Minecraft Eco‑detectives incursion

Dubbo

Science

Geography

Technologies

English

Summary

S2, S3 - STEM Incursion
Investigate ecosystems and biodiversity through an immersive Minecraft Education incursion led by Zoo educators delivered at your school.

Things to know

Book this workshop

Stage
Stage 2 - Stage 3
Learning areas
Science, Geography, Technology, English
Duration
90 minutes
Cost
$5.00 per student
Inclusions
Includes workshop session, learning resource and interactive game-play at your school.

Workshop overview

Balance ecosystems, boost biodiversity, and explore native species from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand with Eco‑Detectives! This unique incursion, delivered at your school, blends digital learning with real‑world environmental science, giving students the chance to become passionate Eco‑Detectives!

Students work through the Minecraft Education experience and accompanying workbook as they investigate species needs, habitat health, and the impacts of human activities. During the workshop, students will also meet some of Taronga’s education animals, strengthening the link between the digital ecosystem and the living world around them. Applying critical thinking, problem‑solving and creative design skills, students and Taronga educators will work together to restore biodiversity within the game.

Note: Eco‑Detectives is a text-rich program, with Immersive Reader available to support diverse learners.

Technical Requirements
Each student will need:

A device with internet access
Minecraft Education installed
Their school email address & password (for login)
A fully charged device

Important:

Please check login details and device compatibility before the incursion.
Minecraft Education is free for NSW government schools.
Schools with a Microsoft 365 licence already have access.

Tip: Confirm login details before the incursion.

Minecraft Education is free for NSW government school students and teachers. Any school with a Microsoft 365 licence already has access.

Learning outcomes

Stage: Stage 2, Stage 3

Outcomes

Content

English

EN3-VOCAB-01 - extends Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary through interacting, wide reading and writing, morphological analysis and generating precise definitions for specific contexts.
EN3-CWT-01 - plans, creates and revises written texts for multiple purposes and audiences through selection of text features, sentence-level grammar, punctuation and word-level language.
EN3-OLC-01 - communicates to wide audiences with social and cultural awareness, by interacting and presenting, and by analysing and evaluating for understanding.

Environmental Awareness

Develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues, such as biodiversity, pollution, and learn about Australian and New Zealand animals by reflecting on how these issues are represented in Eco Detectives and how they can be addressed in real life.

Problem-Solving Skills

Enhance problem-solving skills by reflecting on challenges faced in the game, such as resource management or ecosystem restoration, and proposing creative solutions that can be applied both in the game and in real-world environmental scenarios.

Geography

GE3-1 - describes the diverse features and characteristics of places and environments.

Science & Technology

ST3-3DP-T - defines problems, and designs, modifies and follows algorithms to develop solutions (develop solutions through trialling and refining using iterations).

Cross-Curriculum Priorities
Sustainability Futures (FS), Sustainability Design (SD)

SF2 - Sustainable futures require individuals to seek information, identify solutions, reflect on and evaluate past actions, and collaborate with and influence others as they work towards a desired change.
SD3 – Sustainable design requires an awareness of place, past practices, research and technological developments, and balanced judgments based on project environmental, social and economic impacts.

Taronga Education is dedicated to providing inclusive and accessible learning experiences for all students. Our aim is to support every student’s participation and engagement in our workshops, and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments for your students. Please contact our education team with any queries you might have.

Download the learning resource for this workshop.

Download resource