how does minecraft teach problem solving

What happens to your brain when you play Minecraft?

According to Clemenson, their research “found an improvement in hippocampus-associated memory from pre-test to post-test .” Similarly, “the degree of improvement was tied to both the amount of exploration of the Minecraft world and the complexity of the structures built within Minecraft.”

What does playing Minecraft do to your brain?

Does Minecraft make you smarter? As far as non-violent, educational games go, Minecraft is arguably one of the best. It can teach kids the fundamentals of programming skills, teamwork, problem-solving, project management, and offers a fantastic environment to foster creativity and “out of the box” thinking.

How does Minecraft affect mental health?

The game requires a certain level of focus and concentration, which can help quiet the mind and reduce anxiety. Additionally, the repetitive nature of tasks such as mining and farming can be therapeutic and meditative. Finally, Minecraft is a great way to connect with others.

Table of Contents

Does gaming affect your brain?

“Like stimulants, video gaming can increase gray matter in the brain,” says Dr. Manos. “Gray matter provides interconnectivity and allows parts of your brain to communicate with other parts of your brain and advance your self-perception.”

Does Minecraft improve your memory?

Playing Minecraft Improves Hippocampal-Associated Memory for Details in Middle Aged Adults.

This Is Your Child’s Brain on Videogames | WSJ

Does Minecraft improve IQ?

Whilst we can find no studies that definitely state a kids IQ can be increased by playing Minecraft, we certainly agree with the educational benefits this game can offer. All in all, there are plenty of possible IQ benefits to playing Minecraft, but here are some of the best that could be good for your brain.

Is Minecraft good or bad for you?

Similar to any other video game, Minecraft has the potential to be addictive, and excessive screen time may have adverse impacts on the physical and mental well-being of children. One of the main concerns with excessive screen time is the impact on children’s physical health.

Is gaming good or bad for Mental Health?

Gaming, when used positively, can be a really helpful way to look after your mental health. This is because it can give us a space to unwind, relax and take time out from the pressures of daily life – just like reading can, or going for a walk.

What are the negative effects of gaming?

Here are ten negative effects of video games:

• Dopamine addiction.
• Reduction in Motivation.
• Alexithymia and emotional suppression.
• Repetitive stress injuries and other health risks.
• Poor mental health.
• Relationship issues.
• Social disconnection.
• Exposure to toxic gaming environments.

Does gaming make your brain tired?

Gaming fatigue – also known as gaming burnout – is more than overwhelming tiredness. It’s a heightened state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion brought on by extreme and unrelenting stress. So, who suffers from it?

Is Minecraft good for ADHD?

Minecraft Can Teach Kids a Variety of Skills

If your child with ADHD or learning issues loves to play Minecraft, they’re just like a lot of other kids. But children with ADHD sometimes get too focused on preferred activities, and Minecraft (along with some other video games) can be one of those interests.

Is Minecraft too addictive?

The fact that it is a sandbox game, has no end, is so open and creative and has a low age rating are all things that make it addictive. So, yes. Minecraft addiction is a real thing. Check these signs to see if your child exhibiting most of them.

What are the negatives of Minecraft?

Is Minecraft Dangerous? 4 Tips to Keep Kids Safe While Playing Minecraft

• Minecraft can be highly addictive. …
• Minecraft can expose kids to bullying and exploitation. …
• Minecraft server owners can tempt kids into spending large sums of money (that they often steal from their parents).

What does Minecraft teach you?

Minecraft Education prepares students for the future, building future-ready skills like creativity, problem solving, and systems thinking, and nurturing a passion for play. Build empathy and learn digital citizenship.

Is Minecraft good for relaxing?

Minecraft is arguably the number one video game that people start to play when looking to destress or relax. In Minecraft, players who choose survival mode will be tossed into a never-ending, randomly generated world that is theirs to explore.

Is free fire harmful for brain?

Video games are a source of entertainment and relaxation and have also shown to boost a person’s cognitive skills, creativity, communication and reflexes. But studies report that their addictive nature stimulates some of the reward centres of the brain, resulting in multiple behavioural mental and health issues.

How many hours of gaming is healthy?

It’s good to set video game time limits by age. For kids over the age of 6, the American Academy of Pediatrics says no more than 60 minutes on school days and 2 hours on non-school days. Kids under 6 should spend closer to 30 minutes.

When gaming becomes unhealthy?

If gaming is being used as a means to escape, excessive in duration and frequency, contributing to negative consequences in your life, or if gaming is leading to increased mental health symptoms or dependence, then you may want to reevaluate your relationship with gaming or speak with a mental health professional or a …

What does playing too much video games do to your brain?

Excessive video game use can lead to the brain being revved up in a constant state of hyperarousal. Hyperarousal looks different for each person. It can include difficulties with paying attention, managing emotions, controlling impulses, following directions and tolerating frustration.

