ISTE 2012 Expanding Horizons San Diego Convention Center June 24-27 Session Title: Project 7- Animating the Way to STEAM-based College & Career Opportunities Presenters: Karen Muska, Peter Heckel, Ann Kruze Can Project 7, a graphic arts, 3D Modeling, & animation program give students a leg up on college and/or entry-level career opportunities with companies like EA, Pixar, & Dreamworks? The goal of Project Seven is to build an elective curriculum in professional digital media beginning at the middle school level and continuing in high school. Project Seven will prepare its high school graduates for college programs and/or entry level positions in professions in the Bay Area’s digital media sector. The Bay Area is home to both well-known studios, such as Pixar, Lucas Films, Dreamworks/PDI, and Electronic Arts, and numerous boutique studios and companies. Along with animation, game and effects studios, there are hundreds of independent firms delivering web and print design content. This program addresses both STEAM and college and career readiness in exciting and innovative ways. It provides a "pathways" approach for students to make school and career choices and connects students with experts in the field. Project Seven is unique in two ways. First it is focused not just on high school but realizes the importance of building a foundation for digital media education and dedication starting in middle school. Furthermore, it is strategically aimed at preparing students for what is one of the largest job market in the Bay Area, Digital Media. Participants will: -Learn about the project including its conception, phases of implementation, successes and challenges/obstacles, and future plans. -See examples of program curriculum, -Experience portions of actual lessons, and -Enjoy examples of completed student projects.