Science Hunters: teaching science concepts in schools using Minecraft

Hobbs, L; Stevens, C; Hartley, J; Ashby, M; Jackson, B; Bowden, L; Bibby, J; Bentley, S

doi:10.51724/arise.23

Science Hunters: teaching science concepts in schools using Minecraft

Hobbs, L; Stevens, C; Hartley, J; Ashby, M; Jackson, B; Bowden, L; Bibby, J; Bentley, S

Authors

L Hobbs

C Stevens

J Hartley

Mark Ashby m.ashby@keele.ac.uk

B Jackson

L Bowden

J Bibby

S Bentley

Abstract

Science Hunters is an outreach project based at Lancaster University, UK. It uses the computer game Minecraft, alongside interactive discussion and hands-on demonstrations, to engage children with scientific research topics and science learning. As part of ongoing evaluation, the efficacy of this approach as an educational intervention was tested via pre- and post-activity questionnaires for two session topics, with 492 children participating through schools in 2017 and 2018. Statistically significant improvement in subject knowledge was seen in post-intervention scores for both topics. There was some variation in both absolute and improvement score results between boys and girls, and primary and secondary school students. Participation leads to improved subject knowledge and understanding, regardless of prior existing knowledge.

Acceptance Date	Nov 3, 2019
Publication Date	Nov 21, 2019
Journal	Action Research and Innovation in Science Education
Print ISSN	2626-9902
Pages	13 - 21
DOI	https://doi.org/10.51724/arise.23
Publisher URL	https://www.arisejournal.com/index.php/arise/article/view/23