Engaging the powerhouse: mitochondrial biology learning through Minecraft

Gaining a comprehensive understanding of mitochondrial biology and applying it effectively require adequate content knowledge, critical thinking skills, and evaluative judgment. Minecraft Education Edition (MEE), a versatile educational platform, facilitates the creation of immersive learning environments that help address these challenges. This article outlines a comprehensive, structured learning pathway, built in MEE, aimed at teaching mitochondrial function to second-year biology university students. The Minecraft Mitochondrial World (MMW), the first of its kind, was created to provide a comprehensive immersive learning experience that fosters critical thinking, deeper understanding, and meaningful engagement with mitochondrial biology. The learning pathway begins with students assuming the persona of an electron as they "dive" through representations of the electron transport chain (ETC), learning about ETC carriers, potential energy, and mitochondrial function. This is followed by scaffolded three-dimensional (3-D) modules that simulate key mitochondrial processes, including electron flow, reduction potential, proton pumping, ATP synthesis, and reactive oxygen species production. The third element of the learning pathway engages students in a gravity-inspired "electron carrier" role-play serious game. In the fourth activity, students explore gigantic 3-D models of ETC complexes I and IV to examine electron flow through large-scale representations that metaphorically depict molecular processes. The fifth activity explores mitochondrial dynamics, whereas the final activity engages students with an innovative cellular respiration simulator, where they control inputs while diagnosing an array of visually dynamic outputs to apply higher-order thinking skills. Innovative "in-world" learning support approaches are outlined, as are reflections regarding deployment of such resources in tertiary-level biology education.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The Minecraft Mitochondrial World (MMW) is the first comprehensive tertiary-level cell biology learning environment developed in Minecraft Education Edition (MEE). We describe an innovative approach to designing and deploying a dynamic, interactive, and experiential mitochondrial learning experience in MEE. The approach includes sophisticated simulations to model cellular respiration. We further describe how the MMW's design principles make complex mitochondrial biology engaging, understandable, and enjoyable for learners of diverse educational backgrounds and learning preferences.