My goal as an Art Teacher is to not only fulfill my art curriculum and link to the Common Core but also to engage students in ways that are interesting to the student. One of the hottest and trendiest activities in today's world are video games. Many educators overlook video games as an waste of time or a waste of brain cells. I disagree! Successful and valued teachers have always used games to teach. The fact that games are now on the computer are just a bonus. The focus of this lesson is one of the most popular and most creative games currently being played by many of our students: Minecraft. No, it really isn't MinD Craft, it is MinEcraft. Unlike most video game worlds which are created by artists this world allows the user to create their own buildings, landscapes, landmarks,
To utilize Minecraft in the classroom the teacher should have a bit of background knowledge of the game and how to play it. Free versions can be downloaded to try on tablets and phones as well as more complete pay versions ($7.99). The game can be played on desktop and laptop computers as well as some consoles like the Xbox. In my classroom we will use laptop computers and the educational version of the game. Minecraft was created and is ran by Mojang a company out of Sweden. You can play the game online or individually. In my case students will play in the same world on a server that I create and I can control. They will work in teams to build together to fulfill the requirements I give them. As the teacher I will have complete control over what the students build and how they are playing the game. I will be able to control mobs (monsters) and limit the amount of violent content students are seeing. They will not be connecting with other players outside of our classroom. Since most students have at least heard of MC and many play there will be many “experts” able to assist with the technology side of this lesson.
transportation systems, gadgets and interior designs. The basic idea of the game is that mine for materials and then craft things out of those materials. Minecraft can be used for many types of lessons spanning different content areas. As an art teacher it is a perfect vehicle for lessons on a variety of subjects.
To utilize Minecraft in the classroom the teacher should have a bit of background knowledge of the game and how to play it. Free versions can be downloaded to try on tablets and phones as well as more complete pay versions ($7.99). The game can be played on desktop and laptop computers as well as some consoles like the Xbox. In my classroom we will use laptop computers and the educational version of the game. Minecraft was created and is ran by Mojang a company out of Sweden. You can play the game online or individually. In my case students will play in the same world on a server that I create and I can control. They will work in teams to build together to fulfill the requirements I give them. As the teacher I will have complete control over what the students build and how they are playing the game. I will be able to control mobs (monsters) and limit the amount of violent content students are seeing. They will not be connecting with other players outside of our classroom. Since most students have at least heard of MC and many play there will be many “experts” able to assist with the technology side of this lesson.
transportation systems, gadgets and interior designs. The basic idea of the game is that mine for materials and then craft things out of those materials. Minecraft can be used for many types of lessons spanning different content areas. As an art teacher it is a perfect vehicle for lessons on a variety of subjects.
Break down of the sixth grade unit I am planning:
Day one: Introduction and planning
As with any piece of art students will need a plan before they begin. Our school uses Modules to teach the Common Core. This art unit will be taught at the same time my students are learning about the Middle Ages in their classroom.
Our focus will be two fold. One, we will be researching the architecture of the time and recreating buildings in the style of the Middle Ages in Minecraft. Two, students will experience what it is like (virtually) to gather their own resources and make things from wood and stone as opposed to going to Wal-mart and purchasing items at will.
I will place students into groups of about four students. There are many ways to do randomly, you can let them pick, or you can choose groups using your best judgment.
I will place students into groups of about four students. There are many ways to do randomly, you can let them pick, or you can choose groups using your best judgment.
Students will meet with their groups and discuss what they already know about the architecture of the Middle Ages. My guess will be very little. We will then use our laptops to complete the planning sheet I will give each group. Students will need to list the materials used to build during the Middle Ages and list the characteristics of the style. Students will need to create a sketch of their build on paper before they will be able to start using MC.
Planning Document
Youtube Video On Mid-evil Architecture
Planning Document
Youtube Video On Mid-evil Architecture
Day 2:Continuation of Planning and Basic MC Instruction
By this point the students should be very anxious to get into MC and start playing. I will require a completed sketch of their idea and a list of materials they will need to collect before they can begin. I will give a demonstration of the game and discuss with the students that even though their building might be made of stone, they will first need to use wood to make tools to mine the stone.
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