(Atlanta, GA – January 31, 2021) – The popular NASEF Farmcraft™ program is back in 2022, offering an original Minecraft world where students can learn about agriculture, food sustainability, and how climate change impacts farming. This fun, educational program is presented free to youth around the world by the U.S. Department of State and the North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF).

NASEF Farmcraft 2022 is a free science-based esports competition open to teams in grades 3-12. As part of public diplomacy programming, in cooperation with U.S. embassies and consulates, schools around the world are invited to create teams and complete in-game farming challenges, learning about the role of innovative technologies in achieving environmental, climate, and food security goals.

Students will learn from scientists in the virtual lab about how to leverage available technology and tools as they encounter issues like pests and drought. Winners will be selected based on quantifiable metrics (yield, environmental effects) within the competition biomes. Additionally, the fun virtual environment helps them improve STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and computer skills, and the team aspect builds their ability to communicate and collaborate with others.

“Kids love Minecraft, so it’s a perfect platform to connect their interests to education in an interactive project-based learning (PBL) opportunity. Participants will be challenged to build a sustainable virtual farm while creatively addressing real-life agricultural problems, such as insect and weed pests, soil degradation, and climate impacts. Simultaneously, they will need to meet productivity and environmental health goals. That’s a lot of learning while they game!” said Erik Leitner, a District STEM and Computer Science Instructional Facilitator for Broward County Public Schools, who is working with NASEF on the challenges.

NASEF Farmcraft 2022 Details

•  Teams and participants should register starting January 31 at NASEF.org/farmcraft
•  Throughout the Pre-Season and Regular Season, NASEF and the Department of State Farmcraft team will host “Food for Thought” events featuring noteworthy experts from related fields who will engage virtually with participants on the science and relevant agricultural issues.
•  Pre-Season February 2 - March 29: Includes livestreams every two weeks to show how this modded Minecraft world works. Educators will share lessons and instructional activities. Student teams will build and submit their own creations in response to the lesson prompts.
• Regular Season March 30 - June 1: Students will play in the custom Farmcraft Minecraft world and compete in three challenges to build their best farms. Students will present their work and discuss the problems they faced and solutions they used in virtual student summits. 
• [Date]: after an international panel of educators evaluates student entries, global winners are announced.
•  Requirements: Participation in this program is free! Participants need an internet connection and CPU access (computer, tablet, smartphone, Chromebook). The event will be held using Minecraft: Education Edition, which will be provided free to teams as needed. Teams with 2-4 members, plus an adult sponsor, are recommended.
•  English required; fluency not necessary. There is no geographic restriction.

NASEF will equip educators to implement this engaging PBL program. From elementary to middle to high school, from libraries to afterschool programs to classrooms, NASEF Farmcraft provides a blend of play and learning that appeals to students and teachers alike. NASEF Farmcraft™ is presented through a collaboration with NASEF, the U.S. Department of State, and American Spaces. Visit NASEF.org/farmcraft for information and to sign up. 

For queries relating to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, please contact [email protected]. 

 About the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ (ECA) mission is to build relations between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through academic, cultural, sports, professional and private exchanges, as well as public-private partnerships and mentoring programs. These exchange programs improve foreign relations and strengthen the national security of the United States. ECA programs, funding, and other activities encourage the involvement of American and international participants from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. Artists, educators, athletes, students, youth and rising leaders in the United States and more than 160 countries around the globe participate in academic, cultural, sports, and professional exchanges. For more information about ECA programs, initiatives, and achievements, visit eca.state.gov.

About NASEF

The North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) is on a mission to provide opportunities for all students to use esports as a platform to acquire STEM/STEAM-based skills and critical communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in work and in life. NASEF operates under the umbrella of the World Wide Scholastic Esports Foundation (WWSEF). Find NASEF at NASEF.org and on Twitch, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram