Engagement with science and scientific skills is an important aspect of children's ability to navigate the world around them, but engagement with science is low in comparison with other subjects. The Lancaster University outreach project Science Hunters takes a novel approach to engaging children with environmental science research through a constructivist pedagogical approach using the popular computer game Minecraft. While Minecraft is extensively used in formal education settings, few data are available on its use in public engagement with scientific research, and the relationship between children's and adults' attitudes to science and computer games are complex. Through motivational surveys conducted as part of the project evaluation, we analysed feedback from participants who attended sessions as part of a programme at public events, to explore the basic demographics of children attending our events, and whether it is the prospect of learning about science, or the opportunity to play Minecraft that leads them to choose our activity. We also present evaluation of general feedback from participants at public events over four years to give a broader view of participants' response to the activities.

Science Hunters is an outreach project based at Lancaster University, UK. It uses the computer game Minecraft, alongside interactive discussion and hands-on demonstrations, to engage children with scientific research topics and science learning. As part of ongoing evaluation, the efficacy of this approach as an educational intervention was tested via pre- and post-activity questionnaires for two session topics,with 492 children participating through schools in 2017 and 2018. Statistically significant mprovement in subject knowledge was seen in post-intervention scores for both topics. There was some variation in both absolute and improvement score results between boys and girls, and primary and secondary school students. Participation leads to improved subject knowledge and understanding, regardless of prior existing knowledge.

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AimTo gain practice-based insights, we evaluated outcomes from a science-themed Minecraft Club for children with Special Educational Needs over a four-year period. Science topics were introduced, followed by themed building in Minecraft in a multi-player setting. Particular focus was placed on the benefits of playing a shared-interest game in a social and educational context.MethodsMixed-methods interviews and surveys were used to gather feedback from children attending the club and their accompanying caregivers. Inferential statistics assessed the influence of individual differences and club attendance time on responses.FindingsChildren consistently enjoyed attending the club and most felt that they had developed their scientific knowledge. Social-communication skills and confidence were also positively impacted, as reported by both children and caregivers. The accepting and inclusive nature of the club was of high value.LimitationsSample sizes and data collection methods were necessarily restricted and mainly qualitative due to the purpose of the club and the nature of the attending cohort. However, valuable insights were gained from respondents.ConclusionsBoth children and caregivers communicated that Minecraft Club succeeds in providing a context through which children can develop social and communication skills, build confidence, make new friends, and learn about science. These insights have important implications concerning the potential social and educational benefits of Minecraft for children with Special Educational Needs, and the value of extra-curricular clubs that provide safe and supportive spaces for children to thrive.

Science Hunters is an established outreach program using the computer game Minecraft to engage children in science. Before the pandemic, Science Hunters regularly delivered sessions in schools but ceased delivering face-to-face sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online remote delivery was trialed in eight schools, with 201 children of age 9-11 years and 21 school teachers and classroom assistants. This paper aims to evaluate the success of making the change from face-to-face to remote delivery. Children's feedback indicated they were as positive about online sessions of Science Hunters as about those previously delivered in-person. Teachers rated the session organization, delivery, and student benefit on a scale of 1 (lowest)-5 (highest); mean scores of 4.47-4.76 were returned and 100% would repeat the session. The study found that pre-session discussions with teachers covering expectations, training, and technical setup were key to running session successfully. Using activities to run alongside Minecraft sections made the session more immersive and videos at the start of the activity were particularly successful and were carried forward to face-to-face sessions.