Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to apply arithmetic concepts to solve problems within the context of Minecraft.

Materials and Prep

Materials: Computer or tablet with Minecraft, paper, and pencil.

Prep: Make sure Minecraft is installed and ready to play. Have a space to work on paper and pencil ready.

Activities

1. Minecraft Math Challenge: Create a scenario in Minecraft where you need to find the total number of blocks needed to build a structure. Use addition and subtraction to calculate the number of blocks.

2. Minecraft Measurement: Explore in Minecraft and measure the distances between different landmarks. Use addition and subtraction to find the total distance traveled.

3. Minecraft Currency: Set up a shop in Minecraft and practice making transactions using addition and subtraction with in-game currency.

Third Grade Talking Points

• "In Minecraft, we can use addition to find the total number of blocks needed to build something. For example, if we need 20 blocks and already have 8, how many more do we need? Let's add them together to find out!"
• "When exploring in Minecraft, we can use subtraction to find the distance between two points. If we start at one landmark and travel 15 blocks, then travel 8 more blocks, how far are we from the starting point? Let's subtract to find out!"
• "In Minecraft, we can set up shops and use in-game currency. We can practice addition and subtraction by making transactions. If an item costs 10 coins and we have 15, how many coins will we have left after buying the item? Let's subtract to find out!"