PE – Additional Courses

In partnership with BlackRocket, the Community Education department is now offering online STEAM enrichment courses for youth ages 8 – 14.

Black Rocket Technical Guidelines (PDF)
Black Rocket Support
Black Rocket Course Registration

3D Game Design with Unity

Are you ready to take your game design skills to another level? With Unity, an industry-grade design software, aspiring game designers will learn level editing, 3D modeling, impactful gameplay creation, as well as how to utilize scripts and variables. Student-created games will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years.

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14         *Compatible with MAC and Windows OS only and requires a 64-bit operating system.

NEW! Beats and Jams: Digital Music Creators

Begin your rise to the top of the charts with digital music production! Just like today's top artists, you can design your own beats or remix a mashup of your favorite songs to become a digital composer and sound engineer.  In this course, students will learn to produce digital music, record sound, make sound effects, and mix their own tracks. No prior music experience is necessary. Student-created soundtracks will be available on a password protected website to share with friends and family.

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14                                               *Compatible with MAC, Windows, and Chrome OS.

NEW! Cloud Gamers: Mobile App Development

Cloud gaming is the way of the future! Build games you can play everywhere and anywhere using a web-based development tool. Learn in-demand skills like programming events and coding controls for a touch screen or keyboard and mouse. Finish by personalizing levels and characters with your own design.  Now you are ready to upload your games to the Black Rocket cloud arcade and play on any mobile device or computer. Games can easily be shared with friends and family!

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14                                             *Compatible with MAC, Windows, and Chrome OS.

Code Breakers

Calling all future coders, programmers, & designers! Learn the basics of coding languages like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS through a series of web projects and design challenges each day and be on your way to becoming the next tech star! Whether you want to be a Silicon Valley CEO or the high school student who just made $1 million dollars for programming in her bedroom, this course has the essentials you need to begin your journey. Projects will be available on a Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years.

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14                                                *Compatible with MAC, Windows, and Chrome OS.

UPDATED! Minecraft® Animators

Create the next popular animated Minecraft video on YouTube! Practice the same skills professionals at Pixar and Disney Animation Studios use. Discover the process of keyframing and tweening, how to use it to bring your own animated stories to life, and how to publish your content on YouTube. Student projects will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years.

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14                                                    *Compatible with MAC and Windows OS only.

Minecraft® Modders

Customize your own Minecraft world and mod the classic game in this one of a kind class. Learn scripting and logic statements as you create your first mods. Students will create a wide variety of new elements, gameplay mechanics, and world generating mods to change the way you play Minecraft. Projects will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Students must have the Java version of Minecraft to take this class. Tablet, phone, and game console versions of Minecraft are not compatible. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years.

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14                  *Compatible with MAC and Windows OS only.  Purchase Minecraft Java Edition

Python Programmers

Want to learn the world's fastest-growing programming language favored by Google, NASA, Youtube, and the CIA? ​Learn how to code with Python to create engaging apps and games. Each lesson takes you step-by-step on a programming path that will let you challenge friends with fun content you create from start to finish!​ Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years​.

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14                                        *Compatible with MAC, Windows, and Chrome OS.

NEW! Young Coders

Every child can code! Develop your skills as a young coder by exploring block coding, JavaScript, and Python concepts while making your own playable mini games. This introductory coding course is designed to get elementary-aged students excited about technology through a series of hands-on and engaging learning challenges. Student-created games will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family.

Ages: 6-8 and 8-10                                                          *Compatible with MAC, Windows, and Chrome OS.

YouTube® Content Creators

Find your voice and leave your mark on the world! Whether you are six or sixteen, it’s time to start a career as the next YouTube star. Explore the variety of content and personalities that exist on YouTube and how to find your own niche. Learn the Dos and Don’ts of the platform and how to practice good digital citizenship. Develop your on-camera presence, your own channel branding, and professional editing skills. Take home a plan for launching your own channel with the content created in class! Student projects will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family.

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14                                                      *Compatible with MAC and Windows OS only.

*A webcam is required for this course.

NEW! Black Rocket Esports Gaming Club for Kids

Whether you want to be the next pro gamer, streamer, or gamecaster this club will introduce you to the world of Esports. No longer just a hobby, esports is the fastest-growing career for the next generation. Each week participants will explore and compete in different multiplayer esports games in a safe and fun environment. Learn the skills of the craft and how to break into competitive video game playing.

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14

NEW! Minecraft Club

Join kids around the country in our Creator Corps Community of Minecraft maniacs who play and create together. Each week have fun playing Minecraft and learning new tricks from our Minecraft Masters. Each Friday one of our Coaches will teach a new technique and challenge to the club and let you show off your skills.

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14

ROBLOX® Makers

Unlock the power of ROBLOX® Studio, the world creation tool used by real-world ROBLOX® developers! Learn how to build 3D models and create an adventure in your ROBLOX® world. Bring characters to life with unique animations you design. Student-created projects will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family.

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14                                                      *Compatible with MAC and Windows OS only.

NEW! Roblox Club

Are you an avid Roblox player and creator? Join us on Friday nights to collaborate and play mini-games with one of our Roblox Coaches and make new friends in a safe and fun environment.

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14