The Human Microbiome World Using Minecraft to Enhance Microbiology Learning

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Christopher Vicari
Barry Joseph
Brittany Klimowicz
Hannah Jaris
Shane Asseltine
Joel Levin

Abstract

We designed an activity-based science curriculum that used Minecraft to support microbiology learning for students enrolled in the Lang Science Program at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York City. Minecraft offered an option to consolidate complex science content into digestible activities for modeling concepts and demonstrate student mastery. We will (1) present a background of the course, design processes, and how we used Minecraft in the curriculum, (2) describe the design of the educational Minecraft activities, (3) articulate design issues, adjustments, and constraints, and (4) discuss future changes.

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How to Cite
Vicari, C., Joseph, B., Klimowicz, B., Jaris, H., Asseltine, S., & Levin, J. (2019). The Human Microbiome World: Using Minecraft to Enhance Microbiology Learning. International Journal of Designs for Learning, 10(1), 116–130. https://doi.org/10.14434/ijdl.v10i1.23519
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Articles
Author Biographies

Christopher Vicari, Fordham University |The American Museum of Natural History in New York City

Chris Vicari is an educational technologist at Fordham University. He was also a program consultant with the American Museum of Natural History.

Barry Joseph, The American Museum of Natural History

Barry Joseph was the Associate Director for Digital Learning at the American Museum of Natural History. He is now the VP of Digital Experience at the Girl Scouts of America.

Brittany Klimowicz, New York City Department of Education Public School | The American Museum of Natural History

Brittany Klimowicz is a life science educator in the New York City Department of Education Public School system, as well as part time educator at the American Museum of Natural History.

Hannah Jaris, The American Museum of Natural History

Hannah Jaris was the Senior Coordinator of Youth Initiatives at the American Museum of Natural History.

Shane Asseltine, Momilani Elementary School

Shane Asselstine is a Technology Integration Specialist at Momilani Elementary School, Minecraft Global Mentor, and the Code.org Facilitator for Hawaii.

Joel Levin

Joel Levin is co-founder of TeacherGaming LLC. The creators of MinecraftEDU, KerbalEDU.

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