Is it bad to play games all day?

But too much video game playing may cause problems. It’s hard to get enough active play and exercise if you’re always inside playing video games. And without enough exercise, kids can become overweight. Overdoing video games also could affect other important stuff, like friendships and how well a kid does in school.

Does gaming increase depression?

Problematic gaming behavior was found to be associated with an increased prevalence of depression, anxiety, ADHD, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, as well as reduced self-control, self-esteem, and school well-being.

Does gaming help with ADHD?

A 2022 review notes that serious video games can help improve ADHD symptoms and help people follow treatment plans. Serious video games are those made for educational or health purposes. These games can help people with ADHD, despite the fact that playing video games, in general, may be an issue of concern for them.

Is Minecraft a horror game?

While Minecraft could in no way be described as a horror game, it still has a few creepy elements, such as the Enderman, but one person decided that the otherwise innocent sandbox title needed to take cues from an indie horror experience.

Which games boost IQ?

• Sudoku. Sudoku is a number placement game that relies on short-term memory. …
• Lumosity. Lumosity is one of the most established brain training and mental fitness programs. …
• Crosswords. …
• Elevate. …
• Peak. …
• Happy Neuron. …
• Braingle. …

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How Does Minecraft Teach Problem Solving?

Minecraft has become a cultural phenomenon that has captured the imagination of millions of people, young and old alike, but mainly children. One of the reasons for its popularity is that it is not just a game but can also be used as a tool for learning, whether kids realise it or not! 

Due to the challenges and mechanics of the gameplay, it’s possible to describe Minecraft as a problem-solving game. It teaches kids of all ages valuable skills as they build virtual worlds. It does this by teaching them to problem-solve, collaborate with others, and think creatively. 

The game rewards creativity and ingenuity, and this is one of the major aspects that helps to make it such a great tool for teaching problem-solving skills. Kids can experiment with different solutions to a problem until they overcome a particular challenge.

By playing Minecraft, it could contribute to kids learning problem-solving skills that can serve them in later life, and we will explain why below.

Before you read that, please do take the time afterwards to check out the  Minecraft coding courses and summer camps  we run for kids aged 7 to 12.

Problem solving in Minecraft

Minecraft requires kids to use problem-solving skills to progress through the game. This progress is marked by various challenges such as the building of structures, exploring new areas, and defeating enemies in their way. Each new challenge means kids have to use critical thinking and then come up with a creative solution to overcome obstacles in their way.

One way in which problem solving is needed in Minecraft is how players are given limited resources to start off with. Kids must learn to manage resources effectively and use them efficiently. One example is when a player needs wood to build a structure. To get this resource they first have to find a tree and then use a tool to chop it down. This requires players to plan and think about what resources they will need in the future.

Another problem-solving feature of Minecraft is how players have to think outside of the box when presented with puzzles and challenges. For example, some structures in the game mean you need to complex shapes using basic building blocks. This requires players to experiment with different arrangements of blocks and come up with creative solutions to achieve the desired result.

Kids can also develop their problem solving skills with others, as elements of Minecraft encourage collaboration and teamwork. Players can choose to work as a team to build structures and take on new challenges. This requires players to communicate effectively and work together to achieve a common goal.

In conclusion, Minecraft is an excellent tool for teaching problem-solving skills. The game presents players with a variety of challenges that require them to think critically and come up with creative solutions. 

By playing Minecraft, it’s very possible that children can develop their problem-solving skills and learn valuable lessons that can be applied in other areas of their lives.

Other skills kids can develop through Minecraft

It’s not just problem solving though.

Minecraft can also help a child’s approach to critical thinking, another important cognitive skill that could be developed further through playing the game. 

As an example, during the gameplay, players often need to make decisions that require them to weigh the pros and cons of different options. For example, they might need to decide whether to explore a dark cave or stay in a safe area. By practicing critical thinking in the game, players develop their ability to make good decisions in real life.

There’s also the possibility of improved spatial reasoning. 

Spatial reasoning is the ability to understand and manipulate objects in three-dimensional space. This skill can become important in many areas of a child’s later life, including engineering, architecture, and design.

When kids, players in Minecraft can use spatial reasoning to build structures and navigate the game world. By playing the game, they develop their spatial reasoning skills and become better equipped to understand and manipulate objects in the real world.

And lastly, creativity. 

The game allows players to build almost anything they can imagine, from simple houses to complex machines. By experimenting with different materials and designs, players develop their creativity and become better equipped to think outside the box in real life.

Players must use their problem-solving skills to navigate the game’s challenges, such as building structures, finding resources, and surviving hostile environments. Minecraft’s gameplay encourages players to think critically and creatively, as they must use their imagination to come up with new ideas and solutions.

Overall, Minecraft’s open-ended gameplay and emphasis on exploration and creativity make it an ideal platform for teaching problem-solving skills. By encouraging players to think critically and creatively, Minecraft can help players develop the skills they need to solve real-world problems.

