The Andrews Labor Government has built a virtual world of Melbourne’s underground history and landmarks – including the Metro Tunnel – in Minecraft to help students hone their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Minister for Education James Merlino and Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan launched a Minecraft collaboration between the Department of Education and Training, and the Metro Tunnel Project today.
Minecraft enthusiasts around the world will be able to immerse themselves in ‘Mini Melbourne’ featuring familiar sights such as Flinders Street Station, St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne Town Hall and Federation Square.
The Mini Melbourne edition is available to all Minecraft users for download. Players can explore, build and design their own virtual corners of the city.
Primary and secondary students from government schools across Victoria can take part in an Archaeology Adventure as virtual archaeologists working at the Metro Tunnel dig site in Swanston Street and learn about artefacts recently uncovered.
Minecraft is an open-world video game that allows players to roam in virtual spaces and create their own buildings and cities.
Mini Melbourne is a Minecraft world-first – the first ‘virtual city’ built as an educational resource for students to learn more about our great city.
Minecraft is a global phenomenon with more than 154 million copies sold, making it the second best-selling video game of all time behind Tetris.
The software is used for education purposes in more than 100 countries, as students encounter real-world learning during their virtual exploration.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“Mini Melbourne in Minecraft is a fantastic resource that will enable Victorian government school students to learn more about Melbourne and its past.”
“Innovations such as this engage young people in problem solving and STEM subjects, inspiring them to work on city-shaping projects.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
“Mini Melbourne is a Minecraft world-first, teaching students about the biggest public transport project in Victoria’s history.”
“Young Victorians will gain a new appreciation for the Metro Tunnel, which will deliver more trains more often.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020