Our grade 10 elective is well underway and the prototype video games and cabinets are being laser cut and assembled with their Phidgets hardware. This project is all about students designing and programming their own games, and then creating the component housing (screen, Phidgets, cables, computer hardware).

Students were inspired by their experience with Journey2050 during Launch Week in August.

The Sparkade project is a fantastic way for students to learn about the world of video game design and programming. It combines hands-on learning with creativity and problem-solving, giving students a unique and exciting learning experience.

Students followed our Design Process to come up with a concept for their video game that related to our own local community, such as our home, school or city. Or this can be our larger community, such as our province, country or global community. We looked at the UN sustainable develop goals as as example of global issues. They learned about with Journey2050 at the Agrium Western Events Centre on the Stampede Grounds. Once the concept had been developed students students started using programming software to bring their ideas to life.

Once their game is complete, students can then move on to creating the arcade cabinet and hardware to play it on. This is where their creativity and problem-solving skills really come into play. They’ll need to think about things like the size and shape of the cabinet, the type of controls and buttons, and how to connect the hardware to the game.

Phidgets is a local company with incredible ‘physical widgets’ that students were able to incorporate into their designs. Phidgets has rebust resources for education, including classroom kits and coding on their website.

Once their arcade cabinet and hardware are complete, students can invite their classmates to play their games. This is a great way for students to showcase their hard work and see the fruits of their labor. Students will also decide which of the high quality prototypes they would like to see fabricated into a full size permanent addition to the high school and Fab Lab.

Overall, the Sparkade project is a fun and engaging way for students to learn about video game design and programming for a purpose. We are looking forward to seeing the completed games and game cabinets in the new year.