‘The Geology of Minecraft’ explored at October Saturday Club

“The Geology of Minecraft” is the topic to be explored in the October edition of the Tate Geological Museum’s popular Saturday Club. The club will meet on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the museum.

Participants will step inside the geological world of the bestselling series Minecraft with guest instructor Shaedon Kennedy. Kennedy will demonstrate the real-life geology that parallels the worlds of Minecraft. Then, students will explore how the minerals found in the game match or differ from the actual minerals that inspired them. Club activities will conclude with students completing a crafting table-inspired puzzle that showcases mineral compounds and their composition.

According to Kennedy, the idea for the class originated from hearing Russell Hawley, Tate education specialist, compare the shape of fluorite crystals to something that might be found in Minecraft. “While fluorite is not in the game, I started thinking about what rocks and minerals do exist in the game and how closely they match the real thing. It turns out, a lot of them do! Since Minecraft is beloved by people of all ages, this class will be a great way to teach about geological processes,” said Kennedy.

Saturday Club is free and open to children ages 7-14. The Tate Geological Museum is located at the southern end of the Casper College campus. Look for the life-size T. rex bronze near the Tate or call the museum at 307-268-2447 for more information.

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