SMS  is once again pioneering a ground-breaking, innovative approach to learning!  Beginning in September 2017, we are offering   8th-grade students a twenty-week STEAM elective based on video-game design; EXCALIBUR.  
     Students in  EXCALIBUR will experience a  hands-on, project-based approach to learning as they determine their own direction within the framework of the course.  This will be a chance to explore what STEAM really has to offer in terms of career paths beyond programming or engineering.  

     Game design, in various electronic entertainment technologies, involves a diverse set of skills and backgrounds from narrative and art to computer programming. This course surveys the technical aspects of the field, with an emphasis on programming innovative game design.

     Animators, artists, musicians, sound engineers, creative writers, historians, web designers, as well as those roles which address the business end of things such as finances, quality inspectors, or branding and marketing, are in great demand in today's workforce.  EXCALIBUR frames the design process while developing these skills ---all within the context of video game production.

 

 

 

What is STEAM?

      STEAM is an educational movement that engages students in integrated learning as they explore the world around them, create innovative solutions to problems, and communicate their results while learning Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. STEAM is more than the individual subjects. It is the intentional integration of core content with art inspiring all students to think deeply, develop creative solutions, and aspire to a greater future.

 

 

 

 

       Why video games?  For starters, the market, hitting $91 billion this year, is growing at tremendous rates!  Since the traditional “gamer” dynamic has evolved, the modern "playable media" audience is now one of the most valuable and engaged consumer groups.  By participating in EXCALIBUR, students will gain specific skills in the field of game design, as well as in team building and project management--- skills that can be transferred to any industry.  

Participants will be encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and try new things, but EXCALIBUR also seeks to honor each learner with opportunities to build on existing strengths and talents or perhaps discover new ones.  

     Through an understanding of play, an investigation of game genres and styles, culminating in the design and creation of video games, EXCALIBUR seeks to promote an understanding of media impact, modern game culture, creativity, and improvisation, and examine systems thinking, as we master the hands-on skills required to design and build games.  

     Students will engage in agile learning, develop business acumen, and explore the myriad career opportunities in and around the field of computer science.  We will also have ....fun...