Minecraft Education Archives

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.

AppWizard

December 10, 2024

Minecraft Education and Cadw join forces to build interest in Welsh heritage

Wales is leading in the global adoption of Minecraft Education, introducing the platform in the Welsh language for the first time to promote the use of Welsh among learners and fluent speakers. The bilingual version will feature Castell Conwy and plans to incorporate a total of 20 historical sites managed by Cadw, with virtual launches and training sessions for educators. Resources will be available on Hwb and the Cadw website. Jack Sargeant, Minister for Culture and Skills, supports the initiative for honoring Welsh heritage and inspiring children to explore their history. Justin Edwards, Director of Learning Experience at Minecraft, emphasizes the project's role in cultural heritage and science, aligning with the National Curriculum of Wales.

AppWizard

December 3, 2024

NYC launches annual Minecraft education challenge: How to participate

New York City public school students are participating in the fifth annual New York City Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs (BOTB), which has opened its submission period. The competition invites student teams from grades K-12 to design inclusive urban spaces, with submissions due by March 7, 2025. It is organized in collaboration with Minecraft Education and C40’s Reinventing Cities initiative, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the city's climate plan. Students will explore their boroughs and engage with local officials while developing skills in coding, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. Teams can consist of up to five members, and schools are encouraged to submit multiple teams. Qualifying teams will compete for the Mayor’s Cup in May. For inquiries, participants can contact minecraft@schools.nyc.gov.

AppWizard

November 26, 2024

Students Test Minecraft World for Hour of Code

Three schools within the Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) system collaborated with Minecraft Education for a month to test and refine the Hour of Code 2024 world, named The Show Must Go On. Classes from Tates Creek Elementary, Picadome Elementary, and STEAM Academy participated in this initiative, which provided insights into tech career paths. Educators and students worked with Minecraft's senior program manager, Laylah Bulman, using Zoom and Teams to play through the new Minecraft world and provide feedback. The Minecraft experience is set to launch globally on December 1, allowing students to explore computer science through interactive methods using MakeCode Block or Python. Shad Lacefield, the district's STEM learning coach, played a key role in organizing the initiative.

AppWizard

November 26, 2024

Alpine Partners with Minecraft in Huge New Formula1 Project

The collaboration between Alpine and Microsoft has resulted in the launch of a Minecraft Education world aimed at promoting the Race into STEM initiative, which focuses on engaging youth in STEM education and encouraging gender diversity in motorsports. The initiative includes global outreach events in cities like Mexico City, London, and Melbourne, designed to inspire young people to consider STEM careers in the motorsports industry. A key feature is a Minecraft recreation of Alpine's Enstone factory, allowing players to learn about Formula One car development and racing mechanics. The initiative has seen participation from over 100 students and over 80,000 visits from users in 99 countries. The partnership also involves FIA Girls on Track UK, which curates educational content to motivate young women in STEM fields. Local schools, such as Middle Barton Primary School, have participated by touring Alpine's facility for hands-on learning experiences.