Rivercraft, a new Minecraft Education Edition game, allows children and young people around the world to learn more about climate change, the environment and reducing the effects of flooding.
Based on the Preston and South Ribble 54.7 million flood risk management scheme, in-game Preston World is the first activity of its type that uses Artificial Intelligence map a region to create an interactive Minecraft Map. The games will become available in multiple languages worldwide and in multiple languages for educational and home use in Minecraft: Education Edition. This well-known educational tool has been used by millions of students and educators in 112 different countries. There are hundreds of free lessons, curriculum, teacher trainings and learning programs.
Microsoft and the Environment Agency are teaming up with experts in youth engagement BlockBuilders to attract users to three themed games. The Preston world will help young people learn about flood risk management, climate changes, local human geography, engineering, and the environment.
- Game 1 Managing Flooding. This game will focus primarily on the construction of flood defenses in South Ribble and Preston. The player will be responsible for constructing flood prevention measures such as natural flood management, walls, embankments, flood storage areas, and flood gates. Each approach will be explained to the player along with their suitability for local communities.
- Game 2 Flood Prevention. This game will show you how individual actions can help mitigate climate change. It will also show you how understanding flood risk can help reduce property and human damage.
- Game 3 – Our Local Environment. This game will start on the riverbank. The player will be required to conduct an ecological survey using their camera and digital workbook. This game will allow surveyors to identify and record some of our most beloved wildlife species, including water voles or otters.
The game’s characters were created to encourage young people to pursue environmental-based careers. They are also adapted to reflect the diversity within the local project team and the communities that the Environment Agency serves.
Andy Brown, Flood Manager for the Environment Agency said:
This is a fantastic opportunity for students and a project that we are proud of being a part. Young people will not only learn about major flooding in the UK, but also about climate change, the environment and flooding, and the various careers available in science, engineering, and mathematics.
If we want to deliver our crucial flood and coastal defense projects, it is important to introduce the next generation to the amazing career opportunities available at the Environment Agency. This includes the Preston and South Ribble Scheme which will reduce flood risk for 4,700 homes and businesses.
We want to encourage everyone to discover their passion, drive and enthusiasm for the environment, and the jobs that are available in it. We are excited to see Rivercraft and Preston come to life around the world.
Justin Edwards, Minecraft’s Director of Learning Programmes, stated:
We know Minecraft is loved around the world, so it is great to see Minecraft encouraging students and teachers to discuss and engage with environmental issues.
This game allows you to not only learn about the flooding plan in Preston and South Ribble but also to understand real-world impact in a safe, fun and enjoyable way. The game shows how communities are affected, not just individuals. This project is a key part of our commitment to creating a better world by the power of play.
You can Read more about Rivercraft.
Notes for editors
- Rivercraft is a Minecraft Education Edition world that was developed by EA. It is based on the Environment Agency 54.7million flood management scheme in Preston & South Ribble.
- This scheme began construction in October 2021. It will directly reduce flood risks to 4,700 homes/businesses from Preston Riversway towards the M6/Higher Walton.
- The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which contributes 6.525M to the scheme, has received funding from multiple sources, including the Department for Education.
- Construction of the scheme will be completed in summer 2023 according to ERDF timescales.
- Also, work continues on the design and construction of defenses for the final stages of the scheme in Walton-le-Dale (Frenchwood) and Higher Walton.
- The scheme will improve access to the River Ribble, including emergency access via Strand Road. It will also remediate the old slipway that leads to the river.
- Additional environmental improvements will be made, including habitat creation in Ribble Sidings (during 2023). The river banks will be stabilized through revetment. This will create additional habitat and wider footpaths in the narrower areas near Miller Park and along Riverside Road.
- As a legacy of the permanent scheme, four new sports pitches will be built.
- All scheme information is available at www.thefloodhub.co.uk