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Video Game Design Foundations
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is the
foundation on which our 21st century society builds and maintains economic
growth. This curriculum integrates the rigor and relevance of STEM into fun and
exciting classroom lessons. Taking rigor from each of the core areas of study
and placing it in the context of video game design allows students to recognize
the relevance of study. Students will gain experience in the skills needed for
most of the new jobs projected over the next two decades.
Through application and integration of all core areas of language arts,
science, mathematics, and social sciences, students become engaged in learning
through doing. Application and synthesis levels of learning are maintained for
a truly unique student experience. Through this meaningful engagement in
learning, students become better in all core subject areas and the foundations
of technology as presented in this text.
D. Michael Ploor is the author of three textbooks on the subject of video game
design: Introduction to Video Game Design, Video Game Design Foundations, and
Video Game Design Composition. He is a National Board Certified Teacher in Career
and Technical Education and holds an MBA degree from the University of South
Florida. He maintains professional teaching credentials in Business Education
(6–12) and Education Media Specialist (K–12). He is currently employed by the
School District of Hillsborough County in Tampa, Florida, where he has been
teaching video game design at the high school and middle school levels since 2001.
Mr. Ploor developed STEM curriculum while serving as the lead teacher in
the Career Academy of Computer Game Design at Middleton Magnet STEM High
School. Mr. Ploor has applied his skills as a STEM Curriculum Integration Specialist
in designing innovative curriculum and by collaborating to construct the state
standards for video game design in several states. He has also been instrumental in
authoring competitive events for Career and Technical Student Organizations such
as the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and Phi Beta Lambda (PBL). He
continues to work closely with many game design studios, producers, and software
developers to align educational objectives to workplace-ready skills. In addition to
publishing textbooks and lessons, Mr. Ploor provides professional development as a
frequent presenter at regional and national conferences to promote STEM education
and video game design curriculum for the high school and middle school levels.
The author and publisher would like to thank the following individuals for
their review of the materials in this teaching package.
STEM
About the Author
Reviewers
Henrietta I. Ortiz
Teacher
Sheridan Technical Center
Hollywood, Florida
John Wagner
Teacher
North Country Career Center
Newport, Vermont