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April 22, 2019

Minecraft can increase problem solving, collaboration and learning—yes, at school

by Thierry Karsenti, The Conversation

A video game like Minecraft in schools might trouble some parents. As a Canada research chair in technologies and education , my hope is both parents and educators take the time to learn about how using Minecraft at school could be beneficial.

Firstly, parents and teachers are right to ask questions about video gaming , particularly given sometimes conflicting messages about its impact. Some researchers caution about the possible impacts of child and youth exposure to violence or problems of gaming addiction or screen saturation , while others say fears may be exaggerated and it's a matter of balance.

Parents' potential skepticism of Minecraft is understandable, given its immense appeal among youngsters. It is one of the most popular video games of all time , with more than 150 million copies sold .

But I've learned through my research that many are largely unaware of the enormous educational potential of Minecraft. Many people also don't know Minecraft Education Edition was released in the fall of 2016 and this version has been rapidly catching on at schools.

Since 2013, American and Swedish schools have been systematically integrating Minecraft into their schools, and it is being used around the world to teach science , urban planning and foreign languages . Masses of educational applications and experiences using Minecraft are available on online sites and forums.

In Montréal, a number of schools joined a contest in which students use Minecraft to reproduce historic sites and events in celebration of the city's 375th anniversary, called Mission 375 . With my team at the University of Montréal, we felt it important to investigate the educational potential of Minecraft in order to provide a deeper understanding of the impacts on young learners.

Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matter— daily or weekly .

Gaming for learning

So why all the interest in video games? Compelling research exists about the benefits of gaming for learning. Educational technology researchers have found that video games capture children's attention and provide particularly favorable conditions for learning and have shown positive effects on cognitive, affective and psychomotor functioning .

When players are fully engaged in a gaming task, they enter what psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi calls the "flow state," also known as "the zone," a state highly conducive to learning.

While becoming deeply engrossed in gaming is sometimes depicited in a negative light or only associated with addiction, in fact this state can be harnessed to support or advance learning goals. For example, in this task-focused state, players are highly receptive to learning embedded in the game scenario. Creativity, student engagement and collaboration between users are just some of the aptitudes that are known to be developed through gameplay.

In addition, video games can help today's youngsters cope with a future world requiring more and more digital literacy. In other words, they will need 21st century skills .

Minecraft to teach curriculum

My team and I adopted an exploratory research design to highlight the main uses of Minecraft in a school setting and to identify any benefits of using Minecraft at school. We developed a program called Minecraft Master where students had to complete more than 40 different tasks. Tasks were closely linked to the school curriculum; for example, students have to create a navigable map, making use of language, mathematics and spatial design, something we asked them to do with Minecraft.

We formed a partnership with one Montréal school. Participation was open to 118 Grade 3 to 6 students in an after-school program based on computers available. Registration took place during recess, on a first-come-first-served basis and parental consent was compulsory. Most of the students took four blocks of six weeks of Minecraft during the school year (an equivalent of about six months).

With the support of a program facilitator, students worked individually and in teams to digitally build structures such as impressive houses, a soccer stadium, a space ship, a railroad track to the Titanic and the Titanic itself.

Researchers also attended some sessions. We studied the main impacts on learning to investigate how gamified learning interventions may increase student engagement and enhance learning . We used a combination of data collected from surveys, interviews,"think aloud" protocols (where students speak their problem-solving strategies out loud), journals, tracking of student progress and digital footprints. Using these various methods allowed substantial data triangulation and validation.

The educational impacts we found were encouraging . The students showed a heightened motivation towards school , stronger computer skills, greater problem-solving skills, expanded reading and writing skills, a development in creativity and autonomy and increased collaboration with classmates.

The results of the studies we conducted confirm that Minecraft has real educational value. Notably, gaming allowed the students to fully engage in activities that were both educational and fun .

Planned, supported, purposeful

However, it is important to understand that the use of Minecraft in our context was planned, supported and purposeful. This structure is crucial for a successful educational use of the game. Without such boundaries, students might not want to stop playing and learning advantages could be wasted.

Technologies, games and other "screen-related" activities can be a fun experience for students. But it is important to balance screen time with other activities that are essential for students' development such as physically active play , reading, etc. Both parents and teachers can help students find this balance by working together on some rules about technology use.

Therefore, it is incumbent on both parents and teachers to structure the use of video games such as Minecraft to ensure that they provide students with appropriate support for the use of educational technologies. Such supervision would allow them to fully benefit from the incredible potential of this game.

Provided by The Conversation

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• Engineering

Table of Contents

Minecraft problem-solving exercises: engaging challenges & strategies, key takeaways.

