Dumbarton
Minecraft: Space Theme Park Project
Henrico Learner Profile (HLP) 6C Focus
Grade Level - 5th-Grade
SOL/Standard - Earth and Space Systems (4th-grade review)
4.5 The student will investigate and understand that the planets have characteristics and a specific place in the solar system.
Learning Experience
"The Space Theme Park Project" is an interesting and innovative educational experience designed to help students understand Earth and Space Systems. Using Minecraft, students design a theme park based on the eight planets, which helps them develop important Henrico Learner Profile skills such as creative thinking, collaboration, effective communication, and digital tools. The project is a great way for students to learn valuable research, planning, design, and presentation skills, while enhancing their problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. By reflecting on their growth throughout the project, students gain insights into their strengths and become aware of areas needing improvement, which can inspire them to adopt a growth mindset. Overall, "The Space Theme Park Project" is an excellent way for students to develop essential skills while enjoying the process of learning about the universe.
"Minecraft allows kids to use their imagination, have fun, and learn at the same time. I used what I knew about science for my space theme park and mixed it with my creative thinking skills. We had to keep rebuilding to improve it, but that's part of the process. And guess what? We got it done"! - Andrea, 5th-grade Student
"This project was interactive, innovative, collaborative, and applied space and science knowledge to something students enjoy – Minecraft! We had lots of fun creating the solar system digitally". – Ms. Valva, 5th Grade Teacher
Additional Pictures, Media & Artifacts
Design Thinking (Brainstorming, Design)
Design Thinking
(Creating, Testing, Redesigning)
"Saturn's Rings" Roller Coaster
Reflection - "How did you improve as a creative thinker"?
Thank you to the innovators who helped make this experience possible:
Jaime Gonzalez - ILC
Kristina Valva - 5th Grade Teacher
Bobbie Jo Coccaro - 5th Grade Teacher
Angela Wright - 5th Grade Teacher
Elle Reid - 5th Grade Teacher
Chris Thornton - P.E
Brent Gailey - Music
Jennifer Karluk - Librarian
Carla Scott - Principal