Our Deep Learning approach at the OCSB means that learning is often more expansive than a traditional teacher working with their own students. The Minecraft pollinator webinar held during Earth Month exemplifies innovative, system-wide learning.
Over 2000 students from 113 elementary classes participated in one of two interactive video calls set up by OCSB Learning Technologies consultant Tara Potter. Joining the students on each call was Carleton University biology professor Myron Smith. Dr. Smith shared his expertise on the biology of bees and pollination, and the students could ask him their questions directly and have them answered.
Applying the knowledge gained from Dr. Smith, students then used the Minecraft Education gaming platform as a planning tool to design their own virtual pollinator gardens. They worked either independently or collaboratively in small groups. If all the elements were correctly designed, they were rewarded with the arrival of virtual bees in the garden.
Educators found the students excited and engaged as they waited for the bees to appear on their designs. Their enthusiasm for the topic continued as many classes went on to do follow-up learning projects. One class created a black-and-white photography display called “A World Without Bees Is A World Without Colour.” Another class created “Bee Bombs” — seed bombs with pollinator-friendly seeds to spread the message about the importance of pollinators and the need to care for them. Another school will use Minecraft Education to help get student input as they work to revitalize the butterfly garden in their schoolyard.