Prompt Lab
Working with Minecraft Education
and Microsoft Copilot
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab.
Introduction
Welcome to Minecraft Prompt Lab for Educators, a transformative
journey into integrating Minecraft Education and Microsoft Copilot
into your teaching practice.
This series is designed to empower educators with the skills and
knowledge to creatively use Minecraft Education as a dynamic
teaching tool, leveraging the strengths of Microsoft Copilot to
enhance the learning experience.
Through this series, you will embark on a path to not only understand
the educational potential of Minecraft but also to skillfully weave it
into your curriculum to achieve specific learning objectives.
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
Who Is This Series For?
This module is specifically designed for educators and teachers who are eager to
embrace innovative teaching methods by integrating Minecraft Education and Microsoft
Copilot into their classrooms. Whether you are a seasoned educator familiar with game-
based learning or new to the concept, this module is for you if:
• You are seeking dynamic teaching tools: If you aim to bring a fresh perspective to your
teaching methods and engage your students in a more interactive and enjoyable learning
process, this module will guide you on how to use Minecraft Education effectively.
• You want to enhance student engagement: Ideal for educators looking to boost
student motivation and participation through interactive and immersive learning
experiences.
• You are open to technology integration in education: This module is perfect for those
who are enthusiastic about incorporating advanced technologies like AI (Artificial
Intelligence) and game-based learning platforms into their teaching practices.
• You aim for curriculum innovation: If your goal is to transform your curriculum to be
more adaptable, creative, and aligned with 21st-century skills, this journey through
Minecraft and Copilot will provide you with the necessary tools and strategies.
• You prioritize collaborative and problem-solving skills: Educators focused on
developing critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills in their
students will find this module particularly beneficial.
This module is a steppingstone towards revolutionizing your teaching approach, making
your classroom a more engaging, informative, and innovative environment.
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
Series Objectives
• Understanding Minecraft Education as a Teaching Tool: Develop a foundational
understanding of how Minecraft Education can be used to foster student creativity,
collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Integrating Minecraft into Curricular Goals using Copilot: Learn to seamlessly
integrate Minecraft Education into your curriculum, using Microsoft Copilot to align with
educational standards and learning objectives.
• Designing Engaging Minecraft-Based Lesson Plans using Copilot: Gain competence in
creating comprehensive and engaging lesson plans, utilizing Microsoft Copilot to
effectively incorporate the "Build a Satellite" challenge in Minecraft Education.
• Applying Real-World Concepts in Minecraft, supported with Copilot: Master the ability
to translate real-world scenarios and concepts into the Minecraft setting, enriching your
students' learning experiences.
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
Module Format
This series combines interactive hands-on activities, and demonstrations. You will engage
with a mix of instructional content, guided Minecraft sessions, and collaborative
discussions, all aimed at building your proficiency in using Minecraft Education and
Microsoft Copilot as an educational tool.
By the end of this module, you will be well-prepared to integrate Minecraft Education and
Microsoft Copilot into your teaching, enhancing the learning experience for your
students with the innovative use of technology.
Modules are divided into Learning (things to know and understand) and Labs (things to
practice).
Prerequisites for this Series
Before we dive into the exciting journey of integrating Minecraft Education and
Microsoft Copilot into your teaching practice, it's important to ensure you are
well-prepared. Below is a list of prerequisites designed to maximize your
learning experience in this series.
• Basic Familiarity with Minecraft.
• Understanding of Educational Technologies.
• Foundational Knowledge in Pedagogy.
• Comfort with Technology.
• Interest in Game-Based Learning.
• Basic Understanding of AI Tools.
• Creativity and Openness to New Methods.
• Access to Necessary Resources.
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
Important Data Privacy Warning
As you engage in building educational prompts, particularly when using digital tools like
Minecraft Education and Microsoft Copilot, please be considerate about data privacy and
protection. Privacy and data protection are not just legal requirements but ethical
imperatives in education.
Please heed the following warning:
Do Not Share Personal or Sensitive Information
• Avoid Using Personal Data
• Student Privacy is Paramount
• Compliance with Privacy Laws
• Use Secure Platforms
• Educate About Privacy
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
How to Get Started – Minecraft Education
If you are licensed to use Minecraft Education through your O365 EDU account, download
directly at https://aka.ms/download or reach out to your IT department for assistance.
More information on deployment and license assignment can be found at
https://aka.ms/meedeployguide
Here’s how to get setup:
• First, check here to see if your school account is eligible.
• If you do not have a valid O365 EDU account, you can still download and play for free on
Windows, Mac or iPad.
