Minecraft, now owned by Microsoft, is increasingly being seen as a viable and exciting educational tool. In March 2015, CultureTECH made global headlines when it announced that it would provide MinecraftEdu (the version of the game developed for schools) licenses to all NI post-primary schools, reaching as many as 50,000 young people annually.
By February 2016, CultureTECH will have installed MinecraftEDU into nearly 240 NI schools. Using this as a starting point, a Minecraft map will be released to all 240 schools in advance. The map will be supported with detailed lesson plans - connected to the relevant STEM curriculum - and links to background information. This map allows the pupils to explore the International Space Station (both inside and out), discovering the living conditions of British Astronaut Tim Peake who is due to go to the Space station on December 15th 2015.
To take part, your school just needs to run a class using the International Space Station, Minecraft EDU build and then share it with us online through images, video and social media. Everything you need will be provided in advance and all participating schools will receive advance access to both the new project module and a free programme of workshops, webinars and tutorials for teachers interested in using Minecraft in the classroom.
HOW DOES IT WORK
1. Confirm your participation by emailing rachel@culturetech.co. You will be asked to host at least one class in the morning and one class in the afternoon of Friday 26th February 2016 (i.e. roughly 40-50 students) but you’re free to do more. For example, you might host an after school club or run a drop in session during lunchtime.
2. All materials will be sent to you by Friday 5th February 2016 including lesson plans and the pre-built Minecraft International Space Station Map.
3. Test the materials and prep your class.
4. Join in on February 26th by sharing your images, video and social media updates. Tweet using #minecraftday.
5. Post your pictures on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/culturetechfest. Or email your pictures to rachel@culturetech.co and we’ll share them for you.
