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Build a Better Winnipeg Through Minecraft

April 18, 2023

Asset 3@4x.pngStudents from across the city and beyond are putting their Minecraft skills and creativity to the test with the Level Up: Winnipeg Challenge.

The event—a collaboration between Microsoft Canada, Minecraft Education, the City of Winnipeg, and multiple Manitoba school divisions—asks students to design a better Winnipeg within the gaming platform by asking the following question:

“How can we envision a connected, equitable and sustainable downtown that moves Winnipeg forward without leaving anyone behind?"

For the Level Up: Winnipeg Challenge, players have an opportunity to explore and build in a customized virtual downtown Winnipeg that includes representations of current or historical Winnipeggers including Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, 103.1 Virgin Radio Host Ace Burpee, Manitoba founder Louis Riel, Knowledge Keeper Leslie Spillett and others.

Any SJASD student from Kindergarten to Grade 12 is invited to take part in the challenge, which runs from April 10 toAsset 10@4x.png May 26, 2023. Top submissions will be presented to the City of Winnipeg and could inform the future planning of Winnipeg!

Minecraft is an open-world video game that is popular with children. It allows players to explore different environments, collect materials, build and shape their environment, and meet other players. The virtual representation of Winnipeg was produced using Minecraft Education, a version of the game designed for use in the classroom.

Challenge Information and Resources

Minecraft Education is available on SJASD-owned devices. It can also be downloaded and installed on personal devices here.

Once players have access to Microsoft Education, they should download and open the Winnipeg world to start theAsset 9@4x.png challenge. Characters within the game will instruct players how to get started.

Students should use their SJASD login credentials (username and password) to access Minecraft Education. If they don't know their login credentials, they can ask their teachers/administrators for this information.

Some players may want to play and explore for the fun of it. For those looking to build a winning submission, read the Challenge Criteria (rubric).

Students may submit their projects through a video recording to Flip (links to be provided to students in early May) Videos should be a maximum of two minutes and clearly explain the following:

  • The problems the player is addressing.
  • The player's research into the problem.
  • How the player designed their solution.
  • How the player's solutions solve the problem they selected.

Asset 12@4x.pngIn June, schools will submit their top designs to be evaluated by a divisional selection committee before being presented to the City of Winnipeg. The submitted designs could inform the design of real-world public spaces and projects in the city!

For more information, check out the following:


Watch Level Up Winnipeg Trailer

 


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