• Minecraft's open-ended gameplay promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Practical strategies in Minecraft can be applied to real-world scenarios, enhancing learning outcomes.
• Team-based projects in Minecraft foster collaboration and communication skills.
• Creative building challenges and survival scenarios in Minecraft develop time management and adaptability.
• Using Minecraft for educational purposes can make learning more engaging and interactive.

Unlock the World of Minecraft Problem-Solving

Imagine a world where learning is not confined to the pages of a textbook, but is an adventure in a universe limited only by your imagination. That's what Minecraft offers—a sandbox game that's become a playground for the mind, where problem-solving is not just a skill, it's a survival tool. It's a place where your creativity isn't just welcomed, it's essential.

Why Minecraft Enhances Learning

So, why does Minecraft work so well as a learning tool? It's simple. Minecraft drops you into a world where the problems you face are complex, but the tools you have to solve them are straightforward. You learn to think critically, to plan ahead, and to assess your environment. And the best part? You do all of this while having fun.

Practical Strategies for Successful Problem-Solving

Let's dive into some strategies that not only make you a better Minecraft player but also sharpen your real-world problem-solving skills.

Most importantly, these strategies are about more than just playing a game. They're about learning how to think, how to analyze, and how to overcome challenges—skills that are invaluable in school, work, and life.

Key Strategies for Mastering Minecraft Challenges

Whether you're facing down a creeper or figuring out how to keep your virtual crops from dying, the strategies you need are the same. Let's break them down.

Assessment and Preparation

Before you charge into the unknown, take a moment. Look around. What resources do you have? What challenges might you face? In Minecraft, this could mean checking your inventory before exploring a cave. In real life, it's not that different. It's about knowing what you have at your disposal before tackling a problem.

Here's how you can apply this in-game:

• Always check your inventory before leaving your base.
• Make sure you have the right tools for the job.
• Plan your route and consider the risks.

And here's a real-world example to illustrate how Minecraft teaches problem-solving skills to kids of all ages:

Before starting a group project, list out all the skills your team has, the materials you need, and a plan of action. It's like making sure you have enough torches before delving into the depths of a Minecraft mine.

Resource Management

In Minecraft, resources are everything. You need them to build, to craft, and to survive. Managing these resources efficiently is key. That means not wasting what you have and always looking for ways to use what you've got more effectively.

Here's the deal:

• Don't use diamonds to make a hoe when wood will do.
• Keep your resources organized so you know what you have at a glance.
• Plan for the long term, not just the task at hand.

Safe Exploration Techniques

Exploration is a big part of Minecraft, but it's not without its dangers. The same goes for any new venture in life. When you're exploring in Minecraft, you keep an eye out for hostile mobs, avoid falling into lava, and make sure you can find your way back home.

Here's what that teaches you:

• Always have a way out or a backup plan.
• Pay attention to your surroundings and the potential risks.
• Keep track of your progress so you can see how far you've come and how far you need to go.

And in real life, whether you're trying something new or going somewhere you've never been, these same principles apply. It's about being aware, being prepared, and being safe.

Redstone Riddles: Engineering in Disguise

Now, let's shift gears to Redstone, Minecraft's version of electrical circuitry. It's a game-changer for players who love puzzles. Redstone allows you to create complex contraptions that can open doors, activate mechanisms, or even build a working computer in-game. But it's more than just playing with virtual electronics; it's about logic and sequencing, essential skills for problem-solving.

Collaboration in Minecraft: Learning to Work as a Team

Collaboration is a cornerstone of Minecraft. When you join a server, you're part of a community. You learn quickly that big projects are easier when you work together. The same is true in life. Whether it's a school project or a professional task, teamwork can make the dream work.

Communicating Effectively with Teammates

Communication is key. When you're working on a build with others in Minecraft, you need to be clear about who is doing what. Miscommunication can lead to mistakes and frustration. So, here's a tip: always talk through your plans with your team. Make sure everyone knows their role and has the resources they need. It's a skill that will serve you well in any group setting.

Building Together: Team-based Construction Projects

Building together in Minecraft can be incredibly rewarding. You and your friends can combine your skills to create something none of you could have done alone. But remember, it's not just about the final product. It's about learning to work together, to share ideas, and to support each other. That's how you build not just structures, but also relationships.

Creative Building Challenges

Now, let's talk about creative building challenges. Minecraft gives you an incredible amount of freedom to build whatever you can imagine. But sometimes, the real challenge is doing so under constraints, like time limits or resource scarcity.

Designing and Constructing Your Dream Structure

Start with a vision. What do you want to build? Sketch it out, plan your materials, and then get to work. Remember, the first draft doesn't have to be perfect. It's a learning process. You'll refine your ideas as you go, and that's where the real learning happens—through trial and error.

