learn how to use coding elements such as variables, loops, lists, conditionals, functions, and more. We will use the engineering design process to develop each project, including research, brainstorming, iterative prototyping, peer feedback, and sharing. This is a highly collaborative class; you will share your codes with your classmates so that they can build upon them “open-source”-style, and you will adapt and cite some of the work of your classmates to move your own projects forward. No previous coding experience is required, but students should be comfortable with mathematical thinking, troubleshooting, and sometimes feeling confused! Since we will be drawing upon physics concepts to create animations, students should enter this course having completed a year of Physics 9 or equivalent.

Offered Fall 2026