Minecraft Education Archives

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Queens students advance in Minecraft esports competition ahead of NYC’s first-ever Video Game Festival

On May 5, over 270 students from Queens participated in the semi-finals of the 2025 Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs at Thomas Edison High School. The event was organized by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, NYC Public Schools, and the National Esports Association. This year's competition saw 3,295 students submit 659 entries, a 37% increase from last year and more than double the participation from 2023. Participants used Minecraft Education to create models of a sustainable New York City. The winning teams from Queens are: - Elementary Division: Team Sigma from PS 24 Andrew Jackson, led by Kerry McGarvey and Principal Bani Singh. - Middle School Division: Neo NYC from J.H.S. 185 Edward Bleeker, coached by Ana Silva-Collins under Principal Michael Leung. - High School Division: Diamond Sword Bustamoney from World Journalism Preparatory School, guided by Ernest Lai and Principal Michael Roberts Bacchus. These teams will represent Queens in the Mayor’s Cup Minecraft Education finals during the NYC Video Game Festival at Convene Brookfield Place in Manhattan. The festival will feature esports competitions, virtual reality experiences, indie game demonstrations, cosplay contests, and a career expo focused on the digital games industry. Deputy Mayor Adolfo Carrión Jr. highlighted the event's role in promoting career-connected learning and the city's digital economy. The final round will take place on May 31.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

Minecraft Battle Of The Boroughs 2025: Bronx Semi-Final | The Bronx Daily

On May 3, the Bronx hosted the semi-finals for the 2025 Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs Esports Competition, with 659 submissions from 3,295 students, a 37% increase from the previous year. Each borough selected three teams to advance to the finals on May 31, 2025. The event featured 175 students from 35 teams across over 26 schools. Notable attendees included NYC Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos and Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson. The semi-finals were held at the Bronx High School for Law and Community Service. The winning teams were: - Elementary Division: PS 100X, Team Game Over - Middle School Division: PS/MS 175 The City Island School, The Amazing Sharks - High School Division: MS/HS 223 The Laboratory School, Bronx Blocks.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

Duval County students excited to explore Jacksonville through Minecraft competition

The City of Jacksonville has launched a citywide Build Challenge using Minecraft Education to engage students in Duval County. The initiative invites all students, regardless of school type, to envision solutions for Jacksonville's future by designing a sustainable riverfront community hub. The program aims to inspire creativity, advance STEM and urban planning, strengthen civic engagement, develop 21st-century skills, and celebrate student achievements. Participants can collaborate in teams of up to five, with submissions due by noon on May 2. The top eight teams will compete in the Mayor’s Cup in an in-person esports-style challenge. Jacksonville is one of 25 cities globally participating in the Minecraft Education program.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

Minecraft meets Jacksonville: City invites students to reimagine public spaces

The City of Jacksonville is launching a citywide Minecraft build challenge for K-12 and college students in Duval County, starting on April 14. Participants will redesign Jacksonville's public spaces, focusing on sustainability and collaboration. The competition has four divisions: Elementary (3rd-5th grade), Middle (6th-8th grade), High School (9th-12th grade), and College. Teams can have up to five members and two alternates. Entries are due by May 2, with the top eight teams advancing to a live final event, the Mayor’s Cup, on May 20. More information is available at Jacksonville.gov/minecraft.

