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Skeleton horses and killer bunnies may not be traditional learning tools, but a new mod for the computer game Minecraft is using them to teach important lessons about earthquake safety.
EQC, in partnership with Te Papa, has developed a new Minecraft mod called “ShakerMod,” which it claims will help kids learn to “Fix. Fasten. Don’t Forget.”
The idea is that the ShakerMod will get kids to fix and fasten objects, and then simulate earthquakes at different magnitudes. When the quakes are triggered, players see and hear the shaking, and watch as objects smash or survive depending on their earthquake-proofing skills. Players can also see how different Minecraft creatures fare in their quake.
Te Papa head of learning innovation Miri Young said the involvement and input of kids during the development of the mod has been the key.
“Being able to create earthquakes and test out how smash-proof their fixing and fastening has been a big hit,” she said. “They’re having a blast and learning too, which is the ultimate combination.”
Young said educating the next generations of New Zealanders around natural disaster awareness and preparedness is a vital step towards a safer and more resilient New Zealand.
ShakerMod was created by internationally renowned game developers, earthquake experts, and educators. It can be played at Te Papa as part of its earthquake education programme, Earthquake Encounters. It is also available for free download at home or at school. However, users need to have license for the Minecraft game.
Te Papa added that reactions from kids playing the ShakerMod have been really positive with comments like: “It’s just awesome,” and “It was really cool how everything not held down fell over and smashed.”
