Problem Solving

This week, the kids created their "homes", a 12 by 12 by 12 block structure.  They had to decide how many floors they could put in their house and then build them.

Objectives:
Create a house that is 12 blocks tall, 12 blocks wide, and 12 blocks deep.
Use a list to figure out what the maximum number of levels you can have in your home.
Use problem solving skills (compromise) to resolve any issues or disagreements

I observed each group from across the room, so as to not disturb their conversations as they were happening nor have any proximity related influence on their discussions.  The first thing I heard was, "How do we get in?" or "How do we get out?"  Many of the kids either didn't know about doors, or didn't think to put one in.  Easily solved by clearing out two blocks and placing the door in the gap.

Next up, "I can't see anything?".  Most kids threw up some torches and moved on, but others brought about more clever ways.  Some installed windows, some ripped off their roof and replaced it with glass blocks, other with goldstone.  The kids worked together and had to first decide their options, then make the best decision that they could.  These are students that are not paired up with students that they would normally work with and typically don't have lengthy discussions that stay on topic, they are after all, 8 year olds.  What is interesting about these discussions is that the students really do debate which option to work with.  There is a method to their persuasion and the best part is that their partner's rebuttals are just as well constructed.

These students are collaborating on a project and I am amazed at how well they are doing it.  I have heard no arguments, no fits of sadness or frustration, just good clean focused fun.  They are working together and actually enjoying it.  I have not noticed anyone sitting on the sidelines doing nothing.  There have not been any bossy players telling others what to do.  These are events that are typical in group work, but non-existent in Mindcraft (my name for this time in our class).  My students are truly cooperating with each other and accomplishing tasks in peace.  To me, this is a major benefit of using Minecraft.  My students are being creative, planning, and collaborating on a project together.  The way that I have infused our math curriculum into this may not be the best, but it will come with time and practice on my end.  In the meantime, my kids are learning to work seamlessly together and I can focus on working with them, not putting out fires.

This is one of the more complex examples that a student created.    With the size of the houses, the students had to realize that they could only create 3 floors and have 2 extra block heights to work with.He chose to make the top floor and the first floor taller than the middle floor.  You can see how he divided the levels on the first picture.