AppWizard

March 27, 2025

Minecraft Movie Starring Jack Black and Jason Momoa Is Out Next Week

“A Minecraft Movie” is set to be released on April 4, 2025, as the first live-action adaptation of the popular video game. The film is directed by Jared Hess and features Jason Momoa as Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, Jack Black as Steve, Emma Myers as Natalie, Danielle Brooks as Dawn, and Jennifer Coolidge in a mysterious role. Production wrapped in April 2024, and the film will be available in standard theaters and IMAX. The storyline follows four misfits who are transported into the Overworld of Minecraft, where they must learn to build, craft, and survive with the help of Steve. The film aims to recreate Minecraft’s aesthetics using CGI and will include familiar gameplay mechanics and beloved creatures from the game. Promotional events include McDonald’s themed Happy Meals launching on April 1, 2025, featuring collectible toys and a new sauce. An in-game event titled “A Minecraft Movie” will run from March 25 to April 7, 2025, offering quests and rewards in Minecraft. The film is expected to receive a PG rating and has a rumored runtime of approximately 108 minutes. The marketing campaign targets both fans and new audiences through digital promotions and merchandise. The film's visual effects team aims to blend practical and digital effects to authentically represent Minecraft's mechanics. The score is composed by Mark Mothersbaugh, and the cinematography is handled by Enrique Chediak. Mojang Studios is involved in the production to ensure the film aligns with the game's spirit. The film's themes include adventure, community, and creativity, reflecting the core elements of Minecraft. Initial fan reactions to the trailer have been mixed, but anticipation remains high.

AppWizard

March 20, 2025

New Minecraft edition has students restore St. Peter’s Basilica

Vatican City launched an educational edition of Minecraft titled “Peter Is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage” on March 18, 2025, in collaboration with Microsoft. The game allows students aged 8 to 18 to explore a digital version of St. Peter’s Basilica, engaging in restoration tasks and learning about its art and history. Players earn golden papal key tokens by completing tasks, and the game features two modes: “Restoration Mode” and “Exploration Mode.” The initiative aims to enhance cultural heritage understanding through interactive gaming. The game is available in the Minecraft Education lesson library for licensed users, with a free trial version accessible through Office 365 or Microsoft 365 Education accounts.

AppWizard

February 25, 2025

And finally… Minecraft goes green

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), in collaboration with WSP and Gleeds, has launched an educational program for primary school students at Portway School in Plaistow, London. The initiative, named “Greening Our Cities,” involves 24 Year 5 students participating in an after-school club that teaches urban sustainability and professional skills through Minecraft Education. Students followed the RIBA Plan of Work to plan and execute their projects, conducting stakeholder interviews and developing mind maps. The program concluded with a competitive showcase at RICS Headquarters on January 20, 2025, where the top three teams received book vouchers. The initiative aims to engage young learners in surveying, project management, and digital innovation while addressing the skills gap in the construction industry.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Minecraft is a digital playground for learning and growth

Minecraft has over 141 million active players and serves as a platform for children to explore, create, and interact, significantly impacting child development, social interactions, and cognitive learning. Researchers from the University of South Australia found that collaborative play in Minecraft fosters skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Dr. Vincenza Tudini highlights that the game encourages creativity and social growth, promoting pro-social behavior among players. Minecraft enhances language development and digital literacy through gameplay interactions. The game cultivates problem-solving and teamwork skills as children collaborate to overcome obstacles. However, there are risks associated with its open online environment, including cyberbullying and interactions with strangers. Parents and educators are encouraged to implement safety measures, such as using private servers and teaching responsible online behavior. Minecraft Education Edition is being used in classrooms to teach subjects like coding and mathematics, transforming learning into an interactive experience. The study on Minecraft's impact is published in the journal Children’s Online Learning and Interaction.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Microsoft Launches The Cybersafe AI: Dig Deeper Minecraft Education DLC

A free DLC for Minecraft Education is now available through the Microsoft Store, allowing players to assume the role of a student organizing a fundraiser that highlights the application of AI in 3D printing. The experience encourages players to engage in fact-checking and develop critical thinking skills. This initiative is part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to promote computer literacy and AI skills among young gamers.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Minecraft Education Launches CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper

Mojang has released a new downloadable content (DLC) for Minecraft Education called CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper, coinciding with Safer Internet Day. This DLC aims to educate players about the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence (AI) through gameplay. Players take on the role of students organizing a fundraiser and explore AI technology for 3D printing animals, facing challenges that emphasize responsible AI usage. The DLC does not involve direct interaction with generative AI but simulates its use to foster understanding of responsible engagement. CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper builds on previous CyberSafe DLCs, which have educated players on digital citizenship skills. The CyberSafe series has achieved over 80 million downloads since 2022, and players can use the Minecraft Family Cyber Toolkit for additional support.