The combination of technology and hands-on learning in education can ignite creativity and inspire future innovators. This idea recently came to life through a collaboration between the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, Connection, and Microsoft. The partnership led to an exciting summer camp program that blended fun with meaningful learning.
At the heart of the program was a challenge for students to recreate the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Minecraft. Using Microsoft Surface laptops donated by Connection, these young learners embarked on a journey of discovery, teamwork, and technology-driven exploration.
A Hands-On Aviation Adventure: Students Recreate Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Minecraft
Flights of Discovery, a two-week educational summer aviation camp held at the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, gives students aged 10 to 17 an exciting, hands-on learning experience. The program focuses on teaching aviation while developing crucial digital skills through teamwork.
Last summer, the campers participated in a unique project: building a digital replica of the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Minecraft. The camp’s focus was on both aviation knowledge and fostering critical skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
Here’s how the project unfolded:
Step 1: Airport Visit
A visit to the actual airport kicked off the project, where students explored behind-the-scenes operations, from the fire department to the air traffic control tower. They were also provided with maps, satellite images, and photographs to guide their designs. These real-world insights helped inform the virtual airport design.
Step 2: Team Formation
In each camp of 20 students, teams of five were created, with team leaders selected based on their experience with Minecraft. These leaders were responsible for teaching their teammates the basics of using the program, fostering a sense of responsibility and peer-to-peer learning.
Step 3: Project Assignment
Each group was assigned a specific area of the airport to replicate, including the main terminal, runway and signage, control tower and parking garage, Signature Flight building, Fixed Base Operator building, and the museum with private hangars.
Step 4: Technology-enhanced Collaboration
Using the 20 Microsoft Surface laptops donated by Connection, the students worked in separate rooms, managing their projects remotely and collaborating through a chain of command, similar to a professional work environment. This teamwork experience was invaluable, as it strengthened their technical skills while also enhancing their leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
“The Microsoft Surface was fun to use to build the airport in Minecraft. I liked how updated and fast it was.”
–Camden Beard, student camper
Step 5: Building and Final Touches
Each group worked meticulously to build their section of the airport, block by block. Once the basic structures were complete, they focused on decorating the interiors, adding aircraft, and even assisting other teams with their tasks.
Step 6: Winner Chosen
The airport staff reviewed the completed renderings and selected the winning design. Here are the winning airport renderings:
Through the process, students demonstrated problem-solving skills, group management, and even some light programming and scripting to enhance their Minecraft creations. The project not only honed their technical abilities, but also emphasized the importance of teamwork and communication in achieving complex tasks.
“I really enjoyed the camp. Before this camp, I had very little knowledge and interest about aviation and space. After this camp, I’ve gained a lot of knowledge and interest about both subjects.”
–Kadyn Minnigh, student camper
Microsoft Surface 5 Laptops: Powering Hands-on Learning
Access to cutting-edge technology is essential for enhancing the modern learning experience. Microsoft Surface laptops not only aid in project completion, but also foster creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills—key components for success in today’s world.
The 20 Microsoft Surface 5 laptops donated by Connection were instrumental in supporting hands-on learning at the camp. Their advanced features helped students reach their full potential, facilitating both education and encouraging creative teamwork among young learners.
Some of the key features that enhanced the learning experience include:
- Touchscreen Display: Allows for intuitive interaction with Minecraft, making it easier for students to navigate, build, and manipulate their virtual airport designs.
- Long Battery Life: Ensures students can work on their projects for extended periods without needing to recharge, enhancing productivity and minimizing disruptions.
- Portability and Durability: The laptops’ lightweight and sturdy design enables easy movement between different work areas and withstands the rigors of daily use by energetic campers.
- Processing Power and Memory: Adequate processing power and memory ensure smooth performance when running Minecraft and other collaboration tools, preventing lag or crashes that could hinder progress.
- High-resolution Display: Provides clear visuals, allowing students to appreciate the details of their creations and collaborate effectively with their teammates.
- Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Surface laptops typically come with built-in software and features that facilitate collaboration, such as screen sharing, video conferencing, and document co-authoring. These tools can streamline communication and coordination among team members working on different aspects of the airport project.
“The Surface’s performance was a jack of all trades. It had a nice tactile keyboard and a great overall performance.”
–Brayden Beard, student camper
Taking Flight: Technology Empowering Future Aviation Leaders
The Aviation Museum’s summer camp provided students with invaluable skills in aviation, digital technology, and leadership, making it more than just an enjoyable experience. By the end of the program, students left with a sense of pride, having created something tangible that impressed industry professionals. The museum is already preparing for the 2025 Flights of Discovery program.
This success shows how thoughtfully integrated technology can transform education. The partnership between the Aviation Museum, Connection, and Microsoft created a learning environment that extended beyond the classroom, equipping students with the tools and confidence to excel in the future.
With technology as a driving force, the Aviation Museum is poised to inspire the next generation of aviation enthusiasts and digital innovators. From future camps to limitless educational initiatives, the possibilities for inspiring young minds are truly sky-high.
