Project Description:

Students will develop a paper-based game design for a video game idea that has a combination of fun and balanced gameplay, creative vision and incorporation of STEM concepts in game design and play experience. The final products will be submitted to the National STEM Video Challenge, a national competition for middle school students.

“Inspired by the Educate to Innovate Campaign, President Obama’s initiative to promote a renewed focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education, the National STEM Video Game Challenge aims to motivate interest in STEM learning among America’s youth by tapping into students’ natural passions for playing and making video games.”

Student Gains: Students will be engaged and challenged with the unique process of learning how to design a video game concept that will be entered into a national competition. They will learn to work in teams and experience the design process from start to finish.  

Who can participate: This workshop is closed. if you are interested in initiating a new Video Game Design workshop with Scott Laidlaw please contact us. 1-800-803-8073,

STEM Concepts:

The STEM concepts  are being developed with the students through demonstration and dialogue. Stay tuned!

Project completed

This workshop is complete and the students are submitted their entries for the national Video STEM Challenge! They did not wim the competition but the process was exhilerating and rewarding for all. The instructor, Scott Laidlaw, submitted his company's math video game and it won the Peoples Vote. Congratulations Scott! This workshop was fully hosted by Taos Academy and 4 students participated in the class.