Can we teach children geology using one of the world’s most popular video games?

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleTransfer

Authors

  • Pontus Westrin
  • Theo Berthet
  • Rok Brajkovic
  • Eric Pirard
  • Luca Bellucci
  • Karin Käär
  • Juan Herrera
  • Rachel Kavanagh

External Organisational units

  • Geoloogical Survey of Sweden
  • EIT RawMaterials CLC North
  • Geological Survey of Slovenia
  • University of Liege
  • National Research Council Italy
  • Tallin University of Technology
  • Trinity College Dublin
  • Technical University of Madrid

Abstract

With an increasing global demand for raw materials, along with an ageing work force in Europe and public distrust for the sector at large, there is a rapidly growing need to work with public awareness and education within the subject of geology. By using innovative tools and models such as gamification, we can develop and nurture interest in raw materials and geology for the future workers and policy makers within the EU. BetterGeoEdu is a project that targets primary schools by providing teacher resources on raw materials, circular economy and sustainability using BetterGeo, a modification of the immensely popular video game Minecraft. The gamification model is used to engage and motivate students by inspiring creativity and learning while having fun.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)83-86
Number of pages4
JournalEuropean geologist
Volume2020
Issue number50*November
Publication statusPublished - 30 Nov 2020