FAQ
Question: Help! I can't find the Backyard Hackers' classes on the Park and Rec site, and I'm totally freaking out!
Answer: Us too! If you can't find us, that's no good.
Step 1: Click on "Youth Activities and Camps".
Step 2: Search for "Stem"
Step 3: Scroll down and find the class you're looking for.
Step 4: Sign up for all of the classes! (Just kidding, kind of. . .)
Question: If my kiddo wants to bring their own computer, what requirements should it have?
Answer: Kids are encouraged to bring their own computer for Scratch 1, Mod by Coding 1 and Unity. We use completely free software for these classes and there's only a little bit of special setup that goes into it. Students in the past have enjoyed being able to continue building their games away from class and sharing what they've created as class continues.
If you don't have a computer to bring, no big deal, we'll have one setup for you, but we can't guarantee that you'll be able to access your projects once class is over.
Generally, if the computer can run Minecraft well, it'll be strong enough to run whatever we use in class. For Scratch 1, it only has to be able to get onto the Internet, since we use the browser version of Scratch.
Question: Once they're done with Mod Minecraft 1, how do they actually play their mod?
Answer: Check out our Student Mod Page for a complete text walkthrough. If you're more of the visual learner, search on the Youtubes for "Load Minecraft Mod 1.7"
Question: Can we continue to work on the mod when class is over?
Answer: We are happy to share the project files with you once the class is over, just ask. However, Mod by Coding 1 is the only modding class that we help students setup a modding environment. For Little Crafters and Mod Minecraft 1, you're on your own for setting up your own modding environment. . .please don't ask.
Question: How in the world do I let my kid's uncle play his RPG? I want to rub it in his face, but the files are HUGE!
Answer: We love showing off to our kids' uncles too! You could setup a torrent and let them download the finished game. With most connections it'll take about 20 minutes. (If you've never created a torrent, it'll probably take you about 10 minutes to find a simple tutorial and follow it.) Otherwise, putting a half a gig on a jump drive and mailing it will do the same thing.
Question: I have a sweet idea for something for you to teach, or would love to teach something myself!
Answer: Super sweet! Shoot John an email at john@backyardhackers.com He loves to dork-out about stuff like that.
Answer: Us too! If you can't find us, that's no good.
Step 1: Click on "Youth Activities and Camps".
Step 2: Search for "Stem"
Step 3: Scroll down and find the class you're looking for.
Step 4: Sign up for all of the classes! (Just kidding, kind of. . .)
Question: If my kiddo wants to bring their own computer, what requirements should it have?
Answer: Kids are encouraged to bring their own computer for Scratch 1, Mod by Coding 1 and Unity. We use completely free software for these classes and there's only a little bit of special setup that goes into it. Students in the past have enjoyed being able to continue building their games away from class and sharing what they've created as class continues.
If you don't have a computer to bring, no big deal, we'll have one setup for you, but we can't guarantee that you'll be able to access your projects once class is over.
Generally, if the computer can run Minecraft well, it'll be strong enough to run whatever we use in class. For Scratch 1, it only has to be able to get onto the Internet, since we use the browser version of Scratch.
Question: Once they're done with Mod Minecraft 1, how do they actually play their mod?
Answer: Check out our Student Mod Page for a complete text walkthrough. If you're more of the visual learner, search on the Youtubes for "Load Minecraft Mod 1.7"
Question: Can we continue to work on the mod when class is over?
Answer: We are happy to share the project files with you once the class is over, just ask. However, Mod by Coding 1 is the only modding class that we help students setup a modding environment. For Little Crafters and Mod Minecraft 1, you're on your own for setting up your own modding environment. . .please don't ask.
Question: How in the world do I let my kid's uncle play his RPG? I want to rub it in his face, but the files are HUGE!
Answer: We love showing off to our kids' uncles too! You could setup a torrent and let them download the finished game. With most connections it'll take about 20 minutes. (If you've never created a torrent, it'll probably take you about 10 minutes to find a simple tutorial and follow it.) Otherwise, putting a half a gig on a jump drive and mailing it will do the same thing.
Question: I have a sweet idea for something for you to teach, or would love to teach something myself!
Answer: Super sweet! Shoot John an email at john@backyardhackers.com He loves to dork-out about stuff like that.