Challenge #1
To feed a growing human population, farmers must make decisions regarding where and how to distribute food to various markets. The distance between the farm and the market is not always short.
Research the types of transportation used to distribute produce to markets in your area. Build, narrate, and submit a Minecraft world that demonstrates your learning, displays your understanding, and educates others on food transportation in your area.
Some questions to consider when researching and developing your build:
- How does produce get from farms to my local markets?
- How far do certain types of produce have to travel to arrive at local markets?
- What is the connection between food transportation and climate change?
- What challenges does food transportation face and what are some of the current solutions to these challenges?
Challenge #2
In this challenge, you will use a custom Farmcraft map. Download the map using this guide.
Using the NASEF Farmcraft map in Minecraft Education, work with your teammates to FEED the Desert Biome. Using the Non-playable Characters (NPCs) as guides, consider the resources you need to successfully identify your seeds, grow and harvest your crops, and ship your products to the Desert Biome. Complete this task TWICE. The first time, GROW your crops using LEAST AMOUNT OF TECHNOLOGY (use manual processes). The second time, MAXIMIZE THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY (machines, drones, etc...).
In your video or written diary, recap your team's experience with the following questions:
- What were the two outcomes of challenge? Which playthrough had a lower Unit Cost and why?
- How did these two methods affect your Climate, Cost, and Crop Losses?
- What can your team do differently next time to produce a better score based on this information?
Virtual Exchange
What is different in schools in the US and Japan? What's the same? How about Africa, or Latin America, or Europe? Do we all eat the same foods? Do we grow them in the same ways? Did we have similar experiences with Farmcraft? Are our musical tastes the same? Do we all play the same games? Youth have an exciting opportunity to meet their peers from all around the world at a virtual exchange meeting where they can discuss their lives and interests.
Join us for a virtual exchange with others around the world on November 12, 2024 and December 12, 2024.
Sign up below to get notified!
Timeline of events
Oct. 1, 2024 - Dec. 12, 2024
Registration
November 12, 2024
December 10, 2024
Virtual Exchange Call
December 12, 2024
Both Challenges Due
Farmcraft® Archives
Farmcraft® 2024
Thank you to all the participants who joined us for Farmcraft® 2024! Farmcraft® 2024 was focused on the impact of digital technology on agricultural productivity. Many of the agricultural productivity increases in the last few decades have directly resulted from the adaptation and adoption of digital technologies to farming! View this season's page which includes the new world download, winners, educator lessons, previous livestreams and more!
View the Farmcraft® 2024 page
Farmcraft® 2021
This first season of Farmcraft® was focused on applying and adapting agricultural production techniques in different unique environmental biomes.
Farmcraft® 2022
The theme for 2022 was climate change, environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.
Farmcraft® 2023
The theme for 2023 was focused on food trade and food security, asking the question “What happens to food once it leaves the farm?” Participants will learn about the choices that farmers must make before even planting their crops, thinking about which crops to grow, who will eat the crops, where the crops must be sent, and how to deliver those crops.