The document discusses how the Minecraft game can be used to teach various subjects in the Ontario grade 7/8 curriculum. It provides examples of how students can practice skills like surface area and volume calculations by building structures. Minecraft allows students to plot points on the Cartesian plane and create patterns. Students are also willing to write reflections and examine informational texts about their Minecraft experiences. The game challenges students to collaborate through oral communication. Minecraft's popularity demonstrates how students can share their creations using various media. Additional curriculum connections include designing structures, building automated systems, conducting experiments, mapping locations and environments, and learning about environmental interactions. The game provides an open learning space for cross-curricular projects and allows differentiation for students of

1. Ontario Curriculum Grade 7/8
Mr.D.Carson
@dustin7carson

2. Surface Area and Volume – Students can construct and
create structures that meet different measurements.
Minecraft uses a constant measuring system (1 block
= 1 metre), and presents many opportunities for
conversions, or scale models
Cartesian Plane – Minecraft is built on a grid system
where students can plot, and read points in different
quadrants.
Extending and Creating Patterns - Making use of all the
construction tools in Minecraft students can create
different patterns of varying complexity (even make
use of different programming patterns to build clocks
and timers).

3. Reading and Writing- Students are very willing to write about
their learning (procedural writing and journal
reflections), and examine the different features of
informational texts (website and non-fiction resources).
Oral Communication – Even though Minecraft is a computer
program, students are challenged to collaborate. They
need to listen carefully to each other and respond
appropriately to accomplish group goals.
Media Literacy – Minecraft popularity has grown to 12.5
million users because of the interactive media works
people have created and shared. Students can
communicate their own creations and learning using
similar media and approaches
(websites, videos, podcasts, and blogs).

4. Structures - Minecraft provides students with endless
building materials that are beneficial in designing and
constructing a variety of structures (3-D models and
blueprints).
Systems – The computer program includes many
common tools that allow students to build their own
automated systems. They can use a variety of tools
(switches and levers) to build mechanical systems
(sensor doorways and lighting).
Scientific Method -There are many different ways to
conduct experiments in the Minecraft environment.
For example students can create different rail systems
to analyse slope and force.

5. Location - Minecraft worlds includes a variety of
environments ranging from plains to mountains.
Students can modify worlds to construct a variety of
settings and map formats.
Environment - It is possible to investigate how different
landforms, climate, and vegetation are favourable to
specialized types of commercial agriculture.
Minecraft provides the students the ability to create a
variety of farm types (tree, sheep, beef, and wheat).
Interaction – Students can learn more about how they
impact the environment the more they use it.

6. With Minecraft it is possible to connect many curriculums, and all learners can
collaborate on big ideas to complete cross-curricular projects.
Minecraft is designed to be an open learning space where it’s possible to pose
real questions. It challenges students to find resources an interpret information.
There is also a community of learners which promotes students to report on their
own discoveries.
Also, students are able to accomplish their own learning goals, as it is easy to
differentiate instruction. There are many entry points and students are willing to
take chances to accomplish their own individual goals. I’ve found that a MID student
and a gifted student can find success with Minecraft, because they can take their
own approach. Both accomplished successful measurement inquiry projects – one a
simple house design, and the other an interactive game incorporating complex
measurement tasks (best part was both were impressed by each other creations).