Computer Game Design Magnet
(Information Technology)
The
Computer Game Design Magnet lets your inner gamer come alive as it prepares you for the dynamic world of video
game design and animation! Computer gaming and simulations are rapidly expanding fields and Middleton Magnet High
School is committed to pursuing the most current and relevant certifications that the industry provides. Game Design
Magnet students design and produce the next generation of computer games. Starting with Game & Simulation Design,
students are lead through a variety of programming languages, 3D modeling platforms and 3D gaming platforms. Games
are recognized as one of the most powerful communication environments, and with the operational introduction to the
tools and technologies of game design, students are prepared to help create the future in many industries.
Students learn to design graphics and develop professional publications using digital publishing software that includes CS 6
Photoshop and CS 6 Fireworks. Upper level students are introduced to Autodesk Animation® software which includes
Blender, a free and open source software that allows commercial use.
In addition to design classes, students will take
AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science, which will
provide them with programming knowledge that will help prepare them for Computer Game Design college degree
programs and related careers.
“In AP Computer Science Principles, students will develop computational thinking vital for success across all disciplines, such as using
computational tools to analyze and study data and working with large data sets to analyze, visualize, and draw conclusions from trends.”
(www.collegeboard.com)
“AP Computer Science emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with an emphasis on problem solving and algorithm
development and is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester course in computer science. It also includes the study of data
structures and abstraction.” (www.collegeboard.com)
All courses at Middleton Magnet High School are taught on a two-day rotation cycle.
Students attend four 95-minute
periods each day. This schedule enables students to complete 8 courses per year, rather than the traditional 7 courses at
most HCPS high schools. The addition of an 8th period allows students to include popular electives such as Band, Orchestra,
JROTC, Building Construction, and Art, or courses in another magnet program.
Computer Game Design Students Will...
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Learn how to create and manipulate images with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator software;
Have the opportunity to sit for the Adobe Certified Associate CS 6 Dreamweaver and CS 6 Flash, Photoshop
and 3D Studio Max Industry Certification;
Be a part of FBLA and TSA, which are co-curricular student organizations that offer competitions related to the
Computer Game Design curriculum - at the regional, state and national levels.
Course Sequence for Computer Game Design
(Standard Magnet Track)
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
English I Honors
English II Honors
AP English Language & Composition
AP English Literature & Composition
Geometry Honors
Algebra II Honors
Pre-Calculus Honors
AP Calculus AB or BC
Biology Honors
AP Human Geography
Game & Simulation
Design
Digital Info Technology
*Elective
Elective
Chemistry Honors
AP World History
Game & Simulation 3D Graphic
Animation
AP Computer Science Principles
HOPE
Elective
Physics Honors or AP Physics 1
AP US History
AP Biology or AP Physics 2
AP Economics Elective
Game, Simulation, & Animation
Advanced Applications
Multi-User Game & Sim Programming
World Language
Elective
Game & Simulation Programming
AP Computer Science
World Language
Elective
*Student may be required to take a Writing course based on their FSA Writing Exam score.
http://middleton.mysdhc.org
Revised 6/2016