Characters Have Traits

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Lesson objectives Understand how characters have traits, skills, and objectives Think about one’s own traits, skills, and objectives Make a plan to improve a skill Socioemotional learning objectives Responsible Planful Worksheet (2 pages) Empty toilet paper rolls Craft paper or construction paper Scissors Glue or double-sided tape Googly eyes Decorative materials (e.g., pipe cleaners, feathers, … Read more

Games Win Awards

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Lesson objectives Think about how games are evaluated To provide campers with an opportunity to express their appreciation for their favorite games Socioemotional learning objectives Understand one’s interests and values Giant sticky note Craft supplies Worksheet (2 pages) Preparation On the sticky note, write Award Poster on the top Ask campers to write the names … Read more

Girls Make Games, Too

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Lesson objectives Understand women’s roles in game development and impact on the gaming community Socioemotional learning objectives Show respect for differences and value commonalities Communicate effectively Worksheet Internet-connected device This is a self-guided activity. Leave campers with the worksheet, which asks them to research a game designer. Discussion Note to campers that women have been … Read more

Games are Serious Fun

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Lesson objectives  Identify different types of fun in games Understand the goals of serious games Socioemotional learning objectives Cooperative Planful Responsible Welcoming Internet-connected devices Serious game examples, such as Never Alone That Dragon, Cancer Journey Active Citizen A sheet of paper with the name of each game and the presentation prompts Types of fun Gather … Read more

Games Have Objectives

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Lesson objectives Reflect on the week’s learning Explore social awareness in the gaming community Encourage students to think about how they can contribute to their community Engineering design learning objective Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential … Read more

Games are Crafted

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Lesson objectives Appreciate the role of design and crafting in games Socioemotional learning objectives Understand one’s interests and values Worksheet Campers’ games Craft supplies This is a self-guided activity. Leave campers with the worksheet, which guides them through thinking about the story in their games.

Games Have Rules

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Lesson objectives Understand the need for rules in games Develop strategies for responding to rule violations Socioemotional learning objectives Cooperative Creative Responsible Planful Worksheet Headband template Craft supplies Written and unwritten rules When playing games, there are usually written rules that we have to follow. Other rules are unwritten, which means you as players agree … Read more

Games Use Chance and Strategy

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Lesson objectives Understand different game mechanics Distinguish between chance and strategy Discuss how chance and strategy influence how fun a game is Socioemotional learning objectives Planful Creative Welcoming Giant sticky note Planes, Trains, and Candymobiles game Board game templates Chance Gather campers together and remind them about the definition of games. Note that all games … Read more

Games Are Playtested

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Lesson objectives Understand the need for playtesting Practice giving and receiving feedback Engineering design learning objective Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions Socioemotional learning objectives Cooperative Planful Responsible Welcoming Campers’ games Blank sheets of paper (1 for each group) with “playtester” or “game designer” at the top and … Read more