The Calgary Board of Education (CBE), The City of Calgary and Minecraft Education are calling all students, including those in Rocky View Schools and the Calgary Catholic School District to participate in the building of a virtual universe in the cult hit video game Minecraft.

"Launching this week, Level Up, Calgary Season 2: Achievement Unlocked will once again challenge Calgary students to build in an expanded and custom Calgary world rendered in the Minecraft universe," The City of Calgary Stated. "Season two will see amazing new challenges with inspiring downtown champions continuing the partnership between The design challenge will also welcome students from and to create digital design solutions that help inform real-life solutions for The City."

According to the city, in Season 2: Achievement Unlocked, students can choose from four different build sites including Sien Lok Park, Fort Calgary, an underground Green Line LRT station at Eau Claire and a special challenge just for kindergarteners at the Calgary Public Library. At each building site, students will interact with local community leaders and City staff to help frame each city building challenge.  

“After a very successful first year of Minecraft Education, we are excited to launch season two with even more opportunities for students to learn, explore and create sustainable designs,” said CBE Chief Superintendent of Schools Christopher Usih. “We are so fortunate for this ongoing partnership as it is an invaluable way for students to advance their digital skills while preparing them to be future changemakers in a fun and creative way.” 

Last year, the game-based learning platform had more than 12,000 CBE students participate and respond to the design prompt of reimagining public spaces to enrich the lives of Calgarians and strengthen the community.

The City, alongside its partners, the CBE and Microsoft Canada, were also the recipient of the Minister’s Awards for Municipal Excellence in the Partnership category for the first season of Level Up, Calgary.

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