• Download Minecraft Education for Windows, Mac, Android Phone & Tablets, Chromebook,
iPhone or iPad.
Once you are set-up with Minecraft Education, you should:
• If you are new, become familiar with the basic functions of Minecraft Education, using the
videos on Getting Familiar with Minecraft Education (youtube.com)
• Check out the Minecraft Education learning available for fere on MS Learn Minecraft
Education: Teacher Academy - Training | Microsoft Learn
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
Understanding Minecraft Education and
Microsoft Copilot
In this lesson you will gain a basic understanding of the educational
benefits and applications of Minecraft Education
https://education.minecraft.net/en-us and Microsoft Copilot
https://copilot.microsoft.com/ in fostering student creativity,
collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
Minecraft Education, its features, and its role in modern
education.
Key Features of Minecraft Education:
• Engagement and Motivation: Minecraft Education engages students in a familiar and
fun environment, boosting motivation and interest in learning.
• Skill Development: Facilitates the development of 21st-century skills such as creativity,
problem-solving, digital literacy, and collaboration.
• Adaptable Learning: Adapts to different learning styles and levels, allowing for
personalized education
experiences.
• Interdisciplinary
Approach: Encourages
an interdisciplinary
approach to learning,
blending elements of
gaming with traditional
educational content.
• Global Education
Community: Connects
educators and students
globally, sharing resources, ideas, and learning experiences.
Minecraft Education represents a significant shift in educational methods, aligning with
modern pedagogical approaches that emphasize interactive, student-centred learning.
It's an innovative tool that brings a fresh perspective to the classroom, making learning
more dynamic, relevant, and enjoyable for students.
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
Minecraft's Role in Modern Education
• Engagement and Motivation: Minecraft Education engages students in a familiar and fun
environment, boosting motivation and interest in learning.
• Skill Development: Facilitates the development of 21st-century skills such as creativity,
problem-solving, digital literacy, and collaboration.
• Adaptable Learning: Adapts to different learning styles and levels, allowing for
personalized education experiences.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Encourages an interdisciplinary approach to learning, blending
elements of gaming with traditional educational content.
• Global Education Community: Connects educators and students globally, sharing
resources, ideas, and learning experiences.
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
What is Microsoft Copilot?
Microsoft Copilot https://copilot.microsoft.com/ is an AI-powered tool designed to assist
in various tasks, particularly in the realm of content creation, data analysis, and problem-
solving. It leverages advanced AI algorithms to understand and execute a wide range of
commands and queries, making it a versatile assistant in many professional scenarios,
including education.
Key Capabilities of Microsoft Copilot:
• Content Generation and Editing: It's able to generate text-based content like lesson
plans, email drafts, reports, and more. It also offers editing and enhancement suggestions
for existing documents.
• Data Analysis and Interpretation:
Can analyse large sets of data,
providing summaries, insights, and
recommendations. It is also useful
for interpreting student performance
data, survey results, etc.
• Problem-Solving Assistance: Helps
in brainstorming solutions for
various challenges, offering creative
and logical suggestions. It can also
assist in developing strategies for
classroom management, lesson
planning, and more.
• Research and Information
Gathering: Quickly gathers
information on a wide range of
topics, useful for lesson preparation
and staying updated with
educational trends. It can compile and summarize relevant research material.
• Interactive Learning and Feedback: Provides interactive learning experiences, offering
instant feedback and suggestions. Useful for educators in refining their teaching methods
and materials.
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
It’s all about Prompts.
We're going to use Microsoft Copilot and Minecraft Education
together to build a great lesson. As we'll work through the rest of
this module, getting great results is all dependent on writing
great prompts.
Prompts, in the context of interacting with AI systems or creative
processes, refer to a set of instructions, questions, or statements
designed to elicit a response or guide the generation of content.
They serve as a starting point or a guide, helping to direct the
focus and scope of the response.
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
Why is a Good Prompt Important?
A good or great prompt is key to achieving high-quality, relevant, and satisfying results
from AI generation tools. It bridges the gap between your imagination and the AI's
interpretation, leading to more effective and enjoyable creations.
Writing a good or great prompt when using AI generation tools like Microsoft Copilot is
important for several reasons:
• Accuracy in Output: A well-crafted prompt helps the AI in accurately interpreting and
rendering your ideas. The more precise and detailed your description, the closer the
resulting output will be to your envisioned concept.
• Reducing Ambiguity: Vague or overly broad prompts can lead to unexpected or
undesired outcomes. Clear and detailed prompts minimize ambiguity, guiding the AI to
produce outputs that align more closely with your intentions.
