8-10 yrs old
Math & Economics
Students will use the blocks in the game to solve problems with regrouping and then make a video about it.
June 15, 2020
World File
Supporting Minecraft world file.
Common Core Standard
Engage NY Module
Related Engage NY Module link.
Walkthrough Video
Tutorial video for teachers and students.
Slideshow
Go through the pictures on the slideshow (see Supporting Files section) and brainstorm any thoughts and observations about the math models. Use the students’ brainstorm comments to get them to understand the idea of regrouping between place values. Once the students have made a connection of regrouping between place value, unveil the Big Idea.
Blocks of ten can be regrouped between place values.
Students will enter the Minecraft World as a single player and solve the four problems by regrouping the math models. Always regroup with a diamond block so the code can read if you got it correct.
Make a Video
Set up your classrooms with a few quiet areas to record video; sometimes the hallway can work if you have an active class.
As students finish up their problems they will teleport to the exhibition stage and be asked to build a problem. The will solve it on paper and in Minecraft a few times until they feel they understand it well enough to make a video to show their work.
When they are ready, send them to the recording area to a make a video explaining how they solved the problem in under two minutes.
How to Make a Video
1. Build the problem and look at it.
2. Push the “Windows+G” buttons on your keyboard then the record button.
3. Say your name or gamername (for anonymity), say the problem.
4. Regroup and solve your problem.
5. Sign off!
If you have students who are English language learners or just shy, they can use this script, but it is always better if the explanation is in the students’ own words.
Script:
Hello my name is ______________ and today I will solve _____+______ in Minecraft. We will start by adding the ones column, ______+______=______ , and that can be regrouped.
(Break and regroup to blocks.)
In the tens column we have _______+________+ 1 from the regrouped ones, and that =______.
Thanks you for watching. This is _________ signing off.
Debrief
1. Is there a number sixty twelve? (yes it is 72)
2. We learned that we can change ten blocks into one by regrouping up a place value. Can we regroup going down a place value?
3. If so, how do we do this?
1) The student was able to produce a video of them solving a 3-digit addition and subtraction problem.
2) The student was able to translate between numbers and math models.
3) The student was able to critique and analyze the work of others.
4) The student was able to solve and document all eight problems in the Minecraft Exhibition World.