14-18 yrs old
Geography
Government and Politics
History
Topics covered include the causes of war, communication, strategy, and remembrance. Students will reflect on the lessons learned from war.
October 22, 2020
Lesson Plan
My Notes
World War I Toybox world
Minecraft: Education Edition world file
Lesson Overview Video
Video
Morse code decoding page
Resource
WWI Interactive Image
World War I Toybox Assessment
WWI Flight impact Notes PDF
WWI Flight impact Notes DOC
National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies Themes
C3 Framework Dimensions
Introduction/Overview
The World War I world in Minecraft allows students to see, interact with, and explore some of the elements of the conflict while using out-of-game research, reading, writing, reflection, discussion, and art to enrich the whole learning experience. This lesson set ensures that students in high school courses have a basic understanding of the primary elements of World War I in a memorable and engaging methodology. Topics covered include the causes of war, communication, strategy, and remembrance. World War I toybox is structured and broken into five lessons over 4 weeks x 60 minutes per day.
Guiding Questions
Lesson 5 of 5
Student will reflect on the lessons learned from war through visual art and narration.
Preparation and materials
Students enter the Minecraft: Education Edition world and fly to the poppy field. Ask students if anyone knows the significance of the field or the symbolism of the poppy flower. Ensure that the students see the purpose of the poppy as a way to remember and honor those who have died serving their countries in war, and that it is not only an American symbol but one used around the world.
Ask students to observe a moment of silence for the men and women who have died serving their countries in war. Ensure that this is handled with the utmost respect. If you do not feel your classroom culture is respectful enough to treat this activity properly, consider skipping the moment of silence.
Students should add a Board to the poppy field in their own Minecraft world describing the significance and symbolism of the poppy field.
Direct students to design a work of art that:
Give students time to sketch, plan, model, and create their work of art. This could be a sculpture, drawing, painting, or other physical creation.
When complete, students display their art and explain its creation and elements in a FlipGrid topic or other virtual response tool.
If time and classroom culture allows, encourage students to view each other's art in a physical or digital gallery walk and respond to each other in the FlipGrid topic with positive remarks or questions.
Differentiation
Interdisciplinary connections
Visual or performing arts
Extensions
Students could Skype with a veteran of war to interview the solider about his or her experiences and provide an opportunity to thank the veteran for his or her service.
Assessment
Work of art and reflection
4 - Student art work is original and impactful for the viewer based on its relevance and symbolism. Student reflection gives additional insight to the viewer.
3 - Student art work is original and reflects the red poppy and its symbolism. Student reflection explains the art for the viewer.
2 - Student art work is a remix of other art and reflects the red poppy and its symbolism. Student reflection shows art to the view.
1 - Student art work is incomplete or unoriginal. Student reflection does not show the art to the viewer.
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