What Kids Learned at Our Spring Camp (Day 2)

Engineering with Minecraft

Today was the first day of our engineering week, where we introduced the Engineering Design Process (Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Test, Improve). This process will guide our learning throughout the week as part of our STEAM program and coding classes for kids.

We use Minecraft Education as a simulation tool to help students connect video game logic with real-world engineering systems and computational thinking. Today, students explored the basics of electrical circuits by learning how Minecraft components represent real circuit elements:

• Redstone Dust = wires

• Redstone Torch = battery / power source

• Redstone Lamp = LED light

Students also learned how levers and switches control circuits by turning power on and off, building a foundation in logic, problem-solving, and basic coding concepts.

After practicing with these components, students returned to their morning designs and improved their builds by adding working circuits, making their creations more functional and interactive. This hands-on activity reflects how we teach coding, robotics, and engineering concepts through project-based learning at Sparks Academy.