Minecraft: The Science of Amusement Parks - Summer Camp

Welcome to Minecraft: The Science of Amusement Parks! This class is perfect for kids ages 7 years olds through 10 years olds who love the excitement of amusement parks and want to learn about the science and engineering behind their favorite rides and attractions.

In this course, we will use Minecraft to create virtual roller coasters, ferris wheels, and other rides to explore the physics of amusement park attractions. As part of a collaborative team, students will work with instructors to learn about kinetic and potential energy, friction, and gravity, and how they affect the movement of objects in the real world.

Our student-centered learning style emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving. Each week, we will have hour-long class meetings where students will engage with each other and the instructor through lecture, games, slides, video clips, and discussions. Our teaching style is interactive and engaging, with plenty of opportunities for students to ask questions, share ideas, and explore the material in a fun and creative way.

Over the course of the week, students will learn about the design and engineering of roller coasters and other amusement park rides. They will work in groups to design their own virtual rides, incorporating what they have learned about physics and engineering so far. Day one will focus on an introduction to physical forces and how they affect the movement of objects. After the lesson, students will have time to start building a Minecraft Amusement Park in a secure Minecraft Education Server. We will learn about working collaboratively as a team and how to treat each other with respect. On day two, we will explore the basics of kinetic and potential energy and how they apply to amusement park rides. After this lesson students will take the concepts they learn to continue building their Minecraft Amusement World. They will work together and add a roller coasters and test out the Physics concepts. On day three, we will discuss the role of friction in amusement park physics. We will give examples of this concept and test these out in Minecraft. On day four, we will continue learning about Physics and we will focus on the impact of gravity on rides and attractions.  On day five, we will continue to learn about design and adding details and finish adding more details to our Minecraft Amusement. You will also reflect on what they have learned throughout the course.

No previous experience with Minecraft or physics is required for this course, but students should have a basic understanding of computer navigation and be comfortable working in a virtual environment. Our course is structured to provide students with a challenging and engaging learning experience, while also fostering a love of science and engineering that can be applied in the real world.

Overall, Minecraft: The Science of Amusement Parks is a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn about the science and engineering behind their favorite amusement park attractions. Our fun and interactive teaching style, combined with the use of Minecraft to create virtual rides and attractions, makes this course an exciting and engaging way for kids to explore the world of physics and engineering. Join us for one weeks of heart-pounding fun and thrilling learning!