Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google


Minecraft EDU Takes Coding, STEAM Lessons Underwater

Minecraft EDU Takes Coding, STEAM Lessons Underwater 

A new update for Minecraft: Education Edition, called Update Aquatic, is adding underwater science to the educational version of the popular world-building game.

Update Aquatic adds new features and curriculum support, including 17 standards-aligned lessons in science, math, language arts and history. The update also adds:

  • Five template-based aquatic worlds: Shipwreck, Secret Reef, Lantern Shores, Monument Zone and Archipelago Town; and
  • Underwater coding adventures using Code Builder, which include hands-on student activities.

Microsoft, which owns Minecraft, is hosting a Minecraft hands-on workshop at ISTE 2018 June 24. (There will also be a Minecraft photo booth.) Details can be found on Microsoft's ISTE site.

The Update Aquatic for Minecraft: Education Edition is available now and can be downloaded directly from education.minecraft.net/get-started/download/. Additional details can be found at education.minecraft.net/aquatic.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • broken digital lock and glowing chain

    Check Point Researchers: AI Has Crossed into the Live Attack Chain

    AI is moving beyond assisting cybercriminals and beginning to operate within live attacks, according to a recent report from Check Point Research. The technology is making sophisticated capabilities faster and more accessible while creating new security risks for businesses deploying their own AI systems.

  • abstract glowing cube outlines

    Microsoft Positions Windows as a Platform for AI Agents

    The recent Microsoft Build 2026 developer conference highlighted a significant shift in the company's Windows strategy. Rather than presenting artificial intelligence as a collection of standalone features, Microsoft is increasingly positioning Windows as an operating environment for AI agents.

  • digital data protection and cyber security

    White House Issues New AI Security Framework

    President Donald Trump has launched a new executive order aimed at maintaining United States AI leadership while addressing the security risks posed by increasingly powerful AI systems.

  • Engineering team implements digital guardrails on AI

    3 Starting Points for Integrating AI Guardrails in K-12 Districts

    As education leaders start to craft an AI policy that is both practical and flexible enough to evolve with this fast-changing technology, there is at least one principle that should be foundational: AI should serve to augment human critical thinking and creativity but never replace human interaction and decision-making.