Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1595
42 November 2008
architecture, manufacturing, or design,
we're exposing them to skill sets that could
benefit their career choice."
Going Green in 3D
With the introduction of its Animation
Academy Pollution module, Autodesk
is taking part in raising environmental
awareness in schools while introducing
students to 3D animation using 3ds Max.
Although it was just recently released,
Pollution has been successful, with nearly
1000 downloads to date, and is a fitting
complement to the Animation Academy
program.
Utilizing Autodesk's 3ds Max model-
ing and animation software, students
are taught about the effects of pollution
as they build games that are focused on
cleaning up a city environment, doling
out points for picking up garbage, clean-
ing oil spills, and changing cars to hybrids
within an allotted amount of time.
The game promotes environmental stew-
ardship while reinforcing essential science
and math concepts. The instructor lecture
notes included with the module provide
teachers with a guide to the principles of
creating a simple game level using 3ds Max
software. Following those guidelines, stu-
dents are able to build and design their own
levels, and understand the building blocks
of creating digital art and environments in
3D. The student workbook and datasets
deliver a framework that explores sustain-
able design concepts through the creation
of a game level emphasizing the environ-
ment. A completed dataset is also included,
enabling students to check their work once
they have finished the exercise.
Existing Autodesk Animation Academy
customers can use the Pollution module
with 3ds Max software Versions 2008
and above. Teachers who are considering
incorporating Animation Academy into
their academic programs can purchase the
solution or try out this module through a
free trial download at www.applied-ideas.
com/pollution_downloads.html.
"While Animation Academy isn't in-
tended to be as comprehensive or rigorous
as 3D programs offered at the university or
professional level, it provides an engaging
and valuable introduction to 3D technol-
ogy through subjects that are already being
taught at the high school level," concludes
Palmer. "Our hope is that Animation
Academy will continue to spark students'
interest in traditional science, math, and
language arts subjects while simultaneously
developing their 3D skills for application in
a wide variety of professional fields." n
The Pollution module, included in the 2009 Animation Academy curriculum, also can be
downloaded free of charge so educators can see what the program offers.
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