• Enhancing Creativity: A good prompt can inspire more creative and unique outputs. By
providing specific details and context, you encourage the AI to generate outputs that are
not just accurate but also imaginative and engaging.
• Efficiency and Timesaving: When your prompt is clear and detailed, it reduces the need
for multiple iterations. This saves time, as you are more likely to get a satisfactory result on
the first try.
• Better Utilization of AI Capabilities: A well-written prompt allows you to make full use of
the AI's capabilities. By clearly articulating styles, moods, and specific elements, you can
explore the full range of what the AI can create.
• Avoiding Misinterpretations: A great prompt leaves less room for the AI to misinterpret
your request, ensuring that the content of the generated image is appropriate and aligns
with your expectations.
• Enhanced User Experience: Crafting a good prompt can be a creative and enjoyable
process. It allows you to think deeply about what you want to create, enhancing your
overall experience with the tool.
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
Crafting a Good Prompt
Crafting effective prompts for educational purposes involves clarity, specificity, and
relevance to the learning objectives.
Here's how you can adapt the principles for Microsoft Copilot or similar AI tools to
education-focused queries using ‘GLEAM’:
• G - Goal: Define the educational goal or objective of your query.
• L - Level: State the educational level or grade level for which the learning is intended.
• E - Examples: Request specific examples or analogies to better illustrate the topic.
• A - Assess: Critically assess the AI's responses for accuracy and educational value.
• M - Modify: Be willing to refine or modify your query based on the responses to get more
precise information.
Assess &
Goal Level Examples
Modify
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
Example of a Good Prompt
Here’s an example of a well-structured educational prompt:
"I’m teaching high school students studying American history and I'm
having trouble explaining the significance of the American Civil War.
Could you provide a concise summary of the main causes of the war, its
major events, and its long-term impact on American society?”
In this short example, the prompt is clear about the educational need, the level of
understanding, and the specific information required, leading to more targeted and
useful assistance from the AI.
You can ask AI to assess your prompt against these criteria and provide feedback. Later
in this module we’ll explore this.
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
Build Challenge Prompt Lab
Use Microsoft Copilot to help us make a Lesson Plan for Minecraft
Education. Navigate to https://copilot.microsoft.com/
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
Build Challenges Are a Great Starting Point
We're going to build our immersive and
excising lesson around a Minecraft Build
challenge.
A Minecraft Build Challenge is an
engaging and creative activity often used in
educational settings, particularly within
Minecraft Education. You can get Build
Challenges at
These challenges are designed to
encourage students to use their
imagination, critical thinking, and
problem-solving skills to build
something specific within the Minecraft world.
Each challenge usually has a unique theme or a specific goal, providing students with a
clear objective to achieve through their builds.
There are many themed build challenges that educators can use in their classrooms.
Here are some great ones to start with:
• Orbital Outpost https://education.minecraft.net/en-us/challenges/orbital-outpost :
Students design and build a space-themed structure, like a space station or a lunar base.
• Sports Spectacle https://education.minecraft.net/en-us/challenges/sports-spectacle :
This challenge revolves around creating sports-related structures, like stadiums or athletic
fields.
• Build a Satellite https://education.minecraft.net/en-us/challenges/build-a-satellite : This
challenge combines science and engineering as students design and construct a satellite.
These build challenges not only enhance students' Minecraft skills but also integrate
educational elements from various disciplines, making learning more interactive and fun.
They are excellent for promoting collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
Build A Satellite
There are more than 7000 satellites in orbit around Earth. We use them every day in our
phones, cars, and airplanes. They are the way we stay connected to our modern world.
Your challenge is to create a satellite of any shape or size within Minecraft. Choose what
purpose your satellite will serve and include details in your build to help the satellite
achieve its task. Some examples could be a Communication, Weather, GPS or Research
Satellite.
This build challenge is about building a
satellite in Minecraft. It is an open
template that has a building area, where
students can build their own satellite.
But we are going to use Copilot to help
us build classroom experience using this
Minecraft World.
A Minecraft world is a virtual landscape
where players can explore, create, and
interact within the Minecraft game.
These worlds are generated by the game and consist of varied terrains, ecosystems, and
features. They can include mountains, forests, rivers, oceans, and various biomes, each
with its unique characteristics and resources. Players can mine resources, build
structures, and engage with both passive and hostile entities (like animals and monsters)
in these worlds.
In the context of Minecraft Education, a Minecraft world becomes an educational space.
Educators can use these worlds as interactive environments for teaching various
subjects, from history and science to art and mathematics. The worlds can be customized
or selected from a range of templates to suit specific educational objectives.
