Major Concepts/Content: The Computer Animation course is designed to provide students with the instruction and skills to create digital illustrations, modeling and animation, character animation, digital motion imagery, and game design. The content includes, but is not limited to, 3D modeling, materials and textures, rendering, and computer animation. Students will also create, record, and edit digital audio, video, and photographic imagery. This course will utilize software programs to develop animation, morphing, 3-D graphics, and virtual reality projects. It is recommended that aspiring graphic designers, computer animators, electronic game designers, engineers, CAD technicians, architects, interior decorators take this course. This course may be used as an Applied Engineering Technology major as part of the School-to-Work transition guidelines.

Major Instructional Activities: Instructional activities are provided in the laboratory setting, using hands-on experiences with tools, equipment, and materials related to course content. Students will be required to plan, design, and produce projects; develop solutions to problem solving activities, present ideas and information orally and in writing; investigate content-related occupations; assume leadership roles and work cooperatively.

Major Evaluative Techniques: Students will be evaluated through laboratory practice and performance tests. Projects will be analyzed and evaluated for craftsmanship, originality, creativity, accuracy, and application of computer animation concepts. Presentations will be graded for content delivery and audience using established criteria. Students will be evaluated regarding how successfully they work together while designing and completing projects.

Essential Objectives: Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Create and develop digital imagery and illustrations.
• Apply the principles of 3D Modeling.
• Apply materials, textures, lighting and rendering techniques.
• Demonstrate various computer animation techniques.
• Create, edit, and engineer digital audio recordings.
• Create and develop an electronic game.
• Develop virtual reality models and environments.
• Produce a computer animation portfolio