Minecraft Fosters Imagination and Education in Chicago Through Construction and Knowledge Acquisition
Chicago Schools Embrace Chi-Craft Minecraft Esports Initiative
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is inviting schools to join the Chi-Craft Minecraft esports initiative, a program that encourages students to showcase their creativity and teamwork skills. Here's what you need to know about getting involved.
Schools can either use their own funding or apply for Chi-Craft funding to run the esports group. It's essential to note that CPS does not fund teachers for this initiative, but support is available through various channels such as chats, Google meetings, and school visits.
To get started, schools should contact the program organizers or the CPS esports or gaming department to express interest. Registration of the school and interested students can be done through an official website or sign-up portal provided by CPS or the Chi-Craft initiative.
Once registered, schools are required to ensure their devices can run Minecraft smoothly, as the program's focus is on Minecraft: Education Edition. This version of the game is compatible with Chromebooks, iPads, Windows, and Mac machines, and is free for all CPS students, staff, and schools.
Participating schools will engage in scheduled Minecraft esports competitions or leagues established by Chi-Craft. Entries are judged on a 110-point STEM-powered rubric, and the initiative follows a battle of the builds format with a Chicago flair, where teams have four build-and-present challenges over a four-week timespan.
The Chi-Craft esports initiative started with 20 schools and now has over 70 schools participating, including 700 students. To incentivize participation, CPS wants teachers to know they have their support.
To combat the issue of retaining female and non-binary students in esports, Chi-Craft has partnered with GirlsWhoGame. The initiative is also addressing equity in esports, aiming to retain more female and non-binary students.
Many other schools have used Minecraft to launch their esports programs. A catchy name for the school's esports team is recommended, and schools must have at least two to five students join the esports team and complete the necessary paperwork to register.
Professional learning for teachers and coaches is provided by partners such as New York City Public Schools and Microsoft. For precise details and to begin the process, schools or educators should reach out directly to Chicago Public Schools’ esports division or visit the official CPS website, as official channels will provide the most current and accurate information on participation requirements, registration, and support options.
- To participate in the Chi-Craft Minecraft esports initiative, Chicago schools can either use their own funding or apply for Chi-Craft funding to run the esports group.
- Schools should contact the program organizers or the CPS esports or gaming department to express interest and can register through an official website or sign-up portal provided by CPS or the Chi-Craft initiative.
- Minecraft: Education Edition, which is compatible with Chromebooks, iPads, Windows, and Mac machines, is free for all CPS students, staff, and schools.
- Participating schools will engage in scheduled Minecraft esports competitions or leagues, with entries being judged on a STEM-powered rubric and a battle of the builds format.
- Professional learning for teachers and coaches is provided by partners such as New York City Public Schools and Microsoft, while Chicago Public Schools has also partnered with GirlsWhoGame to attract more female and non-binary students to esports.
