Project 2: Redstone
Before you begin…
Please check that you have fully completed all of the following before starting this project.
For your second project, you will build a house or structure in Minecraft that has several automations. Your automations should be built from inputs (levers, buttons, pressure plates, etc.), processed by logic gates (AND, OR, XOR, NOT), memory units and/or timers, and then provide outputs to the user (lamps, note blocks, dispensers, pistons, etc.). Your finished product should have a cohesive design aesthetic from a specific and consistent colour palette and block set.
Constraints#
Your final design should incorporate:
- at least 3 different kinds of inputs
- at least 3 different kinds of outputs
- at least 3 different circuits that use some combination of:
- a NOT gate
- an AND gate
- an OR gate
- an XOR gate
- a RS latch or T flip-flop
- a clock or timer
- truth tables for all circuits, written on sign posts or boards
- an IPO chart for each automation, on your project page
- a cohesive block palette of no more than 6 main blocks (90% of your build should be made from these 6 blocks)
Success Criteria#
To be successful in this project, your process/product must:
- Utilize the engineering design process to plan, ideate, iterate and improve
- Communicate a specific design aesthetic
- Demonstrate an understanding of inputs and outputs, and how a computer processes one into the other
- Demonstrate an understanding of the basic logic gates found inside of computer processors
- Demonstrate an understanding of simple memory and clock circuits found inside of computers
- Be well documented and published on your site
Rubric#
| Criteria | Level 4 (Exemplary) | Level 3 (Considerable) | Level 2 (Some) | Level 1 (Limited) | Level 0 (Not Met) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Design Process | Demonstrates a thorough, highly reflective design process, commenting on each step of the cycle, with at least 2 purposeful iterations of both the build and its circuits. Changes in version 2 are traced back to test results. | Documents and reflects on almost 2 full cycles of the EDP. | Documents and reflects a full cycle of the EDP. | Documents and reflects on part of one EDP cycle. | Does not demonstrate the design process; no evidence of planning, ideation, or iteration. |
| Aesthetic Design | A design statement, mood board and block palette are completed before construction, and every part of the build follows them. Uses inventive block combinations (furniture, details) and repeated motifs. Block choices are justified on the project page. | A design statement and palette are completed before construction. The build uses a consistent palette and at least one repeated motif. Most areas of the build match the intended aesthetic. | An aesthetic is described, but some areas of the build break from the palette or look unfinished (flat walls, no detail). Block choices are not explained. | The build has little consistency in blocks or colours; the aesthetic is unclear or was decided after building. | No intended aesthetic, or no structure built around the circuits. |
| Inputs, Processing and Outputs (IPO) | Uses more than 3 kinds of inputs and outputs, chosen to fit the build. Automations respond to more than one sense (sight, sound, movement). Every automation has a complete, accurate IPO chart that explains what the input senses, how it is processed, and what the output communicates to the user. | Uses at least 3 kinds of inputs and 3 kinds of outputs. Every automation has an accurate IPO chart. | Uses at least 3 kinds of inputs and outputs, but IPO charts are missing pieces or confuse the input, process and output. | Uses fewer than 3 kinds of inputs or outputs; IPO charts are missing or mostly inaccurate. | No working inputs or outputs. |
| Logic, Memory and Clocks | At least 3 working circuits, including at least one combination of gates, or a gate working together with memory or a clock. Every truth table is correct, displayed on a sign or board, and tested row by row. Explains why each gate or circuit was the right choice for its job. | At least 3 working circuits using gates, memory and/or clocks. Truth tables are correct and displayed in the build. | Fewer than 3 circuits work as intended, or some truth tables are missing or incorrect. | Circuits are attempted but mostly do not work; truth tables are missing or do not match the circuits. | No logic, memory or clock circuits. |
| Integration of Form and Function | Circuits are built into the design: wiring is hidden or shown on purpose, inputs and outputs match the palette and theme, and every automation is labelled. A classmate can use every automation without help. | Most circuits fit the design and are labelled. A classmate can use most automations without help. | Circuits work but look added on afterward (exposed wiring, mismatched blocks); some are not labelled. | Circuits are built separately from the structure, or a classmate cannot use them without the builder explaining. | Circuits and structure are not connected. |
| Documentation & Portfolio Publishing | Portfolio documentation is exemplary and executive-ready; includes the design statement, mood board, palette, floor plan, IPO charts, truth tables, bug log, and labelled screenshots of version 1 and version 2, with clear reflections. | Documentation is well-organized and complete, with screenshots, IPO charts, truth tables and reflections. | Documentation provides a basic summary, but lacks detail in process reflections or supporting visuals. | Documentation on Google Site is incomplete, poorly organized, or lacks key screenshots. | Documentation is absent or project is not published to the student’s site. |
What goes on your project #2 page#
Follow How to Document to remind yourself what goes on to your pages and what should not. In addition, your Project 2 page should include:
- Your design statement and three words that describe the aesthetic
- Your mood board, with where each image came from
- Your block palette and the motifs you repeated
- A floor plan sketch, showing where each circuit and its wiring goes
- Screenshots of every aspect of your build - or a video walkthrough
- An IPO chart for each automation
- A truth table for each circuit (also on a sign in your build)
The Most Important Thing#
This project is about working through the Engineering Design Process on two problems at once: how your build looks, and what it does. Decide your aesthetic before you build, test your circuits before you hide them, and write down every change you make and why. Remember to review the rubric to see how you will be evaluated.