Seminar: Educating About and With Technology: Empowering Indigenous Students and Communities
Program: TLSI
Subject Area: Science
Grade Level: High school
Year of Publication: 2025
Abstract
This curriculum unit, titled “Digital Innovations for Water, Land, and Food Stewardship in Cibecue,” is designed to engage high school computer science students in meaningful, real-world problem-solving. At its core, the unit challenges students to identify critical issues within the Cibecue Apache community related to environmental sustainability—specifically concerning water and land management, as well as food security. Leveraging the popular platform Minecraft Education Edition, students will collaboratively design digital prototypes of machines, robots, or AI-powered technologies that propose innovative solutions to these challenges. This approach builds upon the success of previous project-based learning initiatives, such as the “Elm Trees Exterminator” project, by allowing students to apply their burgeoning technological skills to tangible community needs. The selection of Minecraft and AI application aligns with current technological trends, ensuring students develop relevant and future-ready skills.