Core Skills Analysis
Design and Technology
- Applied principles of aesthetic design by recreating a commercial building to match McDonald's branding, focusing on color palettes and architectural features.
- Developed spatial awareness and innovative problem-solving by constructing a functional model in Minecraft that includes both counter and drive-through areas.
- Practiced collaborative design skills by working in a group setting to edit and refine the restaurant build.
- Enhanced digital literacy through the use of Minecraft tools and editing features.
Social Studies and Communication
- Explored real-world commercial practices by roleplaying transactions, simulating customer service in both counter and drive-through contexts.
- Practiced oral communication and social interaction skills through roleplay, promoting understanding of dialogue and exchange in everyday settings.
- Gained insight into economic transactions and the roles of customers and service providers in a retail environment.
- Engaged in teamwork dynamics, sharing roles and responsibilities in a cooperative activity.
Tips
To deepen understanding of design and commerce, encourage students to research the history and branding strategies of McDonald's, then redesign the restaurant to reflect changes over time. Organize a roleplay marketplace activity where students simulate various customer service scenarios, including taking orders, handling complaints, and managing payments. Extend digital skills by introducing basic architectural drawing or design software for planning the restaurant layout before construction. To foster creativity and business literacy, challenge students to create their own fictional restaurant concept in Minecraft, emphasizing brand identity, customer experience, and teamwork.
Book Recommendations
- How Did That Get To My House? Food by Chris Butterworth: This book explores where our food comes from, including fast-food ingredients, helping children understand commercial food production.
- Minecraft: Construction Handbook by Matthew Needler and Phil Southam: A practical guide that teaches players how to build creative and functional structures in Minecraft.
- A Day in the Life of a Fast Food Worker by Chris Peterson: Offers insights into jobs and responsibilities at fast food restaurants, ideal for understanding roleplay contexts.
Learning Standards
- Design and Technologies > Design and Technologies Knowledge and Understanding > ACTDEK031 - Investigate the characteristics and properties of materials and components that are used to produce designed solutions.
- Design and Technologies > Processes and Production Skills > ACTDEP033 - Develop, modify and communicate design ideas by applying design thinking, creativity, and safe work practices.
- English > Literacy > ACELY1692 - Interacting with others and using agreed-upon procedures for interaction in collaborative activities.
- Personal and Social Capability > Social Awareness - Recognise and appreciate how others have different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds.
Try This Next
- Design a worksheet where students identify and match various McDonald's colors and architectural features to reinforce understanding of branding elements.
- Create a quiz focused on the steps of a customer transaction at the counter and drive-through to test comprehension of social interactions in food service.