Minecraft Simple Machines & Contraptions
Description
Minecraft Simple Machines & Contraptions: Wednesday
Grades: K-2
Time: 3:00- 4:00 p.m.
Dates: 8/27-12/10
15 classes; No class dates: 11/26
Let's explore how things move! Using Redstone basics like levers, buttons, and pressure plates, students will learn about cause-and-effect and simple machines. They'll build fun contraptions like automatic doors, simple traps, and even a basic automated farm, learning the fundamentals of Redstone engineering in a playful way.

Weekly topics and projects include:

Week 1
• Topics Covered: Introduction to Redstone basics, Redstone dust, power sources (lever, Redstone torch).
• Simple Project: Create a simple circuit that turns a single light on and off with a lever.

Week 2
• Topics Covered: Buttons and pressure plates, momentary power, cause-and-effect.
• Simple Project: Build a door that opens briefly when a button is pressed or a player steps on a pressure plate.

Week 3
• Topics Covered: Redstone repeaters and signal strength.
• Simple Project: Extend a Redstone signal across a long distance using repeaters.

Week 4
• Topics Covered: Sticky pistons and basic push/pull mechanics.
• Simple Project: Build a simple "hidden door" that slides open and closed with a sticky piston.

Week 5
• Topics Covered: Regular pistons and pushing blocks.
• Simple Project: Create a simple piston-based block dispenser.

Week 6
• Topics Covered: Observers and detecting block changes.
• Simple Project: Make a simple "doorbell" that chimes when a block is placed or broken nearby.

Week 7
• Topics Covered: Droppers and dispensers, automatic item delivery.
• Simple Project: Build a basic automatic trash can using a dispenser that drops items into lava.

Week 8
• Topics Covered: Redstone comparators and item detection (basic).
• Simple Project: Create a contraption that lights up when a specific number of items are in a chest.

Week 9
• Topics Covered: Tripwire hooks and string, creating invisible triggers.
• Simple Project: Set up an invisible tripwire trap that drops gravel on a player.

Week 10
• Topics Covered: Building a simple Redstone trap (pitfall, crushing walls).
• Simple Project: Design and build a simple Redstone-activated pitfall trap.

Week 11
• Topics Covered: Introduction to automated farms, water mechanics for harvesting.
• Simple Project: Build a small, simple wheat farm that harvests with a Redstone-activated water flow.

Week 12
• Topics Covered: Redstone clocks (basic).
• Simple Project: Create a simple flickering light using a Redstone clock.

Week 13
• Topics Covered: Minecarts and rails, basic transportation.
• Simple Project: Set up a simple minecart system with an automatic loading/unloading station.

Week 14
• Topics Covered: Combining learned concepts, creating a multi-step contraption.
• Simple Project: Build a small "challenge room" that requires the player to activate a series of Redstone mechanisms to escape.



Instructor: 8Bit Education
Location:
Parish Episcopal School - Hillcrest Campus
Dates:
8/27/2025 - 12/10/2025 11:00 PM
Time:
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Ages:
Grades Kindergarten - 2nd
Cost:
$280.00
Availability:
This session has openings