Time-limited Builds: Efficiency Under Pressure

Working under a time limit can be stressful, but it can also push you to be more efficient. It's about prioritizing what's important and making quick decisions. And these are skills that are just as important in the classroom or workplace as they are in Minecraft.Survival Scenarios: Adapting to Unpredictable Environments

Survival mode in Minecraft is about more than just staying alive; it's about thriving in the face of adversity. You'll face unexpected challenges, from sudden creeper explosions to getting lost in a vast, new biome. These scenarios demand quick thinking and adaptability—qualities that are incredibly valuable in our fast-paced, ever-changing world.

Finding Solutions in Hostile Territories

When you're navigating through hostile territories in Minecraft, staying calm is crucial. You learn to assess threats, prioritize your safety, and find the most effective way to deal with challenges. This translates into real-life situations where staying level-headed can make all the difference in solving a problem.

Strategies for Handling Common Survival Challenges

Here are some strategies to handle common survival challenges both in Minecraft and life:

• Always have an emergency kit ready—In Minecraft, this could be a chest with essential supplies. In life, it might be a first-aid kit or a set of backup plans.
• Learn from your mistakes—If a particular strategy didn't work out, analyze why and adjust your approach.
• Stay informed—Keep up with the latest updates in Minecraft or the current trends and changes in your field of interest or work.

Programming with Minecraft: Enhance Your Coding Skills

For those who love to tinker, Minecraft offers a unique opportunity to delve into the world of modding. Mods, short for modifications, allow you to change the game's code, adding new features or changing existing ones. This is an excellent way to learn the basics of coding and software development.

Introduction to Minecraft Mods: Basic Coding Concepts

Starting with simple mods, you can learn the fundamentals of coding concepts such as variables, control structures, and logic. Minecraft can be your first step into a larger world of programming, where the skills you develop can lead to real-world applications.

Advanced Modding: Taking Your Minecraft Code to the Next Level

As you become more comfortable with the basics, you can move on to more complex modding projects. This might include creating new gameplay mechanics or even entirely new items and blocks. It's a way to challenge yourself and see your creative ideas come to life in the game.

Navigating Minecraft's Infinite Worlds: Advanced Mapping Techniques

Minecraft's worlds are vast and can be overwhelming. Learning to navigate them is a vital skill. This involves understanding the game's coordinate system , using maps effectively, and even creating your own landmarks for easy navigation.

The Basics of World Creation and Mapping

When you start a new Minecraft world, you're starting with a blank slate. Learning to map out your surroundings is essential for not getting lost and for planning out your builds and adventures. It's a skill that emphasizes the importance of orientation and planning in any new project.

Custom Terrain and Biomes: Crafting your Own World

Once you've mastered the basics, you can start customizing your world. Minecraft allows you to create custom terrain and biomes, giving you the power to design the environment exactly how you want it. This is an incredible way to express your creativity and to practice design and architectural skills.

Now, let's address some common questions about Minecraft and problem-solving:

What are the best strategies for beginners in Minecraft problem-solving?

For beginners, the best strategies are to start small, learn the basics, and build from there. Understand the resources available to you , set clear goals, and don't be afraid to experiment. And remember, every failure is a learning opportunity.

How does Minecraft promote critical thinking and creativity?

Minecraft promotes critical thinking and creativity by presenting players with challenges that have multiple solutions. It encourages experimentation, iterative learning, and the application of logic and design principles in a fun, engaging environment.

Can Minecraft problem-solving exercises be used in an educational setting?

Yes, Minecraft can be used in educational settings to enhance learning across various subjects. It's been shown to improve engagement, creativity, and collaboration among students while teaching them valuable problem-solving skills.

What resources are available for teachers to incorporate Minecraft in their curriculum?

Teachers can access a wealth of resources through Minecraft: Education Edition, which provides lesson plans, tutorials, and a community of educators sharing their experiences and materials for classroom use.

How can I make Minecraft problem-solving a group activity for my students?

To make Minecraft a group activity, consider setting up challenges that require teamwork, such as building a town or solving a complex puzzle together. Encourage roles and responsibilities within the team to promote leadership and collaborative skills.

Lila Everhart

How Can Minecraft Be Used As an Educational Tool?

Teaching in 2021 can be tough and keeping students engaged can be even tougher. As a teacher or parent, you can reinforce concepts that students are learning in the classroom by using a fun and engaging platform like  Minecraft  – one that many kids might already be familiar with. Yes, you read that correctly. You can use Minecraft as an educational tool!

In the last few years, Minecraft has become one of the most played games by kids ages 10 and up. In fact, in 2020 almost 131 million people played Minecraft monthly! It is considered one of the top-selling games of all time. Minecraft is a blocky virtual world in which you can create buildings, explore the landscape, and battle mobs.

How can Minecraft be used in the classroom?

Minecraft can be used to teach many important 21st century skills. According to Minecraft Education Edition, teachers using Minecraft as an educational tool found “significant improvements in creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and computational thinking skills” in their students. 98% of teachers said that problem solving was the top skill that students were able to take away. Problem-solving is one of the main skills that is looked for when applying for jobs.

