BBC Earth Teams with Minecraft Education

BBC Earth and Minecraft Education have teamed to create five free Frozen Planet II-themed worlds, featuring immersive landscapes, animals and game-based learning resources.

The educational content has been made available for free to Minecraft: Education Edition users globally, accompanied by lesson plans for teachers to educate students about the importance of the frozen landscapes and allow them to explore the effects of climate change.

The five Frozen Planet II worlds will also be provided for free to Minecraft: Bedrock Edition players everywhere via the Minecraft Marketplace.

For the first time, Minecraft players will be able to play from the perspective of an animal, including the penguin, bumblebee and polar bear, allowing them to experience the frozen worlds from their view. Players can also try their hand at being a natural history filmmaking researcher on location, where they are tasked with documenting key animal behavior and information to inform environmental research.

The first frozen world is available now, with further games launching weekly. BBC Studio’s Natural History Unit’s Frozen Planet II is available to watch on BBC One and iPlayer.

Elizabeth White, series producer of Frozen Planet II, said, “One of the great things about the natural world is its power to engage and enthrall viewers young and old. We are delighted to partner with Minecraft on this range of educational computer games, which will enable children to interact with stories inspired by the series through gameplay and learn more about the challenges of these habitats through the additional lesson content.”

“We’re excited to partner with BBC Studios in this unique venture—we’re bringing a whole new perspective to Minecraft and, collaborating with the great minds behind Frozen Planet II, a truly authentic experience of some of the most fascinating and important areas of our world,” said Allison Matthews, head of Minecraft Education. “It’s never been more crucial to educate players everywhere about the effects of climate change and inspire a new generation of young people around sustainability. We believe it’s our responsibility to do so, and this partnership is the next big step in that direction.”