Create 3D video games with *AgentCubes Online (ACO) software. ACO uses object-oriented programming rooted in JavaScript to simplify the programming process while creating visually attractive and increasingly complex 3D video games. Because of this "low ceiling/high threshold" approach, prior coding and programming skills are not required. However, if you have some prior experience you can use your knowledge and skills to create more intricate games with advanced programming techniques. *Software subscription is included! For full course description and details click here.
The "Minecraft+Architecture History" course teaches students about 10 architectural styles to include Egyptian, Native American, Greek, Roman, Medieval, Renaissance, Victorian, early American, Modern, and 21st-century architecture. Class participants will learn about the architects, principles of architectural design, how building materials and techniques have changed throughout the years, and create at least one architectural build each week in Minecraft (Minecraft account not included). For full course description and details click here.
The "Architecture Around the World with Minecraft" course takes students on a global journey to learn about the architectural styles of every continent from Far East Asia, the subcontinent of India, Africa, the America's, and more. Class participants will learn about structures made by indigenous people across many continents, different styles of houses based on local climate, terrain, and customs, centers for community gatherings like cathedrals, mosques, and temples, palaces for government leaders and legislators, gardens, courtyards, and outdoor recreation centers.
Learn about the history of space exploration, technologies created by space engineers, planets outside the Solar System, what galaxies are made of, and more! All while completing weekly tasks in the classroom, and building in Minecraft! How far is a light-year? What is the difference between a space probe, lander, and rover? How do scientists find planets outside the Solar System? Can people live on moons or planets? This "Space Exploration & Astronomy with Minecraft" course will teach learners about the explorations and possibilities of the final frontier...space!
Students will work to further develop their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and written expression skills while building in Minecraft as they read the novel “Minecraft: The Island” by Max Brooks. Depending on the personal preference and learning style of each participant, options are available to consider when reading the novel. Each student is responsible for purchasing the novel (audio, online, or print version). Class participants will also "Act out" the events of the novel in Minecraft! (Minecraft account not included). For full course description and details click here.
"Main Street Math with Minecraft!” will teach students mathematics while they build and create in Minecraft! Mathematics topics addressed include geometry, measurement, data, operations, time, and money (all money problems with use dollars and cents). Students are provided weekly assignments. They may choose which grade level (2-3 or 4-5) of work to complete. Advanced students can choose to work on upper-level content, or students needing more practice can work on lower level content. Or better yet, students can choose to do both grade levels! Math practice will have a strong focus on real-world, word problem application. Why? Because the world presents math as real life not just as algorithms! These word problems are, dare I say, FUN! Most problems have a Minecraft theme. For full course description, prerequisites, and details click here​.
This is a great first-time course for STEM Qwest learners! How does a coal power plant work? Where do granite countertops come from? How do you get gold and gemstone jewelry from metal and minerals that were in the ground? The "Earth Science with Minecraft” course will teach students about Earth’s renewable and non-renewable resources, rocks types and minerals, precious metals, gemstones and the methods used to mine them from the Earth and convert them to usable objects for human use. For full course description and details click here.
This is another great first-time course for STEM Qwest learners! Are all ocean habitats the same? What is a coral reef? What do sea turtles and dolphins eat? This "Marine Biology - Ocean Ecosystems in Minecraft and the Real World" course will teach students about deep-sea biology, food chains, coastal ecology, aquatic adaptations and more! For full course description and details click here.
"Design a Zoo with Minecraft!” is a project-based learning course that incorporates science, technology applications, and mathematics while working on critical thinking skills via reading comprehension and short answer written expression. All while students build and create with Minecraft! Students are provided weekly assignments. They may choose which grade level (2-3 or 4-5) of work to complete. Advanced students can choose to work on upper-level content, or students needing more practice can work on lower level content. Or better yet, students can choose to do both grade levels! For full course description, prerequisites, and details click here.
Learners will examine various career paths and will evaluate real-life data such as average salary, housing, transportation, and food costs. Reading articles, answering comprehension questions, and creating written response discussions focus on topics related to age-appropriate personal finance. During each week of this 6-week course, students are provided weekly math and reading comprehension assignments. They may choose which grade level (4th-5th or 6th-7th) of work to complete. Advanced students can choose to work on upper-level content, or students needing more practice can work on lower level content. Or better yet, students can choose to do both grade levels! For full course description, prerequisites, and details click here​.
STEM Qwest is continually working to add courses, curriculum, and partnerships. Do you have a suggestion for a STEM-centered course? We would love to hear from you! Send us an email here with your suggestions.