Here are two videos from 2013, from two separate classes (6th grade boys, and 5th grade girls) using Minecraft to simulate historical events.
Here, Mr. Moore narrating about his 6th Graders’ recreation of Ancient Egypt’s Mastaba.
Ms. Layton’s 5th graders used Minecraft to simulate the founding of the Jamestown Settlement in America.
Both projects called for coordinated teamwork, historical accuracy and completion of goals. The students, already seasoned in Minecraft in a non-educational setting, experienced powerful learning outcomes during these projects. There was conflict and frustration as the projects called for different “work gangs,” which their labors was not evenly distributed. They found out “first hand” about being part of the working class vs. the privileged.
After the first couple of classes, I think it’s time to reorganize the team dynamics a bit. The girls were going off track qite a bit and not progressing towards the objectives as I had hoped. There is too much chaos and I believe they will end up like the real Jamestown Colony and cease to exist. Yes that would be interesting in a study, but I really want the girls to work together towards the goals of cooperation and create a successful town. I want them to really understand that it’s hard work to create and maintain a working town.
I’ll give it another try with the reorganizing as pictured above and see if it works. Otherwise, they will fail. Which is okay too.
Today was the first day that our girls school official started Minecraft in the classroom! The boys school did it last year and are really taking off with it. I’m excited for the girls to work on the U.S. Colonial Unit with Minecraft!
Here is my colleague’s 6th grade Social Studies class using the popular open-ended game Minecraft to learn about history! We piloted this project last year and learned a lot more of what we can do. This is his second year doing this and its amazing! This project includes the recreating of ancient civilizations. The students are so engaged that they are not just talking about the game, but actually are talking about why those civilizations chose certain places to build settlements. The best part I think is where the students are learning how to work together. A lot of frustration and arguments do happen. Just like in real life.