{"id":133,"date":"2021-04-30T14:25:23","date_gmt":"2021-04-30T14:25:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/homeschoollounge.com\/?p=133"},"modified":"2021-09-13T19:57:17","modified_gmt":"2021-09-13T19:57:17","slug":"how-to-teach-architecture-using-minecraft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/homeschoollounge.com\/how-to-teach-architecture-using-minecraft\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Teach Architecture Using Minecraft"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Because I was a software developer before becoming a Homeschool Mom I  was totally geeked that software was being developed to help children learn how to read or do math. We first started with Reader Rabbit which led to another software game called Math Blasters. My boys were learning a lot more by playing games than completing worksheets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Minecraft came along I was willing to let Logan and Jordan explore building with virtual blocks than those hard plastic ones that I always seemed to walk on in my bare feet. The best part was teaching my sons architecture using Minecraft as a natural extension of the video game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After two years of playing Roblox another friend asked if they had heard about Minecraft<\/strong><\/a>. Logan says that Roblox is a \u201cmake everything yourself\u201d game but Minecraft<\/strong> is an adventure and survival game that allows you to build your own worlds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free Online Lessons that Teach Architecture Using Minecraft<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Zaniac<\/a>, a Park City, Utah-based chain of after-school learning centers, teaches a weekly 90-minute course<\/a> that focuses on building, design, planning and even zoning. Students look at existing cities via Google Street View and discuss how certain landmarks and buildings are arranged. They then create 3-D models of building and import them into the game utilizing a program called MCEdit<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The final project asks students to work together and build a city, splitting different aspects of construction and focusing on collaboration and teamwork.The Minecraft Education website has a lesson plan for students to learn about Frank Lloyd Wright, usonian architecture, and Loren Pope<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another lesson on the Minecraft Education website teaches students to study different architectural styles<\/a> and then design a building aligned with a particular style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is even a community of architects, and their kids, who have created entire worlds called BlockWorks<\/a>. You have to see their amazing photos of their virtual online block worlds<\/a>! These creations are intricate, detailed, and very forward thinking. One city even has a sustainable urban environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the way, Hip Homeschool Moms even has a slew of free Minecraft printables<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n