Hey bloggers!
Today I learned about how to use Minecraft as a tool for supplementing Math! I found two lesson plans I liked and I’ll tell you why.
- I like the Grade 2 lesson on parts and wholes. Although it doesn’t offer students a lot of creativity with what students are making I think it still has value because it is essentially a virtual manipulative. I think students who like having a visual aid to help them understand complex concepts such as parts and wholes will appreciate this activity.
- I love the Grade 4 lesson plan on building a house and finding out how much it would cost if each block is worth $12 . I like this one because I feel that it doesn’t require students to have a vast understanding of how to use Minecraft, it just requires them to place the blocks in the shape of a house. I also like that it includes a straight forward area problem in a creative way. I think it’s great that each students answer will vary because each of their houses will vary in shape and size. This will encourage students to ask for help from each other or teachers, rather than copying each others answers if they don’t know how to find a solution to the problem,
Google Science Journal
I had no idea Google Science Journal even existed, but boy is it cool! I think theres more pro’s than con’s as it offers a lot of neat experiences for learning. In terms of educational purposes in a school setting, they had some awesome examples posted on experimenting different materials and the sounds they can create. Some of which being leaves rustling, a blender, and shouting. Another neat tool I found was acceleration. I think acceleration could be really fun for students if we all went outside and tested each students acceleration rates. We could have a 10 meter relay race activity and each student can measure their own speed. By having a continuous relay race theres no clear sign of a winner or a a loser.