Using and playing Minecraft in the classroom can also foster social and emotional learning. Currently, over 40% of jobs require soft skills. These skills include things like  teamwork, communication, time management, and self-motivation.  Minecraft can help build all of these in students. Many teachers who have used Minecraft as an educational tool have said that communication is another top skill learned and improved.

There are also many academic benefits to using Minecraft. When moving around the virtual world of Minecraft, students use cardinal directions and other map skills. The game also requires tons of  reading, sequencing, and mathematical reasoning.  71% of teachers said they saw “improvement in student numeracy and computational thinking.”

Minecraft Education Edition

Minecraft Education Edition  is another way you can get great ideas for using Minecraft as an educational tool. They have many different lessons and kits to choose from. The kits are sorted by subject and include multiple lessons based on topics like:

• Sustainability and recycling
• Food production and energy systems
• Space exploration and planetary systems
• Energy transfer, forces, units of measurement
• Writing and language arts
• Historical events and geography
• Coding fundamentals and python
• Math for all grade levels
• Art and design

Programs that teach Minecraft

In addition to resources for parents and teachers, you may alternatively choose to enroll your child in an educational extracurricular program. Engineering For Kids has exciting summer camp options called  Urban Innovations with Minecraft .  In this camp, students will immerse themselves in the Minecraft game and use a design process to make models of a futuristic, sustainable city. They explore a variety of themes and will become project managers to design their own city to meet certain criteria within the camp. At the end of the summer, students can submit their designs to a Global Minecraft Design Competition and compete against other Engineering For Kids campers across the globe!

Using Minecraft as an educational tool has many amazing benefits for students. But it also is a way to get kids excited and motivated to learn. In the future, we see more and more digital games being used in the classroom to keep kids engaged and build on the knowledge they’re learning in the traditional classroom.

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11 reasons why minecraft is educational for kids  .

As a parent, you’ve no doubt heard of Minecraft.  

It’s a unique computer game. But did you know that it can also be a great learning tool? From academic to social skills, Minecraft can help children reach their full potential. 

Read on to find out how Minecraft can be educational for your child ,  and how  FunTech  is  using it  to create  exciting  learni ng experiences.    

What is Minecraft?

Minecraft is a child-friendly computer game that combines exploration and survival skills. It tests children’s imagination and creativity.   

In simple terms, it’s like digital LEGO – your child can create anything from a small hut to a huge, sprawling metropolis. When you throw in monsters and other challenging characters it begins to get really interesting. The player has to quickly learn how to survive and adapt in the Minecraft world!  

Is Minecraft Educational?

Yes, we believe it is! But it’s not just us, research suggests the same. We’ll look into that later in this guide.   

Some schools in the UK have started to use it in the classroom. According to this  2016 BBC News report , more than 7,000 classrooms around the world already use Minecraft in some form.   

Here are our top 11 reasons why we believe Minecraft is educational, and why you don’t need to worry if your child loves this game.     

Is Minecraft safe for kids?

Yes, if used correctly and responsibly. Minecraft is perfectly safe for children, providing the correct parental controls have been set.   

Children can write their own story, team-up with friends, and build whatever they want to do in a safe and secure environment.   

We do advise that you  read this guide from the NSPPC . It  tells parents what settings and modes to set, plus  the  versions of the game you should let your child have access to.

#1:  Minecraft helps kids  l earn problem-solving  techniques

The ability to problem-solve dictates how well a child can navigate obstacles, both hypothetical and in real life. Minecraft can encourage and expand this type of thinking.  

As an example, we can look to the game’s “survival mode”. In it, the player must maintain their hunger and health levels in the face of dangerous monsters and other obstacles. They’ll have to quickly figure out how escape, find cover and learn to survive in these quick 10-minute scenes.  

This can encourage critical thinking and teach your child how to react quickly and efficiently to solve real-world problems.  

#2:  Minecraft can support reading and writing skills

So why is Minecraft already being used in school classrooms?   

It is commonly understood that children best learn  when having fun , and with Minecraft that’s exactly what they do.   

If a child is motivated to advance in the game of Minecraft, they’ll need to have a good understanding of the written guides that appear on-screen.   

If they’re also playing with classmates, they’ll need to use the chat function to read and write messages back and forth as part of team play.   

#3: Minecraft supports a curious mind

After a Minecraft session, you might find that your child gets a lot more curious. Maybe they even want to research things for themselves.   

Part of the game requires children to overcome challenges. To progress, they’ll need to find hints and tricks to help them.   

That could mean online research, such as Wikipedia or YouTube, or even a trip to the local library! There are many books on Minecraft tutorials out there. Your child will have to analyse it all to find the best information.   

It almost sounds like the kind of thing you’d do for a school project or paper, doesn’t it?   

#4: Minecraft helps kids with maths problems

Minecraft is already being used in classrooms to support learning in maths.   

