"<< Background >>Our Minecraft Erasmus+ project tackles critical education gaps in Europe. We aim to equip future generations with essential skills: coding and AI. Coding underpins the digital world (Victoria, 2021) and fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration (Kaplancali et al., 2017). Despite high demand, the EU faces a programmer shortage (CBI Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2021). AI in education is booming (https://bit.ly/366iB9h), promising a ""fourth education revolution"" (Seldon & Abidoye, 2018) with a profound impact on children (Gray, 2020).Our project bridged these needs. Through Minecraft, we introduce young students to coding in a fun and interactive way, sparking interest in programming careers. We also connected AI and coding to Minecraft game based learning, familiarizing children with basic AI principles. Additionally, our created project resources can upskill teachers and digitize education. The project outcomes equip children with vital future skills, support teachers with new quality resources, and promotes game based learning with Minecraft education, making a significant impact on young learners and the therefore the EU's workforce.<< Objectives >>The AI-COSMIC project aimed to equip primary school students with basic coding skills and familiarity with AI principles through engaging Minecraft activities. These activities were built around the ""AI Five Big Ideas,"" ensuring a strong foundation in key concepts like learning, creativity, computational thinking, and problem-solving with Minecraft built in AI.The project also empowered teachers by educating them on AI and coding fundamentals, enhancing their ability to integrate these skills into engaging lessons using digital tools. This created a more dynamic learning environment for students and equipped teachers with the confidence to lead the way in this evolving educational landscape.The project promoted game-based learning across subjects like mathematics and ICT. Minecraft's worlds became a platform for applying coding concepts, making learning not just effective but also fun and interactive.We developed an accreditation system for each game's coding skills for primary schools. The ""AI-COSMIC BADGES"" provided a tangible recognition of student achievement, motivating them to continue developing their coding skills and fostering a sense of accomplishment.<< Implementation >>Activities:Progress ReportsQuality AssuranceProject Quality PlanDissemination plan WebsiteExploitation PlanKick-Off Meeting (Croatia),Introductory Guide: Concepts of AI & CodingMethods for Delivering AI & Coding through MinecraftCoding Specifications for Minecraft EnvironmentsElaboration of AI Challenges for CodingDevelopment of Lesson StructureAI-Cosmic Handbook: A Practitioner's Approach to AI and Coding in MinecraftValidation & Localisation of the AI-Cosmic HandbookCOSMICON Minecraft Game:Inception and Creation of the AI-Cosmic Minecraft World2nd TPM (Athens, Greece)Elaboration and Development of the Game Mission and Content Design of Resources & Implementation of Resource Packs and ModsCreation of Instructional Material and Guide (Parent's Guide & Teacher's Pack)Dry Runs & Validation Release3rd TPM (Training in Riga, Latvia)External PilotingLocalisation & Final ReleaseMinecraft LicensesFeedback Loop and Recognition Framework:Establishment of Feedback Loop4th TPM (Italy)Certification Framework: Mapping Framework for Accreditation in Partner CountriesEstablishment of Certification Validation & LocalisationRollout & Promotional Activities << Results >>The AI-COSMIC project delivers a comprehensive toolkit for integrating AI and coding into primary education through Minecraft Education Edition.Teacher Resource:Handbook: ""AI & Coding in Minecraft - A Practitioner's Approach"" (validated and localized)""AI and Coding in Minecraft"" presentation (using Minecraft resources)Framework for delivering AI-inspired coding experiences in MinecraftCollection of 5 AI-themed coding challengesStudent Resources:Detailed lesson template for teachersFinal Minecraft worlds with custom resource packs and challengesParent and Teacher guide for Minecraft world usageProject Management:Quality assurance reports (Project Quality Plan, Progress reports, Exploitation plan)Promotion materials and websiteFeedback loop establishment and final report with recognition framework (including certification scheme)Meeting agendas, minutes and attendance lists for key project stagesMinecraft World DevelopmentDesign scenario drafts and initial Minecraft world ideasDetailed mission design document within the Minecraft environment, including NPC text Teacher pack and parent instructional guidePiloting and Evaluation:Piloting guidelines, evaluation questionnaires, and activity reportsTraining material"
