Teacher Tom was featured as a top educator on Outschool's EPIC Spotlight for Passion-Driven Learning in 2021 and is here with another exciting class! 

In this class, we will build on our private Minecraft server using the unique Create mod to learn together about rotational energy using cogs (gears), belts, waterwheels, windmills, and fans, eventually upgrading to steam engines, trains, and automatic mining drills. 

YOU WILL NEED MINECRAFT JAVA & THE CREATE MOD INSTALLED AND RUNNING TO PARTICIPATE! 

Learners are required to come to class prepare, having followed the detailed instruction sheet and properly installed the mods, so that they do not diminish their class experience or that of their classmates. Learners should not expect help with installation during class time and the teacher will only do so on a case by case basis so as to not take away time from the learners who come prepared. 

We will be running in survival mode, and Gamertags will be privately shared with the teacher to enable access to the server. As required by Outschool, the server will not be accessible outside of class, but using schematics, you can build/design your creations in your private world and copy the schematic into the server to have it built quickly using our new technologies available with the Create Mod.

We will be learning the basics of rotational energy using waterwheels, and starting to gather resources needed to upgrade our technologies.
We will advance to wind power, and begin building contraptions to gather resources more quickly.
We will begin building systems to start processing our new resources and converting them into what we need, and prepare for the Steam Engine revolution
We will start building and utilizing steam power to truly power our automation, and have the resources needed to truly personalize and optimize our builds.
...and more!

Learners can join in any week! Learners should be able to read independently.

Creations can be done individually or as a community.

Instructions for installing the Create Mod are under "Learner Supplies" & in the Classroom welcome post.

IMPORTANT: Parents - It is your responsibility to make sure that your learner comes to class prepared, having followed the detailed instruction sheet without skipping any steps, with all of the mods properly installed. You should begin the installation process with    ample time to troubleshoot and contact the teacher well in advance of class if you run into any issues. Most issues can be easily fixed. You should not expect the teacher to take class time to help your learner with installation if they show up unprepared to class and refunds will not be given to learners who do so. Coming to class prepared makes it so your learner and their classmates will have an enjoyable experience. 

I teach several Space, Science, Engineering, History, Trades & Technology classes including; Women in Space (Historic & Modern) Analog Astronauts & Missions, Current Events in Space Technology & Rocket Launches, Billionaires in Space, Rockets in Space, Kerbal Space Program, Ham Radio, The Science of Fireworks, Historic Antarctic Expeditions, Lego Challenges, Tools, Finish Carpentry & more!