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What classes should I choose for future electives?

I am in 7th grade and I’m starting to question what classes I choose for the future grades I want to make video games and create all this stuff. But I also want to study black holes and astronomy. I am still young so I have some time to choose, but I would love help. So what classes should I choose for future electives?

technology high-school computer-software programming graphic-design coding video-games professional game-design astronomy careerexploration stemeducation electronics studentlife spacescience futureastronomer blackholes
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Kellee’s Answer

Hi Grayson! It's great that you're thinking about your career and planning your education. You mentioned you're interested in video game creation and black holes/astronomy. Here are some thoughts on both:

1. For video game creation, it's good to learn coding, consumer behavior, data analysis, and game development. You can find courses on Coursera, but they might be advanced. Meanwhile, keep improving your math skills and creative thinking.

2. For black holes and astronomy, take related classes when available. Also, focus on physics and geometry, and aim to reach advanced levels in these subjects.

You might not have these classes until high school, and that's okay. Enjoy where you are now, keep learning, stay curious, and ask questions. Your interests might change over time, and that's perfectly fine. Whatever you choose, always do your best!
Thank you comment icon I appreciate your support, Kellee Grayson
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Amanpreet’s Answer

Since you’re interested in things like video games and astronomy, it’s a good idea to pick electives that give you a strong foundation in both creativity and science. Try to take classes like Computer Science, Technology/Engineering, Math, and Physics, and also include some Creative Arts. This combination will open doors for you in game design, space science, or even careers that connect both—like building simulations of black holes for games or research. The more variety you explore now, the more options you’ll have later
Thank you comment icon As a 7th grader it's amazing you are thinking that far ahead, congratulations. Given your interest in creating video games and Astronomy, Amanpreet's advise is excellent. Continue to pursue science-based courses and technology but psychology and Greek mythology would round out your interest in Astronomy and foster your creative journey that will inspire your creativity and curiousity. Myles Manning
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Allen’s Answer

Hi Grayson,

I think taking some Computer Science or programming classes would be a great way for you to start making games. In my first class, we even got to code our own games for the final project, and it was a lot of fun! Also, consider taking astronomy and physics classes to learn about black holes and explore these topics.

Wishing you the best,
Allen
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the help. Grayson
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Archived’s Answer

It's awesome that you're thinking ahead, Grayson! You surely know how to plan your path and here are some things that I can share with you as someone who is a licensed teacher while in the Technology industry.

🎮 If You Want to Make Video Games

Take classes that help you code, design, and bring ideas to life:

Computer Science / Coding – Learn how to talk to computers (languages like Python or JavaScript).

Digital Art / Animation – Make your own characters, worlds, and menus.

Sound & Music – Create cool game sound effects and music.

Fun Resources You Can Check Out Now

Scratch – Make simple games with drag-and-drop coding. (https://scratch.mit.edu/)

Unity Learn – Learn how pros make 2D and 3D games. (https://learn.unity.com/)

Join a Game Jam – An event where people make a game in 1–3 days (tons of fun).

🌌 If You Want to Study Black Holes & Space

Pick classes that help you understand how the universe works:

Math – Algebra, Geometry, and later, Calculus (these are the “space explorer’s tools”).

Physics – Learn about forces, motion, and light.

Astronomy – Study planets, stars, and galaxies.

Fun Resources You Can Check Out Now

NASA Kids’ Club – Space games and missions. (https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/nasa-kids-club/)

NASA’s Eyes on the Universe – Explore planets and black holes interactively. (https://science.nasa.gov/eyes/)

Cosmic Kids Astronomy – Fun videos about space. (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=astronomy+for+kids)

🚀 Classes That Help With Both

Some classes work for video games AND space:

Computer Science – Coding is used for both making games and studying space data.

Robotics – Build robots that could be in games or space missions.

Creative Writing – Make awesome game stories and explain science clearly.

💡 How to Plan Ahead

Right now, choose electives that:

Keep you excited – If you’re curious, you’ll learn faster.

Teach skills you can use in many ways – Like coding, math, or design.

