A project has been launched in Minecraft to help teach children about climate change, the environment and flooding.
As reported by NME, the experience is called Rivercraft and is available from today (Tuesday, April 5) on Minecraft: Education Edition.
It was built in a collaboration between Microsoft, the UK’s Environment Agency, and Archbishop Temple School in Preston, and will be available around the world.
The experience is based on the £54.7million flood risk management scheme in Preston and South Ribble.
Three different games are built into the programme, including 'Managing Flooding' which sees players building flood defences and prevention measures.
Welcome to Rivercraft 🌊
— Microsoft Education UK (@MSEducationUK) April 5, 2022
We've been working with @EnvAgencyNW to re-build the Preston & South Ribble flood scheme in @Minecraft @PlayCraftLearn to help educate students about flood defences.
Learn more: https://t.co/wABxzXUTu9#Minecraft #EDU #Education pic.twitter.com/pobPgsDuHV
Meanwhile, 'Flood Prevention' explores how an individual's actions alleviate climate change and 'Our Local Environment' will give players a digital workbook and camera in Minecraft and task them with finding local wildlife.
Information on how to access Rivercraft can be found here.
Flood risk manager for the Environment Agency, Andy Brown, said: “We want to help everyone discover their drive, passion and enthusiasm for the environment and the jobs available within that sector. We can’t wait to see Rivercraft and the Preston world brought to life across the globe.”
Minecraft’s director of learning programmes, Justin Edwards, said: “The game also shows how communities are impacted, not just individuals. We’re committed to making a better world through the power of play and this project is at the forefront of that vision.”
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