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“During this project I really had to consider what constitutes the different types of simple machines so that I could determine what we needed to do to complete the project correctly. This helped me to fully learn the simple machines instead of just memorize them.” Episcopal integrated science student

Episcopal eighth grade integrated science students have been challenged to imagine and design a Rube Goldberg machine that will make lunch. In a fun twist, the students are using machines to create their machines. Science teacher Shyamala Alapati teamed up with IT Specialist Steve Latuso to help students create these structures using Minecraft Education in the Aldrich Library computer lab. The challenge aligns with the 2023 Digital Rube Goldberg Machine Minecraft Contest sponsored by the North America Scholastic Esports Federation and requires a minimum of 10 events and four different simple machines.

Before the building got underway, students learned about Newton’s Laws, simple machines and machine advantage. They also used the engineering design method to plan their events and simple machines. Now, after only three classes, students are already working on ramps and pulleys. While last year’s Rube Goldberg challenge certainly saw the creation of these simple machines, the fire, flaming arrows and chickens riding in carts are a new addition this year. “They’re having fun,” says Alapati. “You play with it more in Minecraft. You’re focusing on physics more.” The students agree. “I like this project, because it has a lot less restrictions,” shared a student. “The group gets to basically create anything they want, so it makes it more fun to collaborate with each other.”

One benefit of using Minecraft that Alapati noticed very quickly is that “students can easily brainstorm and apply trial and error to make a more complex system within the same time constraint.” In addition, once work is underway, students simply “save it and download it,” she says.

Developing Life Skills

Saving and downloading are also part of the learning experience. Latuso points out that while most students are accustomed to using iPads and tablets, traditional computers may be less familiar. The Minecraft build provides students a valuable experience with these machines. “Gaming allows students to improve computer literacy,” says Latuso. “It was an intentional choice to use the computer lab.”

As students consider the extra processes they’ll use to build a sandwich, burger, baked potato or other food, they develop life skills. “They’re learning to fail and succeed,” says Latuso, who says it’s “easier to redo digitally” when plans change. “It helps with problem-solving skills, thinking skills and not being afraid of new things,” says Alapati. Students are also finetuning their teamwork and collaboration skills. “I learned that there is lots of failure before you make what you want to make,” says an eighth grader. “It takes a group to make things, and everyone is helping all the time. I also had a great time working with my group.”

Creating New Experiences

Alapati is no stranger to revising lessons to create new experiences for students. When students study “The Martian” by Andy Weir, she finds ways for them to understand what main character Mark Watney experiences when on Mars. Alapati accomplishes this by taking students to the QUEST Center in Foster Hall, where they experience the red planet through virtual reality goggles. The recent Rube Goldberg challenge is another example of finding new methods for engaging students, and the students appreciate Alapati’s effort to create these experiences. “I think that the use of simple machines in every day objects you can find on Minecraft is very cool,” a student reported. “I’m also enjoying building things, especially because materials are much more plentiful in a game than would be in a classroom.” 

This is not the first time an Episcopal teacher has deployed Minecraft Education in an assignment. Sixth grade science teacher Stacy Hill challenges her students to build virtual structures that can withstand the destruction of an erupting volcano. Latuso hopes to see many more integrated lessons in the future. “Esports exists to support the main curriculum,” he says. “We’re looking to expand that.”

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