8-10 yrs old
11-13 yrs old
14-18 yrs old
Climate & Environment
Computer Science
Science
Shipwrecks have both naturally grown into reefs and are often sunk purposefully to seed new reef development. Simulate this experience in Minecraft.
June 13, 2018
Shipwrecks
The Wild World of Shipwrecks resource from BBC Nature
SS Yongala
An overview of the SS Yongala from Dive Zone
USNS Vandenberg
USNS Vandenberg off Key West from Key West Dive Center
Worlds & MakeCode Files
In certain locations, shipwrecks settled on the ocean floor have, in certain cases, been transformed into coral reefs. Coral grows over time and evolves into an ecosystem that flourishes with marine life. In some situations, structures have been purposefully placed underwater or ships have been sunk in specific locations to support the development of reefs. However, there is not complete support for this behaviour, and some groups have grown concerned at the sudden influx of man-made reef development.
Students will split the class into two groups, and run a debate on the following question: Are man-made reef developments good for the ocean? Debate teams need to bring research on the topic from a variety of sources and convince the judges whether shipwrecks should continue to be used in this way or whether there should be a moratorium. Reach out to local experts for volunteer judges for this activity.
To bring Computer Science into the discussion, students can simulate the transition from a man-made structure to a coral reef. Using “Fill” and “Replace” commands, structures built in Minecraft from stained glass can be replaced with different types of coral blocks to complete the conversion. For an additional challenge, students can also create their own underwater sculptures and use similar code to create their own reef seeds.
Students will debate on the practice of using shipwrecks to develop coral reefs and whether it is harmful or helpful to the ocean ecosystem
Students will use repeat loops, fill commands, and replace commands to transform underwater glass structures into coral reefs
Students will create their own underwater sculptures to be used as seeds for reef development
Students will use the Minecraft Structure Block to export a 3d model of their sculpture as a before and after approach and submit the .glb files for assessment
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