You can open the Minecraft world directly with this link:
https://education.minecraft.net/world/84eec9f5-5e00-4702-b21e-9f0f3948deff
Or you can access it through this web page:
https://education.minecraft.net/en-us/challenges/build-a-satellite
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
Putting it into practice – Crafting a Build Challenge
Start Microsoft Copilot to help us craft better prompts for
education. Navigate to https://copilot.microsoft.com/
Copy and paste the ‘build challenge prompt’ on the next
page into the Copilot, swapping out the details in square
brackets with information and your prompt.
Now we have a build challenge prompt, which we can now use on a PowerPoint slide for
our class.
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
Build Challenge Prompt
I would like a build challenge prompt for my class. I will be using
Minecraft Education and the Build Challenge world name of build
challenge] which is located at the web page [website where challenge
is located on education.minecraft.net].
The class groups are made up of students of [Grade / Age] and they
are studying the subject [add a subject, which could be related to
building a community]. The class will last [min]. I would like the
challenge to be in a single paragraph, inspiring and lead them to
investigate the topic more before building with Minecraft. I would
like them to work as [choose individuals or groups] on their
Minecraft building.
Example Application
I would like a build challenge prompt for my class. I will be using
Minecraft Education and the Build Challenge world ‘Building a
Satellite’ which is located at the web page
https://education.minecraft.net/en-us/challenges/build-a-satellite.
The class groups are made up of students of Grade 6 and they are
studying the subject Space Science. The class will last 45 min. I
would like the challenge to be in a single paragraph, inspiring and
lead them to investigate the topic more before building with
Minecraft. I would like them to work as Individuals on their
Minecraft building.
Example Response from Copilot
Imagine you are a space engineer tasked with designing a satellite that will orbit the Earth.
Your satellite will be responsible for collecting data on the Earth’s atmosphere, weather
patterns, and other environmental factors. Your challenge is to design a satellite that can
withstand the harsh conditions of space and collect accurate data. Consider the following
questions as you design your satellite: What instruments will your satellite need to collect
data? How will your satellite communicate with Earth? What materials will you use to build
your satellite? What challenges will you face when designing your satellite?
I hope this prompt inspires your students to think creatively and critically about the challenges
of designing a satellite. Good luck with your class!
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
Add Student Introduction Materials
That's great!
I would like an introduction that I can use with my [Grade of
students] students within this class. The introduction should explain
a [topic], why they are important and what things we must consider
when building them. Also set out some information sources that
students can access, that are grade appropriate and supportive on the
subject.
Set the text out as a handout in grade appropriate language that the
student can follow.
Example Application
That's great!
I would like an introduction that I can use with my Grade 6 students
within this class. The introduction should explain a satellite, why
they are important and what things we must consider when building
them. Also set out some information sources that students can access,
that are grade appropriate and supportive on the subject.
Set the text out as a handout in grade appropriate language that the
student can follow.
Example Response from Copilot
Here’s an introduction that you can use with your Grade 6 students studying Space Science.
The introduction is designed to be easily understood by students and provides a brief overview
of satellites, their importance, and what to consider when building them:
What is a satellite?
A satellite is an object that orbits a planet or a star. Earth is a satellite orbiting the Sun, and
the Moon is a satellite orbiting Earth. Satellites can be natural or artificial. Natural satellites
are objects that occur naturally in space, such as the Moon. Artificial satellites are man-made
objects that are launched into space and move around Earth or another body in space.
Satellites have a variety of uses, including communication relay, weather forecasting,
navigation, broadcasting, scientific research, and Earth observation. They can help us learn
about Earth and the universe.
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
Why are satellites important?
Satellites are important because they can collect more data, more quickly, than instruments
on the ground. They can see into space better than telescopes at Earth’s surface because they
fly above the clouds, dust, and molecules in the atmosphere that can block the view from the
ground. Satellites can collect data on large areas of Earth at one time, which helps us better
understand the planet and its environment. They can also help us predict weather patterns,
track hurricanes, and monitor wildfires, volcanoes, and their smoke. Satellites are also used
for communications, such as TV signals and phone calls around the world. They help us find
our way with GPS.
What things must we consider when building a satellite?
When building a satellite, we must consider several important factors, such as what it looks
like and where it is going. We must decide what instruments the satellite will need to collect
data, how it will communicate with Earth, what materials we will use to build it, and what
challenges we will face when designing it. We must also consider the harsh conditions of space
and design a satellite that can withstand them.
