Games in Education 2017

In this session, educators will learn about the pilot program at the Troy School District and Wynantskill School District using Minecraft in 4th grade math class. Three 4th grade classes in Troy and two 4th grade classes in Wynantskill used Minecraft once a week to apply mathematics. The classes were done during normal school hours. Attendees will learn about the lessons used to teach mathematics using Minecraft and the experiences of the teachers and students.

All lessons were designed by the presenter and taught with the help of the classroom teachers, teacher assistants, and technology personnel. Topics covered by the lessons were area, perimeter, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, coordinate system, and financial fluency. Other skills students demonstrated during the lessons were team collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. Overall, the lessons were highly engaging.

By the end of the session, participants will be able to discuss the utility of using the Minecraft platform for mathematics instructions and review the advantages and challenges of different versions of Minecraft and different technologies for instructional use.