Zaniac Launches Minecraft™ Course to Teach Space Exploration
After-School STEM Enrichment Franchise Adds Space-Focused Course to
Growing Roster of Game-Based Learning Curriculum
SALT LAKE CITY–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#Minecraft–Playing Minecraft™ is more than just a game for students at Zaniac,
a national STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) enrichment
franchise for K-8th graders. This month, Zaniac debuts its
newest course, Minecraft Galaxy, combining the video game with space
exploration.
In Game-Based Learning: Minecraft Galaxy, which launches nationwide this
April, students will explore space with the Galacticraft mod in the
game. They’ll also learn how to design and build rockets that travel to
the moon, the International Space Station and Mars. Part of the
curriculum also includes learning about the Earth’s oceans and undersea
life using the Oceancraft mod.
“With game-based learning, students don’t often recognize how much
knowledge they are truly retaining. It’s the ultimate vehicle to excite
kids about the endless possibilities of science and technology,” said
Sidharth Oberoi, Zaniac’s President and Co-Founder. “Adding space
exploration to our curriculum is especially engaging since kids are
fascinated by space and the discussions around this topic.”
The new Galaxy course is the latest in Zaniac’s custom curriculum using
the popular game. Other courses include Minecraft Exploration, Minecraft
Physics and Minecraft Architectural Design. As part of the game-based
learning courses, Zaniac’s instructors guide students through Minecraft
challenges designed to teach math and science concepts.
An instructor at Zaniac’s campus in Miami, Sherman Hewitt, was the
impetus behind the new course. Hewitt, who works part-time while
enrolled as a student at the University of Miami, began toying with the
idea of incorporating space into a future course and volunteered to
write a lesson plan himself. After piloting the course with much success
in Miami last fall, Zaniac decided to roll out the course nationwide.
“Working at Zaniac is exciting for me because I get to play a role in
guiding students to their future careers. Teaching kids about the
possibilities that are out there equips them with the skills and
confidence they need to succeed in school, and in life. Our Minecraft
Galaxy course could help inspire a future NASA astronaut or scientist,”
said Hewitt.
Zaniac currently has campuses in Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah, in
addition to franchises in Miami, New York City, Boston, Santa Monica,
Dallas, Greenwich and Westport, CT and Asheville, NC. The fast-growing
franchise plans to reach 50 campuses by 2017.
The new game-based learning program is a 90-minute class that meets once
a week for six weeks, and the five-to-one student to instructor ratio
ensures a personalized, peer-based educational experience.
In addition to Minecraft courses, Zaniac offers a multitude of STEM
learning programs that get kids excited to learn math and science while
preparing them for 21st century jobs, including Zaniac
Robotics: LEGO®, App Creation, 3D Printing, Fashion Design and Computer
Programming.
For more information about Zaniac, or how to enroll in the Galaxy
program, visit www.zaniaclearning.com.
About Zaniac
Zaniac, based in Park City, Utah is a national science, technology,
engineering and math (STEM) education franchise with more than nine
campus locations in six states. Founded in 2011 by New York Times
bestselling author, economist, social entrepreneur and professor Paul
Zane Pilzer and 23-year-old academic Sidharth Oberoi, Zaniac aims to
make after-school learning fun, helping K-8 children become engaged,
develop confidence and measurably improve academic performance. For more
information, visit www.zaniaclearning.com.
Contacts
Fishman Public Relations
Sara Faiwell, (847) 945-1300
sfaiwell@fishmanpr.com
