Stride, Inc., Reston, Virginia, United States: Stride Worlds for Minecraft Education

Written answers to the questions

To date, Stride, Inc. has published 11 worlds that can be played in Minecraft Education.

We released 4 worlds (Ocean Climate Impact Challenge, Jamestown, Egypt, and Rome) to the K12 curriculum in October 2022. We released an additional 3 worlds (Periodic Rescue, Library League, and American Civil War in June 2023). From October to December 2023, we released 4 additional worlds (Library Land, Habitats, Iliad Illuminated, and Coordinate Islands).

Today, all 11 worlds are available both in the K12 curriculum and the Learning Hub (learninghub.com).

Total 252 words used.

We wanted to build robust, standards-aligned game-based learning activities that went beyond supplemental learning experiences – we wanted students to be able to complete portions of their core instruction in Minecraft Education. By offering game-based content in a familiar platform, we hoped to increase engagement and learning outcomes, especially among struggling students.

We took a content-first approach, choosing subject areas, grade levels, and ultimately learning objectives for which we felt an immersive learning experience would be most impactful. We then worked closely with a development team to create a general narrative and mechanic for the world before writing a full game script based on the learning objectives. Each world went through playtesting and revisions, and we’re still collecting user feedback and making improvements to all of our worlds.

The Stride Worlds for Minecraft Education span four subject areas (ELA, math, history, science) and nine grade levels (grades 1 through 9). These immersive worlds feel like games, with custom character skins, witty non-player character (NPC) text, and robust narratives, such as helping Achilles tell his side of the events of the Iliad or helping Captain Grid complete quests on treacherous islands. They use Minecraft Education tools, like the in-game camera, portfolio, and journal; many also contain build activities, such as building a scene to demonstrate the theme of a story. Students can also complete side quests, such as making helium balloons for an NPC’s birthday.

Teaching guides with game-play descriptions, vocabulary, guiding questions, and more support teachers who are newer to Minecraft Education.

Total 348 words used.

Stride’s priorities include investing in academic quality, student/family experiences, and innovative products like Minecraft Education Worlds. As of January 31, 2024, there have been a total of 14,671 Stride Worlds for Minecraft Education play sessions. Based on data available mid-year, Stride’s general education enrollments increased +9% year over year. Stride’s year-over-year revenue for FY24 is projected to be +10% and between $153M and $203M. 

Below are testimonials from students who completed activities in our Stride Worlds for Minecraft Education within their courses:

• "Minecraft activities have helped me learn by showing me examples along with a tutorial for each thing that I do, making it more entertaining. It's pretty easy to learn things on there, especially since we don't have to read a lot."
• "It helped me learn what Egyptian life was like, similar to a VR world where you can see how they lived in 360 degrees or experience the same."
• "They made learning the periodic table enjoyable in the Atomic Rescue activity, enhancing my understanding significantly."
• "Minecraft helped me visualize the past better, offering a hands-on learning experience that textbooks could not."
• "These Minecraft activities were not just educational tools but also brought fun into learning, making difficult concepts more accessible and enjoyable."
• "By engaging in Minecraft, I got to explore ancient civilizations, learning about their culture, architecture, and daily life in a way that felt almost real."
• "Minecraft activities helped me learn problem-solving through challenges, giving me a deeper understanding of the societies I was studying."
• "It was a very fun and enjoyable way to get students to study. Since so many people are Minecraft fans, this integration of learning and gameplay was a GREAT idea."
• "These activities provided a visual representation of historical periods, helping me see what it would be like for people in the Middle Ages, and offering a unique perspective on historical events."
• "By making the lessons interactive, as if you are really there, Minecraft has made learning more engaging and memorable, allowing for a deeper connection with the subject matter."