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Minecraft - Space - 8 lesson program

 

Lesson 1: Introduction to the Solar System

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-9PW-ST, ST3-10ES-S, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP016, ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020, ACTDIP022, ACSSU078, ACSSU096, ACSIS093, ACSIS110

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​Objective: Students will identify and describe the main components of the solar system.

  1. Introduction (10 minutes)

  • Begin by asking students what they already know about the solar system.

  • Show a brief video or slideshow featuring images of the planets, the sun, and other celestial bodies.

  • Discuss interesting facts about each component.

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  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Guide students to log into Minecraft and create a simple 3D model of the solar system.

  • Assign each student or group a specific planet or feature to build.

  • Provide instructions on how to scale their models appropriately and place them in the correct order from the sun.

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  3. Conclusion (5 minutes)

  • Have students present their models and share one new fact they learned.

  • Summarise the main points and ask follow-up questions to reinforce learning.

 

Lesson 2: Phases of the Moon

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-9PW-ST, ST3-10ES-S, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP016, ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020, ACTDIP022, ACSSU078, ACSSU096, ACSIS093, ACSIS110

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Objective: Students will understand and simulate the phases of the moon.

  1. Introduction (10 minutes)

  • Start with a quick recap of the solar system, then introduce the moon.

  • Show diagrams or a video explaining the phases of the moon and how they are caused by the moon’s position relative to the Earth and the sun.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Instruct students to use blocks in Minecraft to build a large-scale representation of the moon’s phases.

  • Guide them step-by-step to construct each phase (e.g., new moon, first quarter, full moon).

  • Ensure students understand the placement and light source simulation to represent the sun.
     

  3. Conclusion (5 minutes)

  • Conduct a brief quiz or group activity where students identify the different phases based on their models.

  • Reinforce learning by summarising how the phases occur.

 

Lesson 3: Earth’s Rotation and Day/Night Cycle

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-9PW-ST, ST3-10ES-S, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP016, ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020, ACTDIP022, ACSSU078, ACSSU096, ACSIS093, ACSIS110

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Objective: Students will demonstrate the Earth's rotation and explain how it leads to day and night.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Use a globe and flashlight to explain the Earth’s rotation and how it leads to the cycle of day and night.

  • Engage students by asking why it is night time in some places while it’s daytime in others.
     

  2. Main Activity (35 minutes)

  • Guide students in creating a Minecraft world where they simulate the Earth's rotation.

  • Show them how to use in-game commands to adjust time settings and create a day/night cycle.

  • Encourage them to experiment with different speeds and observe the effects.
     

  3. Conclusion (5 minutes)

  • Lead a discussion on the activity and ask students why different time zones exist.

  • Recap the learning points and answer any questions.

 

Lesson 4: The Role of Gravity in Space

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-9PW-ST, ST3-10ES-S, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP016, ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020, ACTDIP022, ACSSU078, ACSSU096, ACSIS093, ACSIS110

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Objective: Students will be able to explain how gravity affects objects in space and on Earth.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Introduce gravity with a demonstration, such as dropping two objects of different weights to show that gravity acts on them equally.

  • Discuss how gravity works on Earth and in Space.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Have students create a simulation in Minecraft where they build structures and test how gravity affects different objects.

  • Show them how to use game mechanics that mimic gravitational effects, such as falling sand or gravel.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)

  • Reflect on how gravity is essential for maintaining order in the solar system.

  • Ask students how they think gravity might differ on other planets and encourage them to explore this further.

 

Lesson 5: The Sun’s Impact on Earth

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-9PW-ST, ST3-10ES-S, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP016, ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020, ACTDIP022, ACSSU078, ACSSU096, ACSIS093, ACSIS110

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Objective: Students will describe the Sun’s role in providing light and heat and supporting life on Earth.

 1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Begin with a discussion on why the Sun is important for life.

  • Show a video or images highlighting the Sun’s role in the water cycle, photosynthesis, and providing energy.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Guide students in Minecraft to build a model that shows the Sun’s influence on Earth, such as a simple plant growing system that requires light.

  • Introduce redstone mechanics to simulate sunlight and its effects.

 

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)​

  • Review the main points by having students share their models and explain how their creations demonstrate the Sun’s impact.

 

Lesson 6: Space Exploration and Technology

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-9PW-ST, ST3-10ES-S, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP016, ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020, ACTDIP022, ACSSU078, ACSSU096, ACSIS093, ACSIS110

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Objective: Students will understand the role of space exploration and its contributions to scientific knowledge.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Discuss major space missions, such as the Apollo moon landings and Mars rovers.

  • Highlight key technological advancements made possible by space exploration.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Have students design and build a simple rocket or space vehicle in Minecraft.

  • Encourage them to add features that mimic real spacecraft, such as engines and living quarters.
     

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)​

  • Let students present their creations and discuss what features they included and why.

  • Summarise how space exploration has expanded our understanding of the universe.

 

Lesson 7: The Possibility of Life on Other Planets

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-9PW-ST, ST3-10ES-S, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP016, ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020, ACTDIP022, ACSSU078, ACSSU096, ACSIS093, ACSIS110

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Objective: Students will analyse the impact of human activities on ecosystems.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Discuss the basic needs for life: water, oxygen, and a suitable temperature.

  • Introduce the concept of habitable zones.

 

  2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

  • Guide students to create a Minecraft environment that simulates conditions on other planets, such as Mars or Europa.

  • Ask them to modify these environments to see if they can make them more Earth-like.
     

  3. Conclusion (10 minutes)​

  • Reflect on what students learned and ask them to brainstorm what other planets might have the potential for life.

 

Lesson 8: Assessment and Review

Outcomes:

NSW: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T, ST3-9PW-ST, ST3-10ES-S, ST3-11DI-T

Aus: ACTDIP016, ACTDIP019, ACTDIP020, ACTDIP022, ACSSU078, ACSSU096, ACSIS093, ACSIS110

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Objective: Students will review key concepts from the program and assess students’ understanding through presentations and discussions.

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Recap the key points from all previous lessons.

  • Discuss what students enjoyed most and what they found challenging.
     

  2. Main Activity (35 minutes)

  • Have students present their final projects, which could be a comprehensive build in Minecraft showcasing their favourite space concept or a combination of what they learned.

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  3. Conclusion (5 minutes)​

  • Provide feedback on their presentations and review any important takeaways.

  • End with a class discussion on how learning about space can inspire future exploration and discovery.

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