Book excerpt: Get ready for a brain-building STEM adventure! This colorfully-illustrated, video-game themed learning tool is focused on four critical domains for young, 21st century learners: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. These content areas can be taught in isolation, but teaching them together (using diamond swords, zombies, creepers and redstone traps for added fun) allows for deeper understanding and authentic connections to the world where kids live and play. Children won’t need to be nagged to dive headfirst into this collection of over one hundred S.T.E.M. activities and challenges. Each lesson invites gamers to use the same kinds of creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills they enjoy using in their favorite video game. Stand back as they go beyond rote learning and enjoy having the freedom to take risks, form theories, and pose unique solutions to complex real-world problems. Whether they’re learning binary code, considering the laws of physics, or delving into architectural design, they’re finding new interests and building confidence in the classroom and beyond. Perfect for video-game-loving kids who want to learn STEM Includes hundreds of step-by-step, full-color illustrations to guide readers of all ages Helps encourage creativity and problem-solving skills This forward-thinking workbook challenges young Minecrafters to use their natural creativity and problem-solving skills to address real-world problems. Science, technology, engineering, and math come to life on the pages of each colorfully-illustrated lesson. Whether it’s breaking codes, deciphering maps, designing buildings, or engineering a Redstone trap, first and second graders will discover new ways to stretch their brains, build their confidence, and satisfy their appetite for hands-on learning.