I Survived - The Hindenburg Disaster, 1937 - Building in Minecraft Book Club

**Students are required to have a copy of I Survived - The Hindenburg Disaster, 1937.   They will be reading this book during the course.  It is available in both paperback, and audiobook formats for those who are struggling with reading.****

During this course we will be going back in time to discuss bustling city of Pompeii and the destruction that occurred.  What warning signs did the inhabitants have?  Each class students will be assigned a certain number of chapters to read.  During each class, we will discuss those chapters and build a project centered around those chapters.  Students will be building inside of Minecraft.

Students should read the first chapters of the book prior to class.

Prior to class Read chapters 1 - 4.
Class 1 -  We will discuss Chapters 1 -4.  I will assign chapters 5-8.  The first week we start building our virtual storyboard to match up with the chapters they are reading.  We will start learning about airships
Class 2  - We will discuss chapters 5-8.  I will assign chapters 9-12 for next class.  We will be adding to our storyboards.  How did Hugo enjoy traveling on the Hindenburg?
Class 3 - We will discuss chapters 9-12.  I will assign chapters 13-16 for next class.  We will continue to add another build to our storyboards, and discuss the mystery that Hugo is attempting to solve on the ship?
Class 4 - We will discuss chapters 13-16.   We will present our virtual storyboards and discuss how Hugo's life was changed.

During class, students will also be able to build in their own Minecraft game.  They can choose to play in whatever game platform that they are comfortable with.  I want them to use a version they have already been using and know well.  Trying to learn new game controls can lead to frustration and that means no fun and learning can take place.  

We do offer a Java whitelisted Minecraft Server or a Bedrock Edition server students are welcome to join during class.  Students will have continued access to a whitelisted Java game server if they would like to play continue to play on there.  A whitelisted server is a security feature with Minecraft.  This means that if your user ID is not registered with us, you cannot play on the server.  This makes it a safe place for your child to play and build and meet other students from around the world.  SERVER ACCESS IS NOT REQUIRED.  I have that in caps to emphasize that we DO NOT require server access.  Some game systems will NOT connect to servers.  Students are able to build inside of their own worlds while being in Zoom with the class.  

The class will be presented in an open discussion style as we talk about the chapters and even our discussion of dinosaurs each week.  I encourage participation with questions and through presenting facts supporting their opinions.  In order to actively participate in class, students need to be prepared by completing their reading materials.  I want the students to dig in and learn knowledge from others and discover the knowledge they already have.  

We will have time each class to allow students to share their knowledge openly about both the subject we are learning, but also about Minecraft. I love hearing student's stories about builds and what they have learned.  I also encourage students to share their building projects they are working on.

This class is great for beginner builders or those with a lot of building experience.  It's meant to encourage creativity as students build.  I do not give instructions on how to build the various projects.  I will have examples for them to look at, but I do not give a step by step process.  Students in elementary/early middle school level students or students with special needs can complete this course.

I have been teaching using Minecraft for over 8 years now.  My experience includes teaching for almost 12 years both in classroom, but also as a homeschool parent of four kids with special needs and learning disabilities.  I studied History and Elementary Education through IPFW and love using Minecraft as a tool to reinforce with students the information they are learning about.  Minecraft is a great learning tool.  It helps to build critical thinking skills as students re-create projects in their game platforms.  Creating in a cube world takes a lot of work and a lot of thought.