Nearing the end of 2016, Microsoft launched Minecraft: Education Edition to enable teachers to use Minecraft as an educational tool. Initially brought to 50 countries over the world, this figure rose over the years, and last year, the game was introduced to iPads as well.
Today, Microsoft has announced a new interactive science curriculum for the title that will be launching this summer. Dubbed Extinction! A Biodiversity Crisis, the content pack has been developed in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Three lesson packs and a purpose-built world created by UK-based Naturebytes will be featured, showcasing various species that are at risk of extinction at the hands of human impact. Traversing different eras in a rollercoaster, you will be able to formulate solutions to counteract threats to biodiversity in today"s world.
A number of scientists and conservationists will appear along the journey to educate learners about the importance of biodiversity and sustainable species management. You will also be able to visit extinct species in the animal kingdom, discovering the causes of their extinction on the way. The five different species biomes that have been specifically highlighted as part of the content pack are the Philippine Eagle, Bison, Hawksbill Turtle, Snow Leopard, and Orangutan.
Extinction! A Biodiversity Crisis will be available for free on the Minecraft: Education Edition website later in the summer. If your school doesn"t have a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can still obtain the game through a yearly subscription model, or download the free trial version here.