Autodesk Inc. has launched Animation Academy 2009, the latest version of its visual communications offering for secondary schools worldwide. The six-part curriculum introduces students to 3D animation and visual effects technology, while also immersing them in core academic subjects, such as science, math, language, and arts. For the first time, Animation Academy includes Autodesk Mudbox digital sculpting software and Autodesk MotionBuilder character animation software, along with the Autodesk 3ds Max and Autodesk Maya modeling, animation, and rendering software. Animation Academy 2009 adheres to numerous academic standards, including those of the International Technology Education Association and the United States’ STEM standards for science, technology, math, and engineering. The curriculum includes comprehensive project-based lessons on astronomy, architecture, the digestive system, weather systems, forensics, and an independent study.