Minecraft EDU Takes Coding, STEAM Lessons Underwater
A new update for Minecraft: Education Edition, called Update Aquatic, is adding underwater science to the educational version of the popular world-building game.
Update Aquatic adds new features and curriculum support, including 17 standards-aligned lessons in science, math, language arts and history. The update also adds:
- Five template-based aquatic worlds: Shipwreck, Secret Reef, Lantern Shores, Monument Zone and Archipelago Town; and
- Underwater coding adventures using Code Builder, which include hands-on student activities.
Microsoft, which owns Minecraft, is hosting a Minecraft hands-on workshop at ISTE 2018 June 24. (There will also be a Minecraft photo booth.) Details can be found on Microsoft's ISTE site.
The Update Aquatic for Minecraft: Education Edition is available now and can be downloaded directly from education.minecraft.net/get-started/download/. Additional details can be found at education.minecraft.net/aquatic.
About the Author
David Nagel is editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Technology Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal and STEAM Universe. A 29-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art and business publications.
He can be reached at dnagel@1105media.com. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at or follow him on Twitter at @THEDavidNagel (K-12) or @CampusTechDave (higher education).