Science Hunters: An inclusive approach to engaging with science through Minecraft

Hobbs, Laura; Stevens, Carly; Hartley, Jackie; Hartley, Calum

Abstract

Science Hunters is an outreach project which employs the computer game Minecraft to engage children with scientific learning and research through school visits, events, and extracurricular clubs. We principally target children who may experience barriers to accessing Higher Education, including low socioeconomic status, being the first in their family to attend university, and disability (including Special Educational Needs). The Minecraft platform encourages teamwork and makes science learning accessible and entertaining for children, irrespective of background. We employ a flexible approach that adapts to the needs of the users. More than 8000 children have been engaged in the first four years, with overwhelmingly positive feedback.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 13, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Feb 11, 2019
• Publication Date: Feb 11, 2019
• Deposit Date: Feb 15, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 15, 2019
• Journal: Journal of Science Communication
• Electronic ISSN: 1824-2049
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 18
• Issue: 2
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22323/2.18020801
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/852340
• Publisher URL: https://jcom.sissa.it/archive/18/02/JCOM_1802_2019_N01
• Contract Date: Feb 15, 2019