Minecraft Creator + LEGO Engineer [Full Day]

Calling all Minecraft builders! In Minecraft Creator, we are looking for the best creations throughout the various biomes of Minecraft. Each day, students will learn and explore a new biome in Minecraft: Education Edition, looking at components both in-game as well as how they are reflected in the real world and then create a realistic structure for the environment. During this unique educational experience, students work both collaboratively and independently to build virtual architectural wonders - from statues and houses to underwater vessels and cars, and whatever else comes to the imagination! Working in creative mode, students will have an opportunity to practice teamwork and communication, virtual planning and building skills. In addition to students learning about and creating realistic architecture in various biomes, we’ll discuss universal design and how to adapt a Minecraft city to make it more accessible for all.

In LEGO Engineer, students start off learning (or brushing up on) foundational robotics and coding concepts through hands-on robotics building/coding projects using provided instructions. As students gain confidence and demonstrate comfort with the materials, instructors will pose a series of robotics challenges and experiments that require "outside the box" thinking. Working independently and in small groups, students will be encouraged to flex their critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork skills to generate solutions. ***NO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OR EXPERIENCE with robotics or programming is necessary. (This program uses a drag-and-drop coding language designed as a gentle introduction to programming concepts.)

PROGRAM STRUCTURE (Lego Engineer)

• Instructors will then provide challenge prompts that require students to work together to come up with solutions using LEGO WeDo and/or LEGO Spike Prime.
• Over the course of each week, as participants' knowledge and confidence grow, the challenges will increase in difficulty requiring greater creativity and collaboration.
• Throughout, instructors pose open-ended questions to stimulate critical thinking and creativity, facilitate discussion, and provide support for group problem-solving.

In addition to acquiring new knowledge, students will practice and strengthen the following competencies:

• Communication
• Collaboration
• Critical thinking
• Creativity