The role of Minecraft in STEM education: A study on the development of motivation and spatial abilities
Mustafa Gök, Burcu Özen
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Source: Crossref
Published: Jun 1, 2026
DOI: 10.1177/27527263261448836
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This study examines how integrating Minecraft into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education impacts seventh-grade students’ STEM motivation and spatial abilities. The research was conducted with 46 students during the 2021–2022 academic year and employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Over approximately 2 months, the experimental group ( n = 24) participated in weekly Minecraft-based STEM activities, while the control group ( n = 22) continued with standard instruction aligned with the national curriculum. STEM motivation and spatial ability were measured in both groups before and after the intervention using a motivation scale and a spatial ability test. Qualitative data were obtained through semistructured interviews with students in the experimental group. The results indicate that Minecraft-based STEM activities significantly enhanced students’ STEM motivation and spatial abilities. These findings suggest that actively integrating digital games into STEM education can effectively increase students’ interest in STEM fields and improve their spatial skills.
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