Computer Animation is an exciting program using state-of-the-art digital animation and visual effects software. This project based course introduces students to computer animation techniques using 2-D computer images and 3-D computer animation. Students will also explore career options and opportunities in the digital animation field and have an opportunity to participate in the Computer Animation and Game Design Club.
*Students should choose two (3) or more year long courses offered in this program in order to complete a course sequence to be considered a Concentrator
Note: These are the courses that are offered for the current school year. However, classes and locations are based on student enrollment and subject to cancelation if they do not meet minimum participation requirements.
Computer Animation 1-2
This project-based course introduces techniques for computer animation in the areas of 2-D and 3-D animation. The three phases of production (pre-production, production and post-production) are taught in detail and used for all projects. Specific topics that are covered are storyboarding, keyframing, scene composition and lighting, Stop Action animation, Rotoscoping, Web Banners, 3-D modeling, and basic coding. Computer animation concepts will utilize software applications such as Adobe Flash and Blender. Students will create 2-D and 3-D animations to produce engaging, real world, digital experiences. Students will begin to explore career options.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1
Grade: 9-12
Location: Shadow Ridge, Valley Vista High School
Computer Animation 3-4
This project-based course allows students to continue on the career path laid out in Computer Animation 1-2. This includes further investigation into 2-D and 3-D techniques such as lip syncing, game design, video integration, creation of complex 3-D worlds, custom textures, and advanced coding. Computer animation concepts may utilize programs such as Blender, Autodesk Maya, Adobe Creative tools and HTML5. Students will construct engaging animation clips as well as short games. Students will explore further career opportunities as well as possible internships in animation and game design.
Prerequisite: Computer Animation 1-2
Credit: 1
Grade: 10-12
Location: Shadow Ridge, Valley Vista High School
Computer Animation 5-6 Honors
Students will use the knowledge gained from previous courses to create and individualized, personal learning experience geared toward their future career interests. The course will focus on creating a professional electronic portfolio, demo reel that can be used in industry or college interview situations, and a service learning project in which they will provide a service to an organization or business. All information will be documented using Production notebooks that will follow each project to its completion. Additional areas of focus will be software certification and understanding the business side of working on a team and/or as a freelance artist.
Prerequisite: Computer Animation 3-4
Credit: 1
Grade: 11-12
Location: Shadow Ridge, Valley Vista High School
Animation Internship
This one-semester course will allow CTE students who have completed the program sequence to experience on-the-job training in a career path. Requirements include three weeks of classroom instruction in job preparation and application and 80 hours per semester of on the job field work. Artifacts include a complete portfolio, two employer evaluations, two instructor field evaluations, a final, written summary and reflection. Students must provide their own transportation to the internship site.
Prerequisite: Application
Credit: .5 /Repeatable
Grade: 12
Location: Shadow Ridge, Valley Vista High School