FARMCRAFT®
RESOURCE TOOLKIT FOR AMERICAN SPACES
This toolkit provides resources and guidance to help coordinators plan and implement Farmcraft® programs at American Spaces.
TECHNICAL SETUP
Minecraft Education Edition Setup
- Instructions for downloading, installing, and setting up Minecraft Education Edition.
Technical Requirements
- Necessary hardware and internet requirements.
- Laptop
- Chromebook,
- Mac
- PC
- Mobile phone with Internet connection
- Android
- iPhone
- iPad
- Laptop
Troubleshooting Guide
- Common technical issues and solutions.
Learn about Food Security through e-Gaming
Farmcraft is a free-to-play Department of State sponsored program that focuses on biotechnology and food. Using Minecraft Education Edition to teach students ages 8-18 about real-world agricultural systems through challenges and activities that force players to grapple with issues like food security, global trade, and the influence of technology on farming. It’s a fun way to learn how food gets from farms to our tables.
WHAT IS FARMCRAFT?
Farmcraft® is a global outreach program that uses the popular video game Minecraft to enhance awareness of food security and environmental sustainability. This program, aimed at youth from 8 to 18 years old, aligns with the mission of American Spaces by fostering mutual understanding and promoting American leadership in sustainable development, climate change mitigation, and economic prosperity. The program also features education in STEM and entrepreneurship.
ENGAGEMENT AND SUPPORT
Mentor and Volunteer Recruitment
- Tips for recruiting local mentors and volunteers and engaging alumni to support the program.
- Reach out to schools and universities to engage teachers and professors in the field of STEM and agriculture. These educators may also have contacts for companies and people working in STEM-related fields as well as in agriculture.
- Invite EducationUSA advisers to speak about eSports program opportunities at U.S. colleges and universities.
- Recruit from existing eSports clubs in your area.
Participant Engagement
Virtual and In-Person Events
- Ideas for hosting events virtually or in-person, including webinars, Q&A sessions, and workshops.
PROGRAM PLANNING
- Quick Start Guide
- Create an agenda based on NASEF’s schedule and your available resources. For personalized Farmcraft instructions, reach out to AmericanSpaces@state.gov
- General Timeline and Key Milestones: Farmcraft® will run from February to April each year, with additional challenges throughout the year. Visit the NASEF website for specific annual timelines. for specific annual timelines.
- Registration Process: Instructions for participants to register via the NASEF website.
- Setting Up Minecraft Education: Steps for downloading, installing, and configuring Minecraft Education Edition.
- Forming Teams and Assigning Roles: Team Guide
- Interactive Elements
- Introduce films on STEM, entrepreneurship, and Agriculture
- Implement training programs in related topics to get students interested.
- Encourage eSports and other activities that involve game design, programming, and coding.
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
Flyers and Posters:
- Description: These customizable templates to create attractive flyers and posters for promoting Farmcraft events at your American Space. These materials can be tailored to fit your specific event details, including dates, times, and locations.
- Usage Tips: Display the posters in high-traffic areas, such as entrances, bulletin boards, and common areas. Distribute flyers at local schools, community centers, and partner organizations to maximize outreach.
- Downloads:
Social Media Graphics and Posts:
- Description: Access a variety of pre-made graphics and suggested social media posts designed to generate excitement and awareness about Farmcraft® events. These resources are optimized for platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
- Usage Tips: Schedule regular posts leading up to the event to keep your audience engaged. Use relevant hashtags, tag local influencers, and encourage followers to share the content to expand your reach.
- Downloads: Social Media Graphics and Suggested Posts
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Evaluation and Feedback [coming soon]
- Food Security Toolkit
LESSON PLANS
Description: Comprehensive lesson plans show exactly how to use Minecraft to help participants learn about diverse topics such as food security, digital agriculture, biotechnology, entrepreneurship, and logistics – all while playing the game! These plans are designed to provide structured learning experiences that align with the goals of the Farmcraft® program.
- Usage Tips: Integrate these lesson plans into your existing educational programs or use them to create new workshops. Customize the plans to fit the needs and interests of your participants.
- Downloads: [Download Lesson Plans]
ACTIVITY GUIDES
- Description: Step-by-step guides for conducting in-game challenges and “Beyond the Game” activities. These guides help participants apply their learning in practical, hands-on scenarios that simulate real-world agricultural problems.
- Usage Tips: Use these guides to facilitate interactive sessions where participants can engage with the game and each other. Encourage teamwork and creative problem-solving.
- Downloads: [Download Activity Guides]
RESOURCE LIST
- Team Guide
- Description: A curated list of additional educational resources, including videos, articles, images, and books. These resources provide deeper insights into the topics covered in the Farmcraft® program and support further learning.
- Usage Tips: Share these resources with participants for independent study or incorporate them into your lesson plans and activities. Use them to spark discussions and exploration of advanced topics.
FOOD INSECURITY SOLUTIONS
U.S. Government Global Food Security Strategy 2022-2026
The Global Food Security Strategy is designed to assist vulnerable populations worldwide in attaining food security. It consists of several key programs, with the Feed the Future initiative at its core, aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, raising farmers’ incomes, and enhancing access to nutritious food in developing nations. Additionally, the strategy includes the Global Food Security Response program, which delivers emergency aid during food crises and conflicts. Furthermore, the strategy places a strong emphasis on sustainable agriculture and nutrition, ensuring long-term food security and resilience against global challenges such as climate change.
Biotechnology
Biotechnology plays a pivotal role in enhancing food security by providing innovative solutions to agricultural challenges. It involves the application of genetic engineering, molecular biology, and other advanced techniques to develop crops that are more resilient to pests, diseases, and environmental stressors. Genetically modified (GM) crops, for example, can exhibit increased yields and nutritional content, which helps address food shortages in many parts of the world. Biotechnology also enables the production of drought-resistant or salt-tolerant crops, contributing to more sustainable agriculture. Moreover, biotechnological advancements are crucial in developing new varieties of crops that can adapt to changing climate conditions, ultimately supporting global food security efforts.
The views expressed in these links and resources do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. government.
Updated December 2024