Let you try both paths – So you can decide later which one you love more.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to answer my question. Grayson
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Lakshmi’s Answer

Consider enrolling in some gaming classes.
Thank you comment icon Loved reading this, thanks! Grayson
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Arush’s Answer

Hi Grayson,

you have plenty of time to explore before you have to make a final decision. The best part is that video game creation and astronomy/black hole research share some common skills, so you can keep both paths open for now.

Here’s a clear way to think about your elective choices:

Core Classes to Focus On (Always Take if You Can)
These are essential no matter which direction you go:
Math (especially algebra, geometry, and eventually calculus) – needed for both physics (space) and game programming (game physics, graphics).
Science – take physical science now, then physics, astronomy, or Earth & space science later.
Computer Science – coding is key for game dev, simulations, and even astronomy research tools.

Electives to Support Game Development
Intro to Programming / Computer Science
Game Design / Game Programming (if offered)
Graphic Design (helps with art, UI/UX)
3D Modeling & Animation (good for 3D games)
Robotics or Engineering Design (teaches problem-solving and building systems)

Electives to Support Astronomy & Space Science
Astronomy (if available) or Earth & Space Science
Advanced Physics (later in high school)
Electronics (useful for telescope design, spacecraft instruments)
Data Science or Statistics (used in space research)

Activities Outside School
You can start building skills now, even before high school:
Coding practice: Try Scratch, Python, Unity, or Unreal Engine.
Astronomy clubs: Join a local astronomy group or attend telescope nights.
NASA programs: Look for free student programs and citizen science projects.
Game jams: Events like Global Game Jam Next for beginners.

Why You Don’t Need to Choose Right Now
You can study computer science in college and still take astronomy courses — or vice versa.

There are careers that combine both, like creating space simulation games (Kerbal Space Program) or software for telescopes.

If you focus on math, science, and coding now, you’ll be ready for either path when it’s time.

Regards,
Arush
Thank you comment icon Arush, thank you! Grayson
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Jai’s Answer

Hey Grayson,

I would recommend starting with computer science or coding classes so you can get an idea of what goes into building software and video games. You could also pair this with a digital art or 3D modeling course to see how visuals are created for the games you play. Apart from taking an elective in astronomy or physics, you can also eventually combine both your interests by creating a pet video game project that focuses on something in space and astronomy like a solar system simulation or a game like Outer Wilds (one of my personal favorites).

Best,
Jai
Thank you comment icon I'm excited to put your great advice to good use! Grayson
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Satish’s Answer

Hi Grayson,

You've made some great choices for developing your career, and you have plenty of time to explore your options. Start by figuring out what you're most passionate about. If you're leaning towards game development, make sure to complete essential courses like Math and Science. Also, spend some time learning software development tools and coding. There are free courses available to help you with this.

For astronomy, you'll need the same core courses. Think about whether you want to pursue it as a career or a hobby. There are many opportunities in astronomy, whether you want to be a theoretical physicist or work on technology for exploration. You can explore both paths at the same time. Just stay focused on those core subjects.
Thank you comment icon You rock! This advice is very helpful. Grayson
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Travis’s Answer

Even if it seems unrelated, I recommend taking a music class like band, chorus, or orchestra at your school. It's good to use your brain in different ways. Music is both structured and abstract, so it challenges you differently than math or physics. Learning to think in new ways can make you more successful than just having one set of skills.
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Mary’s Answer

Hey Grayson - You sound like such a curious person who loves to learn! With that foundation anything is possible. I wanted to comment here to share that no matter what electives you choose, they will all work to shape your perspective. You may even find inspiration for your video games in places you weren't expecting, like an art class, so I would encourage you to explore beyond the technical or hard sciences into creative places as well. I know this only increases electives to explore, but try to keep an open mind and think about the ways your interests can be met in different ways. Good luck!
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Maria Fernanda’s Answer

Try a class that's fun and lets you explore new skills or interests while meeting new people. I tried scuba diving and voice acting. You can also take online classes for anything technical.
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Sankarraj’s Answer

That’s awesome—you’re thinking ahead about electives, and it’s perfectly normal to have more than one passion right now. I started out curious about electronics and software, and later built a career in AI and automation, so keeping your options open is a strength, not a weakness.

