CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Artemis missions are blasting off in the world of Minecraft through an adventurous educational format in development between NASA and Minecraft Education.
Minecraft Education is a game-based learning platform set within the universe of the popular video game. As kids dream about taking off into outer space, this tool will give them the chance to design and launch a rocket to the moon.
Kids around the world will use creativity to build and explore their own blocky worlds within the Minecraft universe. Gamers, along with their team, will guide their Orion spacecraft and establish a lunar base in their Minecraft worlds.
Players will be immersed in two Minecraft worlds based on real-world Artemis missions similar to the ones being conducted by NASA. Missions include landing astronaut crews, including the first woman and the first person of color on the moon, along with establishing a long-term human presence on the moon.
Before players can launch their rocket in the first Minecraft Education mission, they will learn the fundamentals of designing a rocket, thrust, and the challenges of flying into space.
NASA's Office of STEM Engagement is on a mission to spark an interest in a STEM career.
“Artemis: Rocket Build” is available for free on both the Minecraft Marketplace and in Minecraft Education, while “Artemis: Return to the Moon” and “Artemis: Moon Base” are exclusive to Minecraft Education, according to NASA.
The experience is an opportunity for learners to gain basic code skills. Kids will code with either Python or MakeCode in a fun and engaging ways without needing any prior coding experience.
Kids will also be able to work together as a team.
NASA hopes kids will gain an appreciation for space exploration and STEM all while doing what they already love – playing games!
Contact KJ Jacobs at kjacobs3@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.