Minecraft in Education: Science Week 2025 Challenge
Now that Science Week 2025 has come to a close, we’re excited to share an incredible project from our Minecraft Club!
When Mr Kay suggested using Minecraft to celebrate British Science Week, a group of Science teachers devised a fantastic challenge for students to try during their Tuesday evening Minecraft session. The result? A dynamic, hands-on learning experience that showcased creativity, resilience, and teamwork.
See below a presentation highlighting the students' achievements and how adaptable the team were to change!
Developing Key Skills Through Minecraft
As part of our THRIVE initiative, we anticipated that students would need to demonstrate creative problem solving, confident communication, and effective contributions to successfully plan and execute their projects. However, what surprised us most was how much they also developed healthy relationships, resilience, proactive kindness, and a sense of purpose. This project was a journey of growth for our fantastic Minecraft Club!
The Challenge: Change & Adapt
Fresh off their victory in the Capture the Flag competition, the Minecraft Club members were eager for a new challenge. Their task? Build a thriving village from scratch.
The students quickly gathered resources and began constructing homes, farms, and communal areas. They even established a set of village rules and a social structure. But, of course, Science Week’s theme this year was 'Change & Adapt'—so we had to shake things up!
Challenge #1: The Farm Crisis
The village farm was running smoothly—perhaps too smoothly. With animals packed tightly together, it was the perfect setup for a simulated disease outbreak. So, in a dramatic twist, we wiped out all their crops and livestock.
How did the students respond? Brilliantly! They rebuilt the farm with better spacing, ensuring the animals had plenty of room to roam. Not only that, but they also added a greenhouse-style roof and a botanical garden, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Challenge #2: The Great Fire
Disasters happen, and in a thriving village, accidents are inevitable. Suddenly, the communal oven caught fire, and flames spread across the village.
Enter crisis mode! Emily led the disaster response team, swiftly putting out the fire. The damage was significant, but rather than simply rebuilding what was lost, the students took a more strategic approach. They established a supply chain team to mine and bake clay into bricks, ensuring future buildings would be fireproof.
The result? A redesigned village with brick and stone structures, a new outdoor communal oven, and even a monument with an eternal flame to commemorate the event.
A Lesson in Resilience and Adaptation
Throughout this challenge, our students demonstrated incredible resilience and adaptability. When faced with an unpredictable arsonist (yes, I went in and torched their village for the sake of science) and even an unexpected lightning strike on Sam’s character, they didn’t crumble. They strategised, rebuilt, and thrived.
#TeamQE not only built a remarkable village but also created a fully functioning society with laws, roles, and an unstoppable spirit. When faced with setbacks—whether by design or sheer misfortune—they proved that adaptation and perseverance lead to success.
A huge well done to our Minecraft Club for an unforgettable Science Week 2025!
Interested in STEAM and Minecraft?
Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate, an independent day and boarding school, is renowned for its Science and Esports curriculum. Join us at our next Open Day to meet the team behind the Minecraft challenge and discover how we can help your child be the best that they can with the gifts that they have.
