Hanford Engineers Week Competition

21st Century World Citizens Program, Mattawa, WA

36 students from Wahluke High School’s 21st Century program were among the participants in the Handford Engineers Week Competition in Pasco, WA in February. Participants formed teams of 3-4 students to solve hands-on engineering challenges. This introduction to real-life engineering situations allowed students to envision careers in the engineering field in which they would be tasked with turning a set of parameters into a viable design. This is the first year that Wahluke students have participated in the competition, and it was so rewarding that plans for next year are already in the works!

Digipen Video Game Programming Project

21st Century Quincy, WA

DigiPen was truly a successful program in our site last year. We served a total of 25 high school and middle school students who were fully engaged in the creation and programing of video game software. Students were given live instruction over an online, streamed connection from a certified DigiPen expert who carefully guided all students to the completion of their mini-games.

Students were expected to create their own video game using ProjectFun software (DigiPen tools). Due to the high amounts of non relevant context, many students were a bit frustrated beginning the pilot. However, after a few sessions, students were able to make out and implement their gaming instincts to their creations. Using math and technology skills learned and a little imagination, students were able to create amazing games that caught the attention of many--even John White, Undersecretary of Education for Technology!

For a glimpse at what several students created, CLICK HERE.