Cumbraecraft is a heritage themed game on the Minecraft: Education Edition platform (Microsoft) designed for primary school children and providing an attractive and stimulating learning environment with focus on local heritage and history.
It includes a complete suite of lessons based on the discovery of local heritage assets and their history from around the virtual representation of the Isle of Cumbrae.
The game aims to engage 9 to 12 year olds through captivating and motivating gameplay with an otherwise difficult topic that is easy to use in the classroom, as well as in a home-learning setting.
The challenge-based learning is complemented by mechanics focused around the themes of:
- exploration and discovery
- narrative and communication
- fellowship and teamwork
- expression and creativity
- curiosity and problem solving
In addition to enhancing Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence and maximising the experience and learning outcomes for children, the game also aims to promote local heritage and destination and, therefore, stimulate and support heritage tourism. Additional benefits include, contributing to an electronic record of local heritage and introducing young people to potential career options in gaming and computer arts, supporting North Ayrshire Council’s young workforce strategy.
The game was developed by a small team of game development students from Abertay University through the Millport Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (Millport CARS), a partnership project from North Ayrshire Council and Historic Environment Scotland. It’s a pilot project addressing the gap of game-based learning, teaching young people about local heritage and its conservation and the historical significance of their communities and culture, with emphasis on Scottish culture, language and tradition.
Resources
The Cumbraecraft world (MCWorld, 188mb) is available for you to download and use along with the tutorial and lessons below. A world hosting guide (PDF, 486kb) is also available, it provides general guidance on multiplayer, hosting, settings and troubleshooting.
Pupils
Teachers