Here are some grade-appropriate information sources that your students can access to learn
more about satellites:
• NASA Space Place
• NASA/JPL Edu
• NASA’s Eyes on the Solar System
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
Build an Assessment Rubric
Thank you, that's awesome.
Now I would like an assessment rubric for the build challenge. The
rubric should be suitable for [Grade] pupils, who are working towards
[Your state or Education Jurisdiction]. The rubric should be set out
in a table.
Example Application
Thank you, that's awesome.
Now I would like an assessment rubric for the build challenge. The
rubric should be suitable for Grade 6 pupils, who are working towards
Texas State Standards. The rubric should be set out in a table.
Example Response from Copilot
Here’s an assessment rubric for your Grade 6 students working towards Texas State
Standards. The rubric is designed to be easily understood by students and provides a clear
outline of the criteria that will be used to evaluate their work:
Criteria Description Sco
re
Creativity The satellite design is original, imaginative, and visually appealing. 1-4
Functional The satellite is designed to collect data on the Earth’s atmosphere, weather 1-4
ity patterns, and other environmental factors.
Communic The satellite is designed to communicate with Earth and transmit data effectively. 1-4
ation
Materials The satellite is built using appropriate materials that can withstand the harsh 1-4
conditions of space.
Presentati The student presents their satellite design in a clear and organized manner. 1-4
on
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
Each criterion will be scored on a scale of 1-4, with 1 being the lowest score and 4 being the
highest score. The total score will be calculated by adding up the scores for each criterion. I
hope this rubric helps you evaluate your students’ work effectively. Good luck with your class!
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
Map to Standards
How does this project map to [State / Region] Standards?
Lab 3d: Example Application
How does this project map to Texas State Standards?
Lab 3d: Example Response from Copilot
The project you have designed for your Grade 6 students studying Space Science maps to
several Texas State Standards. Here are some of the relevant standards that your students will
be working towards:
• Scientific and engineering practices: Students will plan and conduct investigations to answer
questions and explain phenomena using appropriate tools and models. They will identify
problems and design solutions using appropriate tools and models 1.
• Matter and energy: Students will build upon their knowledge of properties of solids, liquids, and
gases and further explore their molecular energies. They will learn how elements are classified
as metals, nonmetals, or metalloids based on their properties on the Periodic Table. Students
will compare the density of substances relative to fluids and identify evidence of chemical
changes 1.
• Force, motion, and energy: Students will investigate the relationship between force and motion
using a variety of means, including calculations and measurements through the study of
Newton’s Third Law of Motion. They will learn that energy occurs as either potential or kinetic
energy and that energy is conserved throughout systems by changing from one form to
another and transfers through waves 1.
• Earth and space: Students will study cycles within Sun, Earth, and Moon systems as they learn
about seasons and tides. They will identify that the Earth is divided into spheres and examine
the processes within and organization of the geosphere 1.
I hope this information helps you understand how your project aligns with Texas State
Standards. Good luck with your class!
END OF LAB 3
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
Conclusion
In summary, this educational module has aimed to harness the immense potential of
Minecraft Education as an innovative and engaging learning tool. Through the practical
activities and theoretical insights presented, we've explored how this platform can
revolutionize teaching methodologies and foster a more interactive, student-centred
learning environment.
As we conclude, it's important to reflect on the key takeaways:
• Versatility in Education: Minecraft Education is not just a game; it's a versatile platform
that can be adapted to various subjects and educational levels, from elementary through
to higher education.
• Enhancing Student Engagement: By incorporating this tool into your curriculum, you can
enhance student engagement, nurture creativity, and develop critical thinking and
problem-solving skills in a fun, relatable format.
• Continuous Professional Development: To further deepen your understanding and
mastery of using Minecraft Education in the classroom, I highly recommend exploring the
MS Learn courses specifically designed for Minecraft Education. These courses offer
valuable insights and strategies to effectively integrate this tool into your teaching
practice. You can find these resources at Minecraft Education on MS Learn.
• Theme-Based Challenges: Additionally, don't forget to utilize the various themed build
challenges such as Orbital Outpost, Sports Spectacle, and Historical Homes, among
others. These challenges are great for stimulating students' imagination and can be
seamlessly integrated into different learning modules. You can explore these challenges in
detail at Minecraft Education Challenges.
In closing, the journey of integrating Minecraft Education into your teaching practice is
an exciting and ongoing process. Embrace the creativity and flexibility it offers, and
witness the transformative impact it can have on your students' learning experiences.
Remember, education is not just about imparting knowledge; it's about inspiring and
engaging young minds to explore, create, and achieve.
Minecraft Education Prompt Lab
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