National STEM Video Game Challenge Winner Participates in White House Science Fair
Competition Celebrates Achievements of 2012 Winners and Announces Deadline Extension of 2013 Challenge
Washington, DC, April 22, 2013 – One of the winners of the National STEM Video Game Challenge, Gustavo Zacarias of San Antonio was among the select group of students that participated today in the third White House Science Fair, an event celebrating student achievements in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competitions. The National STEM Video Game Challenge is an annual competition presented by the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop and E-Line Media.
Zacarias presented his winning game The Dark Labyrinth to attendees from the government, industry and education sectors, as well as other invited guests in attendance. The game challenges players to navigate through a maze while solving multiplication problems and avoiding obstacles. Zacarias won the 2012 STEM Challenge in the Middle School Kodu category. Zacarias, who has been playing games since he was four, aspires to be professional game designer.
“I never thought I would be exhibiting my game at the White House,” said Zacarias. “I worked very hard during the making of the game and was very happy about winning a national competition, so I’m very excited and thankful for the opportunity to be part of this great event.”
Two members of a 2012 STEM Challenge winning team were also present at the event. Wilfried Hounyo and Golden Rockefeller of Washington, DC, represented their team which won the Open Platform High School category. Inspired by their work in physics, chemistry and robotics, they developed the game Electrobob, which teaches players about the fundamental nature of electrons.
The 2013 National STEM Video Game Challenge is currently excepting entries from middle school and high school students at www.stemchallenge.org. The entry deadline has been extended to May 1, 2013.
Inspired by President Obama’s Educate to Innovate campaign, the National STEM Video Game Challenge aims to motivate interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning by tapping into students’ natural passion for playing and making video games.
“The recognition of the excellent work performed by student winners of the National STEM Video Game Challenge signifies that the art and science of designing digital games has become a new national resource for promoting vital STEM knowledge and skills,” said Michael Levine, Executive Director, the Joan Ganz Cooney Center. “We congratulate all of the youth who are being honored by President Obama and Secretary Duncan today.”
The Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop is an independent, non-profit research center that is fostering innovation in children’s learning through digital media. The Cooney Center conducts and supports research, creates educational models and interactive media properties and builds cross-sector partnerships. The Cooney Center is named for Sesame Workshop’s founder, who revolutionized television with the creation of Sesame Street. Core funding is provided by the generous support of Peter G. Peterson and Sesame Workshop. Learn more at www.joanganzcooneycenter.org.
E-Line Media is a publisher of game-based learning products and services that engage, educate and empower, helping to prepare youth for lives and careers in the 21st century. E-Line works with leading foundations, academics, non-profits and government agencies to harness the power of games for learning, health and social impact. Find out more at www.elinemedia.com.
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