OBJECTIVE

Students will be able to use the Design Thinking process and color codes to customize a video game layout using grid paper and the Bloxels video game design engine.

ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS

• Design and computational thinking can enable students to prototype video games.
• Design Thinking is a mental model that utilizes rapid prototyping.
• Effective design requires a willingness to test unfinished work.
• Design Thinking can be applied to everyday challenges.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

• How can students use design and computational thinking to prototype video games?
• What makes a game fun?
• How can we empathize with a user to design a product?
• How can we use Design Thinking to be creative and innovative?

STANDARDS

NJSLS:

8.1.5.IC.1, 8.1.5.AP.4, 8.1.5.AP.6, 8.1.8.AP.4

8.2.5.ED.3, 8.2.5.ITH.2, 8.2.5.ITH.4, 8.2.8.ITH.2

ISTE:

1.1.d, 1.4.a, 1.4.b, 1.4.c, 1.4.d, 1.5.a, 1.5.d

RESOURCES

• SMART Board
• Google Slides
• Google Drawings
• Bloxels Color Code Key
• Bloxels Game Layout Grid
• Markers
• Student Chromebooks
• Bloxels Website play.bloxels.com 

ANTICIPATORY SET

• Students will be introduced to the STEAM Design Challenge: Design the most fun video game level.
• Students will preview the Bloxels video game engine.
• Students will be briefly introduced to the Design Thinking and modified processes.
• Students will learn the pre-coding commands for Bloxels and what each color means when building game layouts.
• Students will preview drafting their game layout using grid paper and then the Bloxels website.
• Students will be reminded that they are “coding” how the main character/hero interacts with each point in their game.

ACTIVITY

• Students will receive grid paper and colored pencils/markers.
• Students will use grid paper to prototype the most fun game layout possible using the following game elements:

• Terrain/Ground (green)
• Liquid (blue)
• Villains (purple)
• Power-Ups (pink)
• Hazards (red)
• Action Blocks (orange)
• Collectibles (yellow)
• Story Blocks (white)

• Students will then transfer their paper prototype into the Bloxels game engine.
• Extension: advanced learners will have the opportunity to design and insert art into their game using Bloxels Asset Packs.

CLOSURE

• Students will share out what they would do next in the design process if we had additional time for this project.

ASSESSMENT

• Game designs on grid paper
• Bloxels game layouts
• Questioning