Friday Minecraft Education Lab Spring 2025

STEM Coding + Build Challenges

In our Minecraft Education lab, students will engage in STEM related weekly coding and build challenges. The coding sessions are designed to be both fun and educational, introducing students to early coding concepts, teaching them how to solve coding puzzles using computational thinking, guiding them in creating their own code to overcome challenges, and showing how these skills can be applied beyond computer science. Alongside coding, we'll dive into build challenges like Battle of the Burroughs, focusing on eco-friendly solutions for reinventing New York, Amazing Architecture, where students craft artistic buildings, and Heat Wave Build Challenge, addressing climate justice by building heat-resilient communities, among others. This lab promises a mix of educational fun, with free time at the end of each class for further exploration and creativity.

Class Objectives:

1. Develop foundational coding skills: Students will gain a solid understanding of early coding concepts through interactive tutorials and hands-on coding exercises.
2. Foster computational thinking: Through solving coding puzzles and challenges, students will cultivate computational thinking skills essential for problem-solving in various contexts.
3. Cultivate creativity in coding: Guided by instructors, students will learn to create their own code to overcome obstacles, fostering creativity and autonomy in coding projects.
4. Explore real-world applications: Students will explore how coding skills extend beyond computer science, examining their relevance in addressing real-world challenges such as environmental sustainability and climate justice.
5. Engage in build challenges: Students will participate in a variety of build challenges, including eco-friendly urban planning, architectural design, and community resilience projects, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving. Promote environmental awareness: Through build challenges like Battle of the Burroughs and Heat Wave Build Challenge, students will deepen their understanding of environmental issues and explore innovative solutions for sustainability and climate resilience.
6. Encourage exploration and creativity: The lab environment will provide students with opportunities for free time at the end of each class, allowing for further exploration, experimentation, and creative expression within the Minecraft platform.

Class Stats:
Digital (Device Time): 100%
Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Type of Device Provided: iPad, Nintendo Switch
Application: Minecraft Education
Coding: Block coding

Details:
Educator:  Lily Peterson
Hours: 3-6pm
Dates: 1/31 – 6/20
No Classes: 2/21, 4/18, 6/6
Ages: 6+
Available Seats: 8