Do you remember a time when you learned something while playing a computer game? Did you ever write a short story, comic or cartoon about that game? Minecraft can be used to foster student writing and creativity. Students (and adults) love playing games, and educational games make learning fun!
Students in Bush Alaska, like students in other parts of the world, like to play computer games.
Learning for them is best when it is a hands on experience.
Frequently there is a large amount of snow, and going outside is dangerous. Having inside activities is a great way to keep hold of a bit more sanity.
My Project
Minecraft is a "sandbox" game where they can create nearly anything they can imagine. Students have recently created a world that showed mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, deltas, glaciers and islands. Once they have created their project, they will write about what they made, and tell about struggles and challenges they had. While playing a game is not a substitute for the real world, students will be writing about how the real world and the game are different. Students will be able to design these real world structures, easily, quickly and with much creativity.
Minecraft is a wonderful tool that will also let them experience trading (as trading is an aspect of this game) and electronics as well as gravity. Students can also work together in building these projects because it is a multiplayer game. Working together will create class support and team building.
Students in other schools have recreated the Alamo.
My students can learn map reading by navigating through a virtual city. They can learn color combinations by mixing virtual dye and making virtual fireworks. Please imagine with me how minecraft and education can be used as an educational tool and foster creativity.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. Pollmann and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.