Gamestar Mechanic 19-20 S1

Does teaching students to create their own video games help them learn?  Please read the following article from FORBES Magazine:  

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jordanshapiro/2013/07/09/are-kids-who-make-their-own-video-games-better-prepared-for-the-digital-future/print/

Turn to your neighbor and talk about the kind of game you would create, if you could, and what you would learn while you made it.  Open your GMail application using the Chrome Web Browser and Create and Email to me (hscribner@ccs.us).  Use the following information to create the email:

TO: Mr. Scribner (hscribner@ccs.us)

SUBJECT:  Video Games

BODY OF EMAIL:  Write a paragraph (3-4 Sentences) using the R.A.C.E.S* method to construct an argument for the type of game you would create, and why you want to create it.

*R - Repeat the Question, A - Answer The Question, C - Cite your Evidence, E- Examples of Evidence, S - Summarize your Argument (Wrap-Up Sentence).

Today you will spend some time working on GAMESTAR MECHANIC!  This is an introductory program to teach the basics of creating video games.  Please use the link below to join our class: 

Gamestar Mechanic CSACMS535 Sign-Up Link

Once you have joined, spend time in class today working through the QUEST and initial levels.  You can work on this from any place you have an internet connection.  Once you see how basic game design works, by completing the story-line and levels, you will then be able to put this together with the basic coding we work on later this year.  Take your time and work through this at your own pace.

Enjoy today's fun day, and be ready to work on Google Applications for Education next week! 

- Mr. S 

ACADEMIC/LEARNING OBJECTIVE

Scholars use a link provided on the class website to begin learning about how video games are created.  Each scholar will work on their own to work through the storyline and levels of the game-making process.  Scholars will be required to use Peer Mentoring to help each other through difficult levels prior to instructor intervention.

STUDENTS WILL ENTER THE CLASS QUIETLY AND BEGIN WORKING!

STUDENTS MUST START BY READING ALL DIRECTIONS ON CLASS WEBSITE!

Scholars will create individual accounts on Gamestar Mechanic using the link provided on the class website.  Scholars will work independently on each level of the storyline to begin creating a video game.