Incoming Freshmen Pathway: App & Game Design with Pixel Arts Game Education
Students entering ninth and tenth grades will participate in a Theological Game/App Design Challenge. After a lively discussion about theology as the thematic framework for games, students will learn the fundamentals of app, video game, and table top game design. Working in small groups, guided and supported by design mentors, students will create their own games and apps, as they explore creative ways to utilize technology for faith-rooted social change!
The design process will draw upon science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) skills, but will also challenge students communication abilities. Teams will be challenged to creatively approach their design by asking questions, imagining varied scenarios, and making decisions about how their themes will play out. Students will have the opportunity to give their game or app context, and explain how faith and Christian values influenced their designs.
The App & Game Design Challenge is offered in collaboration with Pixel Arts Game Education, a Portland-based non-profit organization specializing in STEAM programs for underserved youth. Their mission is to create safe, intergenerational learning spaces to play, build and design games together. Pixel Arts provides workshops, camps, game jams and leadership opportunities through the youth council to teens and pre-teens in Portland and throughout Oregon. Concordia faculty will facilitate the faith-based discussion and Pixel Arts will provide the technical and design instruction.
