Closer to the Sun: Developing STEM Interest Through Exploration of "What-If" Worlds in Minecraft

• In Event: AERA Virtual Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: Connecting Learning Systems Through Technology

Abstract

Informal inquiry-based interventions have potential to build upon or trigger interest in STEM for adolescent learners. Given the popularity of the digital game, Minecraft, we ran a 1-week youth summer camp using Minecraft to present astronomy knowledge through hypothetical versions of Earth and known exoplanets built in-game. All hypothetical versions of Earth are presented as “What-if” worlds to the learners (What if Earth had no moon?), and learners are encouraged to generate their own what-if questions throughout camp. We propose that through generating what-if and other astronomy-related questions learners engage in a form of self-related information processing closely linked with interest development. Learners use what-if questions to build upon prior knowledge by integrating it with novel content.

Authors

• Matt Gadbury, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Meghna Paul

• Jeff Ginger

• H. Chad Lane, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign