Week Sixteen

Play On

Students finished up their video game design projects this week and had a chance to see what each other did. In addition to going around to each other's games and get feedback, students also had a chance to hear from the High School Visual Arts teachers who connected the learning happening at WMS with what is expected at the HS and beyond. 

It was really exciting to see what students did with their games using Scratch. We stressed that there had to be some sort of educational aspect to their games, and some had stronger connections that others, but all tried and created something using tools they had little experience with before starting this project. 

I was first inspired to do this project after hearing Steve Ciampaglia from the Plug-in Studio at the NAEA Convention a couple of years ago speak about using video game design with students. 

Here are some games that resulted from our STEAM collaboration:

After the video games were shared, students had a chance to complete a self-assessment using Google Forms and in that assessment they were asked what their favorite part of the project was. For many, it was the fact that they could work with a partner to create a game. For others, it was hearing from Ben Lambert and the High School Art teachers and getting feedback from them. 

This was a fun way to lead into break and something I know we will do again next year (hopefully with more time)! 

I hope everyone enjoyed their last days before break with their students and finished 2016 with much success!