The all-girl team from P.S. 86 has proudly marked their second year in the Minecraft Education Challenge, showcasing their creativity and collaborative spirit in a competition that has become a beacon for students across New York City. This initiative, known as the Battle of the Boroughs, invites students from grades K through 12 to leverage the engaging world of Minecraft to envision sustainable and inclusive environments.
Innovative Learning Through Play
Launched in 2020 as a response to the global pandemic, the Minecraft Education Challenge has evolved into an exciting platform for students and educators alike. It aims to foster connections among participants while encouraging innovative thinking. The program, developed in partnership with the Mayor’s office and the Department of Education, has gained traction, leading to the tailored format of the Battle of the Boroughs in 2023.
“We took it upon ourselves to start imagining and building what an eSports program would look like in New York City,” explained Jose Perez, the director of instructional technology at NYC Public Schools. “We didn’t want the kids just playing; we wanted them to understand that they can build and create.”
This year, out of a remarkable 3,259 applicants, 175 students participated in the semi-finals held at Roosevelt High School. Among them was the all-girls team from P.S. 86, composed of sixth graders Yoselin, Zeynabou, Pearl, Emily, and Sadika, guided by their dedicated computer science teacher, Kim Judin. Their challenge was to design a fun, welcoming, and sustainable space on the Orchard Beach waterfront, aimed at fostering community engagement and inclusivity.
Reflecting on their experience, Emily shared, “To be honest, this year was a bit more intimidating since we were the younger grade.” Her teammate Pearl nodded in agreement, while Emily emphasized her focus on her strengths, particularly in using Redstone, a unique building block within the Minecraft universe.
Despite having only three months to prepare, the team from P.S. 86 entered the challenge at the last minute, dedicating their spring break to intensive study and collaboration. On the day of the competition, they were given a brief 30-minute window to brainstorm ideas, followed by another 30 minutes to bring their vision to life. Their innovative proposal included solar panels for sustainable energy, movable infrastructure for wheelchair accessibility, and bilingual signage to cater to the diverse community that frequents Orchard Beach.
While P.S. 86 did not advance to the finals, where the Bronx winners included returning champions P.S. 100 in Soundview, The City Island School for middle school, and The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology for high school, the experience was invaluable. One team member reflected, “For me, it’s just like working with everybody and being on a team, being able to bond,” a sentiment echoed by her teammates.
The excitement continues as the Mayor’s Cup Finals are set for May 31, promising more opportunities for students to showcase their talents and creativity in the realm of sustainable design and engineering.
