Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will understand the basic principles of physics through exploring Minecraft.

Materials and Prep

• A computer or tablet with Minecraft installed
• A notebook and pencil
• Prior knowledge of how to navigate and play Minecraft

Activities

1. Explore gravity in Minecraft:

   • Jump off different heights and observe how high or low your character jumps.
   • Discuss how gravity affects the character's movements.
   • Record your observations in your notebook.

2. Investigate motion and momentum:

   • Build a minecart track and ride the minecart at different speeds.
   • Observe how the speed affects the distance traveled and the time it takes to reach the end of the track.
   • Discuss the concept of momentum and how it relates to the minecart's motion.
   • Record your findings in your notebook.

3. Experiment with forces and friction:

   • Create different types of blocks in Minecraft with varying levels of friction.
   • Push different blocks and observe how they move and interact with each other.
   • Discuss the concept of friction and how it affects the movement of objects.
   • Record your observations in your notebook.

Kindergarten Grade Talking Points

• "In Minecraft, we can learn about gravity. Gravity makes things fall down, just like when your toys drop to the ground."
• "When we jump from high places in Minecraft, our character jumps higher. This is because gravity pulls us down, but not as strongly when we jump from a higher spot."
• "Momentum is how fast something is moving. When we ride a minecart in Minecraft, we can go fast or slow. The faster we go, the more momentum we have."
• "Friction is what happens when things rub against each other. In Minecraft, we can see how different blocks move and interact because of friction."
• "By experimenting and observing in Minecraft, we can learn about physics, which helps us understand how things move and work in the real world."