Core Skills Analysis
Technology and Research Skills
- Learned how to use online resources to find specific information about a video game.
- Developed basic internet navigation skills including using search engines.
- Practiced evaluating different sources of information for relevance to the research topic.
- Gained familiarity with the digital format of media and entertainment content.
Critical Thinking and Media Literacy
- Identified key features and aspects of the game Forsaken through research.
- Distinguished between types of information: gameplay, storyline, reviews, and developer details.
- Developed early skills in synthesizing information from multiple online sources.
- Enhanced understanding of how digital games can be analyzed beyond just playing.
Tips
To further develop these research and critical thinking skills, encourage the student to create a simple report or presentation about the game Forsaken, including images or screenshots obtained during their research. Explore comparing Forsaken with other games by researching game genres, gameplay mechanics, or storylines to foster analytical comparison skills. Additionally, incorporate lesson plans about internet safety and evaluating credible sources to deepen media literacy. Consider guiding the student to explore basic concepts of game design, such as characters, goals, or challenges, to connect their research to creative thinking.
Book Recommendations
- Games, Gizmos, and Gadgets: Creating Technology Projects and Activities by Marilyn G. Beck & Barbara F. Sandall: An introductory book that inspires kids to explore technology and games through creative projects.
- Video Game Design for Kids: Create Your Own Video Games with GameMaker by Rebecca Hyland: A hands-on guide introducing young learners to the basics of video game creation.
- Internet Detective by Philip Steele: A book teaching children how to research safely and effectively on the internet.
Learning Standards
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.7: Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., read a number of books on a single topic to produce a report).
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.8: Describe the logical connection between particular sentences and paragraphs in a text.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.7: Participate in shared research and writing projects.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.4: Tell a story or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details.
Try This Next
- Worksheet: Create a fact sheet about Forsaken including key features, story, and development.
- Drawing task: Design your own video game character inspired by Forsaken and describe their traits.