Here’s  just one example from a teacher  in the United States who used Minecraft to give his students a boost. This is what he had to say about the educational benefits of Minecraft:     

“I was teaching third grade that year in inner-city Los Angeles and was determined to teach math with Minecraft. I was glad I did. Over a span of six months, my class’s benchmark test scores shot up from 18 percent to 84 percent in math and from 24 percent to 81 percent in English.”    

When playing Minecraft, children develop complex shapes, tackle geometric problems, and manipulate blocks. All of these are key mathematical concepts that will form part of your child’s curriculum.   

#5: Minecraft teaches children how to manage resources

In Minecraft, children learn how to calculate how much things cost, and the time required for certain tasks.   

For example, they could have to gather wood to build part of a dwelling. They could do it by hand, but using an axe is quicker… The only problem is that the axe will need to be paid for and will eventually become blunt.

Learning how to pay for and use resources efficiently is a key aspect to a child’s educational and practical development.   

#6: Minecraft teaches kids the benefits of teamwork

Minecraft games involve collaboration with other children and teammates. In fact, sometimes it’s the only way a player can achieve certain goals.  

By pooling and sharing resources whilst they plan together, children will learn to rely on each other. They’ll have to work together positively to achieve their common goal!   

#7: Minecraft can help to improve a child’s confidence

There’s every chance Minecraft could help to impr ove how confident your child is.   O nce they ’ ve learned impressive Minecraft skills they can share this with friends and fo rge new friendships!

#8: Minecraft can help kids learn about history

Reconstructing famous and historical landmarks in Minecraft is a popular educational use of the game.   

Children can complete tasks involving a huge amount of research into history. This includes understanding the major points in human civilisation, mapping locations and recreating famous events.   

Your child will need to understand maths and scale as they populate these landmarks with the experiences that took place over time.   

For example, in 2016 the Museum of London used Minecraft to recreate the Great Fire of 1666. You can see  how they did it  on their website and  this YouTube video  for a walkthrough on the scene.

#9: Minecraft can improve a child’s creativity and imagination

Minecraft truly excels in the limits of the game – there are none!  

If your child wants to build an amusement park, then they can do it. Or perhaps they want to build a 100-foot high version of their grandma… it’s all possible – the Minecraft world is an unlimited one.      

  The Minecraft platform lets children imagine and build anything that they want, real or not. The only restriction is that it needs to be created with small building blocks.   

#10: Minecraft can help a child learn to code

At  FunTech  we ’re  huge advocates for  educating  kids  on coding.   Check out  our 13 reasons why parents should encourage coding   if you haven’t already!

Minecraft contributes into this potentially key learning skill with its huge degree of customisation. Children can edit the original Minecraft code as mods to make the game behave in different ways. This can be as small as altering the weather or as huge as creating an invincible flying squid! This is all possible using Minecraft’s command blocks.  

If they want to take it further, your child can modify the program using Java code. They can also develop further coding skills such as de-bugging. Once they’re finished, they can share those mods with their friends and teammates for a totally unique, sharable experience.   

#11: Minecraft offers valuable future work skills

All of the educational aspects we’ve spoken about will no doubt put your child in good stead for their future employment prospects.

The elements involved with Minecraft can help to teach not just technical skills, but also simulate business skills including trading and relationship-building.

Used the correct way, Minecraft could help give your child a solid background in core STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects; all of which are critical in the 21 st  century workplace.

When you also consider the social skills that Minecraft can help develop, your child could also become very proficient at negotiation, project planning and teamwork. These are all skills which employers today, and in the future, will always be looking for.   

How FunTech Can Help

If you have a child who already loves Minecraft, or wants to take it ‘beyond the basics’, then please explore the Minecraft camps at  FunTech  Summer Camps .   

We are running Minecraft summer camps at various locations across London and the UK , including  Minecraft with Mods  for ages 7 to 10,  Minecraft Redstone  for ages 9 to 12 and  Minecraft Bedwars Builder  for ages 11 to 15.  

We are Ofsted registered and offer a fun and structured leading environment over the summer holidays, with classes sizes being an average of one to eight pupil tutor ratio.   

Our one-week Minecraft camps run from 9am to 5pm, Mon-Fri.  

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Learn how Minecraft Education is transforming education around the world. 

Game-Based learning with Minecraft

Minecraft Education prepares students for the future, building future-ready skills like creativity, problem solving, and systems thinking, and nurturing a passion for play. 

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My students have been able to practice task management skills, problem solving, and personal relationship skills. Being able to see them excited and engaged with their learning is priceless."

Karen carnes, special education teacher, u.s., examples of learning outcomes.

See how schools around the world have integrated Minecraft Education into the curriculum.

Educators at Sat Paul Mittal School in India use Minecraft for cross-curricular instruction

Students build leadership skills through Minecraft Ambassador program in Atlanta Public Schools

Minecraft helps reach nontraditional learners in Katy Independent School District, Texas

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Explore this library of efficacy research in game-based learning and future-ready skills.

