Minecraft Homeschool Fun-Schooling Class for Gifted Kids 2022-23

Lesson 1: Elements and Metals

The big idea for the Minecraft homeschool fun-schooling class is learning the science behind the materials found in the game. Many of the blocks in Minecraft are elements that can be found on the periodic table from chemistry. We will learn how elements are the simplest form of matter, and how they can combine to make up the more complex materials found on planet Earth, as well as in the game Minecraft.

In the first lesson, we will examine what metals are, where they come from, and how metal ores are processed by smelting and other technologies. Concepts such as smelting that are used in the game Minecraft are also used in the real world at an industrial scale. We will introduce the concept of scale as it relates to production of goods by hand versus industrially.

The lesson also includes a discussion of how modern industrial practices can be harmful to the environment. We will learn about how gold and gold rushes have transformed both human populations as well as the landscape.

Lesson 2: Minerals

In the second lesson, we will learn about minerals. Minerals are more complex than metals, and there is a much larger variety of minerals found on planet Earth. We will classify minerals based on their chemistry, and also using the Mohs hardness scale. Specifically, we will discuss the astounding differences between coal and diamond, both of which are made out of pure carbon, a chemical element found throughout nature.

The lesson will include a discussion of lapis lazuli, a rare and beautiful gemstone found in very few places on the planet. We will also discuss gemstones in general, especially those containing the element silicon, which will be the focus of the final lesson. We will also discuss polishing versus cutting, or cleaving, of gemstones.

Show and Tell (Ongoing Hands-On Activity)

The learners enrolled in the class will have the opportunity to present any ores, minerals, or gems in a hands-on show and tell session. Dr. Scott has a collection of real world items found in the game and its many mods. The most fun part of the Minecraft homeschool fun-schooling class is getting a chance to show off the materials we collect in class. We will discuss the geology and properties of the items brought to the live, hands-on Show and Tell. It’s going to be awesome!

Lesson 3: Silicon

The final lesson will focus on the element silicon. It’s perhaps the most important element for the Minecraft homeschool fun-schooling class, because silicon is what computer chips are made of. It wouldn’t be possible to have modern communications, the internet, or fun online classes without computer chips made from silicon.

Interestingly, the all-important element silicon comes from… Sand! We will explore how sand is an important ore in the modern world which has a variety of practical uses. We’ll discuss how this relates to Silicon Valley, a geographical area in California which has very little silicon. We will also discuss how it would be difficult to keep track of time without silicon. And we’ll learn how sand and silicon are very similar, from a scientific perspective, to the gemstones covered in the previous lesson.