Champaign-Urbana Community Fab Lab

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JHT4KPdZPx-0M3qbJUJf25-HJYgcW-dGiAh9ydqKdu0/edit?usp=sharing

A giant tutorial for using Minecraft to teach all kinds of fab lab concepts and digital literacies (3D modeling and printing, digital storytelling, circuit logic) is now available online:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JHT4KPdZPx-0M3qbJUJf25-HJYgcW-dGiAh9ydqKdu0/edit?usp=sharing

This will be the basis for the Minecraft training workshop on Sunday the 23rd. Feel free to edit it or make suggestions!

1. What is Minecraft, basics of play, why it's neato
2. Using the Fab Lab Minecraft server, how to access files
3. Showing a variety of tools for 3D rendering and modeling
4. A little bit on using redstone to learn computer circuits
5. Digital storytelling with adventure mode

Fab Lab staff I expect you to come to this. Kids who are old enough and focused enough to teach other kids (and adults!) are welcome to join.

A fun way to learn about Inkscape for Minecraft enthusiasts.

http://vector.tutsplus.com/tutorials/illustration/playing-with-isometric-projection-in-inkscape-to-make-a-minecraft-scene/

This isn't yet a formal tutorial, just resources for 3D modeling and printing with Minecraft:

Fab Lab Creative Server

Easy | Online Sever

Connect at fablab.no-ip.org:25567

Printcraft

Easy | Online Server | http://printcraft.org/

Create in game on an a plot, get emailed your 3D model.

Mineways

Moderate | Open Source Software | http://www.realtimerendering.com/erich/minecraft/public/mineways/

Export sections of maps, including creations and terrain of existing worlds. You need access to your world file (personal server or single player) in order to use this.

MCEdit

Hard | Open Source Software | http://www.mcedit.net/

If you have never heard of printcraft, it is a creative server for minecraft. Minecraft is a sandbox game where you break and place blocks of various materials. Printcraft is one of the many ways that players of minecraft can create an STL file of the things they create. This means they can physically print the things they create in the game. What makes printcraft different is that it converts the standard minecraft block, 1mx1mx1m, into a 2mmx2mmx2mm block when creating the STL file. This means that you can build things to scale and for specific purposes. While it is still used primarily by players who want physical copies of their favorite game elements, it is an excellent way to introduce youth to the idea of designing real world objects in 3D. So far I have printed new usb drive cases, have drawn a holder for my tv remote controls, and printed a Tardis that my 14 year old son drew.

A picture of the town the kids at the UFL Fab Lab have built in Minecraft - stay tuned for pictures of the 3D printed model!