Ding! You've reached level 2 game designer.

If you’ve been playing games for a while, and think it’s time to level up to making games, Level UP! from Scholastic could be the place for you.

The mini-site is really aimed at teachers, but the resources it gives are good for teachers or students.  There are a couple of videos about why it’s good to teach with games (students take note: here is how to make the argument to your teacher!) and then there are two lesson sequences to help you learn game design.

One sequence is intended for newbies to game making, and uses Gamestar Mechanic.  The other sequence is meant for more experience game makers, and highlights Activate!, which uses Game Maker.

The Gamestar Mechanic activities focus on language arts, visual arts, science, and math.  Activate! has its core subjects in science, math, computer science, and physical education. Both programs have four lessons mapping to each subject, as well as links to the official site and learning guides.

To tie everything together there is a clear How to Get Started section that lists steps for what a teacher can do to begin their adventure into teaching game design. On top of that, you can find various videos, interviews, spotlights, and award-winning games throughout the site.

The site is sponsored by AMD Changing the Game, AMD’s signature education program. The Scholastic Alliance for Young Artists & Writers worked together with the AMD Foundation to bring you Level UP! and the programs that go along with it.