Read our EdSurge Guide to Game-Based Learning.

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Minecraft can increase problem solving, collaboration and learning - yes, at school

Professor, Canada Research Chair in Technologies and Education, Université de Montréal

Disclosure statement

Thierry Karsenti receives funding from Canada Research Chairs.

Université de Montréal provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation CA-FR.

Université de Montréal provides funding as a member of The Conversation CA.

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A video game like Minecraft in schools might trouble some parents. As a Canada research chair in technologies and education , my hope is both parents and educators take the time to learn about how using Minecraft at school could be beneficial.

Firstly, parents and teachers are right to ask questions about video gaming, particularly given sometimes conflicting messages about its impact. Some researchers caution about the possible impacts of child and youth exposure to violence or problems of gaming addiction or screen saturation , while others say fears may be exaggerated and it’s a matter of balance.

Parents’ potential skepticism of Minecraft is understandable, given its immense appeal among youngsters. It is one of the most popular video games of all time , with more than 150 million copies sold .

But I’ve learned through my research that many are largely unaware of the enormous educational potential of Minecraft. Many people also don’t know Minecraft Education Edition was released in the fall of 2016 and this version has been rapidly catching on at schools.

Since 2013, American and Swedish schools have been systematically integrating Minecraft into their schools, and it is being used around the world to teach science , urban planning and foreign languages . Masses of educational applications and experiences using Minecraft are available on online sites and forums.

In Montréal, a number of schools joined a contest in which students use Minecraft to reproduce historic sites and events in celebration of the city’s 375th anniversary, called Mission 375 . With my team at the University of Montréal, we felt it important to investigate the educational potential of Minecraft in order to provide a deeper understanding of the impacts on young learners.

Gaming for learning

So why all the interest in video games? Compelling research exists about the benefits of gaming for learning. Educational technology researchers have found that video games capture children’s attention and provide particularly favorable conditions for learning and have shown positive effects on cognitive, affective and psychomotor functioning .

When players are fully engaged in a gaming task, they enter what psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi calls the “flow state,” also known as “the zone,” a state highly conducive to learning.

While becoming deeply engrossed in gaming is sometimes depicited in a negative light or only associated with addiction, in fact this state can be harnessed to support or advance learning goals. For example, in this task-focused state, players are highly receptive to learning embedded in the game scenario. Creativity, student engagement and collaboration between users are just some of the aptitudes that are known to be developed through gameplay.

In addition, video games can help today’s youngsters cope with a future world requiring more and more digital literacy . In other words, they will need 21st century skills .

Minecraft to teach curriculum

My team and I adopted an exploratory research design to highlight the main uses of Minecraft in a school setting and to identify any benefits of using Minecraft at school. We developed a program called Minecraft Master where students had to complete more than 40 different tasks. Tasks were closely linked to the school curriculum; for example, students have to create a navigable map, making use of language, mathematics and spatial design, something we asked them to do with Minecraft.

We formed a partnership with one Montréal school. Participation was open to 118 Grade 3 to 6 students in an after-school program based on computers available. Registration took place during recess, on a first-come-first-served basis and parental consent was compulsory. Most of the students took four blocks of six weeks of Minecraft during the school year (an equivalent of about six months).

With the support of a program facilitator, students worked individually and in teams to digitally build structures such as impressive houses, a soccer stadium, a space ship, a railroad track to the Titanic and the Titanic itself.

Researchers also attended some sessions. We studied the main impacts on learning to investigate how gamified learning interventions may increase student engagement and enhance learning . We used a combination of data collected from surveys, interviews, “think aloud” protocols (where students speak their problem-solving strategies out loud), journals, tracking of student progress and digital footprints. Using these various methods allowed substantial data triangulation and validation.

The educational impacts we found were encouraging . The students showed a heightened motivation towards school, stronger computer skills, greater problem-solving skills, expanded reading and writing skills, a development in creativity and autonomy and increased collaboration with classmates.

The results of the studies we conducted confirm that Minecraft has real educational value. Notably, gaming allowed the students to fully engage in activities that were both educational and fun .

Planned, supported, purposeful

However, it is important to understand that the use of Minecraft in our context was planned, supported and purposeful. This structure is crucial for a successful educational use of the game. Without such boundaries, students might not want to stop playing and learning advantages could be wasted.

Technologies, games and other “screen-related” activities can be a fun experience for students. But it is important to balance screen time with other activities that are essential for students’ development such as physically active play , reading, etc. Both parents and teachers can help students find this balance by working together on some rules about technology use.

Therefore, it is incumbent on both parents and teachers to structure the use of video games such as Minecraft to ensure that they provide students with appropriate support for the use of educational technologies. Such supervision would allow them to fully benefit from the incredible potential of this game.

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