ORONO — The Versant Power Astronomy Center plans to host a free summer camp for ages 10 to 14 through What-If Hypothetical Implementations in Minecraft.
The National Science Foundation-funded research project and interdisciplinary collaboration is dedicated to attracting young people to science through cutting-edge and impactful informal learning, according to a news release from the center.
Participants will use Minecraft Java Edition to explore astronomy via space exploration “what if?” scenarios, such as “What if the Earth were a moon?” or “What does the surface of an exoplanet look like?”
They will play the role of scientists and engineers as they take part in creative and critical thinking design prompts, including drawing exoplanets or exhibits in the planetarium.
As a final project, campers will work in small teams to build and present a Minecraft Mars base.
The camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, Aug. 1-5 at the 167 Rangeley Road center.
For more information and to apply, visit whimc.education.illinois.edu/camp.
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less