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.

 

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