EIPS students using Minecraft to build new school

Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) students are building their problem-solving skills through the Minecraft Design Challenge.

This year's challenge is for students to "'Build a School'.

Between January and May, students from participating schools will design a prototype for a new school for up to 1,200 students in, the popular block-building game, Minecraft. 

The challenge was inspired by the construction of the new Sherwood Heights Junior High replacement.  Students must incorporate infrastructure standards and landscaping guidelines in their models.

“I’m excited for the Minecraft Challenge,” says Wyatt Coates, a Grade 2 student at École Campbelltown. “I get to work together with my classmates to build something really neat.”

Once the challenge is over, a panel of judges will assess the prototypes and announce the winners on May 24. The final three will have an opportunity to show their school to the EIPS New School Committee.

“This is our chance to share our ideas,” says Coates. “I can’t wait to get started!”

The challenge aims to show students several career pathways available to them, such as interior design and computer science.