Improving Security and Environmental Awareness through Game-Based Learning with Minecraft

Abstract

This paper presents an innovative educational approach centered on the use of the game Minecraft to shape attitudes and develop knowledge in young people. The Children’s University summer camps, although they revolve around various subjects, share a common goal: to enhance environmental and safety awareness and foster technological interest among younger generations. These camps enable students from participating elementary schools to learn interactively about key areas such as sustainable energy sources, information protection, and security in buildings. In the virtual realm of Minecraft, players encounter real-life challenges that demand the utilisation of their creativity and problem-solving abilities. The effectiveness of the camps was measured through questionnaire surveys. 33.3% of participants felt the knowledge acquired at the camp was very useful, and 38.9% felt it was useful for their future studies or careers. 55.6% of the participants felt that their problem-solving skills and creativity had greatly improved during the camp, while 27.8% noticed a less significant improvement in these skills. The camps were characterised by an atmosphere of cooperation and openness. The results of questionnaire surveys confirmed the effectiveness of the camps, not only in terms of improving environmental and safety awareness but also in terms of fostering creative work through cooperation.