Since you’re interested in both video game creation and astronomy/black holes, here are electives that will help you build a strong foundation for either (or even both):

Computer Science / Programming – This is essential if you want to build games or even work with simulations in astronomy. Learning languages like Python or Java will serve you in both fields.

Graphic Design / Digital Art – If you want to design video games, art and graphics electives will help you understand character design, animation, and user interfaces.

Math & Physics – For astronomy and black holes, strong math (especially algebra, geometry, and later calculus) plus physics will give you the tools to understand space science. Physics electives are also useful for making game simulations feel realistic.

Astronomy / Space Science – If your school offers electives in astronomy, take them! They’ll give you a taste of what studying black holes and space would be like.

Engineering / Electronics / Robotics – These will teach you problem-solving, circuits, and how hardware works. They’re great for both game controllers/sensors and space exploration technology.

Creative Writing or Storytelling – Believe it or not, games need strong storylines, and science needs clear communicators. This elective will help you express complex ideas in fun and understandable ways.

Right now, you don’t need to choose just one path. The cool thing is that skills in coding, math, and science overlap between game design and astronomy. For example, astrophysicists use simulations that aren’t too different from video game engines! So take electives that keep those doors open—you might even combine them one day by making a space-themed game or a black hole simulation.
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Courtney’s Answer

Hi Grayson,

It’s amazing that you’re already thinking about your future and exploring interests like video game design and astronomy. That kind of curiosity is a superpower.

Here’s something important to remember: middle school is the perfect time to experiment. Think of your electives as a way to test out your ideas—like mini science experiments for your future. Try a class in coding or digital art if you’re excited about making video games. Explore science electives like physics or space science if black holes and astronomy fascinate you. Try classes that help you work on storytelling. You don’t have to choose just one path right now.

And here’s the best part: it’s totally okay to try something and realize it’s not for you. That’s not a failure—it’s useful information! Every class you take teaches you something about what you enjoy, what challenges you, and what you might want to do more of (or less of) in the future.
So go ahead—be curious, be bold, and explore. You’re building your own adventure, and every step helps you figure out what kind of creator, scientist, or explorer you want to be.
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Don’s Answer

Hello Grayson,

It is good that you are thinking about possible classes that are interesting for you! I would suggest for you to try and pick classes that relate to video games or astronomy because this is something that you are curious about. I don't exactly know all the classes that are available to you but you should try classes that are related to these topics. Hopefully, things go well during your school year and maybe these classes could lead to a career one day!
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Jack’s Answer

Hi Greyson,
You've made some great choices! Both options have a lot in common, especially with Math, Physics, and Computer Science classes leading the way. If you're interested in video games, you could also explore Graphic Design and Programming Languages. My son started his journey by programming games in Roblox. There are plenty of online tutorials to guide you, and it's a friendly platform where you can easily create and share your game ideas. Keep up the great work!
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Jeff’s Answer

Hi Grayson,

I like Courtney's answer. Experiment. Don't be afraid of failure. When you fail and you will, you'll learn lessons that you'll never learn if you succeed each time. Experiment with new things and fail! Too many people are afraid of failure. But when things do go wrong, take the time to reflect on them. Even interpersonal relationships with friends and family.
Re-examine things by asking yourself questions like: what where my expectations? Why did they say that? If I could do that thing over again how would I like to have done it?
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Jami-Lyn’s Answer

Choosing electives is a very personal decision. You've referenced game design, which would involve technical skills as well as creative. You also referenced studying astronomy, which lends more to the sciences. You have a good mindset about it, which is being open to explore different things. I encourage you to do just that. Take a variety of electives that will expose you to your varied interests. This will help you find what resonates the most with you.

For game design, electives on programming and understanding the psychology of game design will help you explore this area of interest. For astronomy, you want to look at the electives that deal with space, astrophysics, planetary systems, and celestial bodies. Participating in clubs or local and online organizations related to these areas of interest will expose you to them, as well, and put you in contact with others that have the same interests. STEM or STEAM organizations can provide you with this kind of potential exposure. Your interests seem to lie in the "S" for sciences and the "T" for technology.

Keep an open mind and explore these different interests to see what bubbles to the top.
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