More Lessons in Good Trouble with Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi

This summer, explore two new lessons in advocacy and civil rights heroism from our Lessons in Good Trouble world. Currently featured in the Minecraft: Education Edition Library, these interactive learning activities and lesson plans span the globe, continuing to inspire education with fun and memorable experiences for K12 learners.

Every lesson aims to cultivate a strong understanding of inclusion, equity, and community as your learners develop skills in Citizenship, Critical Thinking, and Community Building. In the most recent set of lessons to release, John Lewis introduces you to two highly influential social justice champions: Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. After researching their social roles and impacts, students can partner with each character in a build activity to engage in deeper learning, as well as gain the opportunity to show creative expression on this topic. Self-guided, or working together, these lessons create memorable learning moments both in and outside of the classroom.

One unified nation: South Africa and Apartheid

Embark on a journey like no other into the Republic of South Africa and learn about the events which sculpted Apartheid into a unified nation. Subjects include Politics and Civics, Social Justice, and Leadership. Students entering the Good Trouble world are submersed into a journey to South Africa, starting on a street lined with Jacaranda trees. From there, they will join NPCs Congressman John Lewis and the former South African President, Nelson Mandela (Madiba). Madiba is a name that was frequently used in reference to Nelson Mandela. It's the name of the clan he was a member of.  A clan name like this is much more important than a surname, culturally, as it refers to the ancestor from which a person is descended from. Madiba was also the name of a Thembu chief who ruled in the Transkei in the 18th century, and conveyed great respect for Nelson Mandela whenever it was used.

From there, students are guided toward the monument of Steven Biko, leader of the Black Consciousness Movement. As they click on the activity, they have an opportunity to learn more about Biko and many others who were critical in the Anti-Apartheid movement. Students will conduct additional research on other important people and their contributions to the dismantling of the Apartheid system of government. They will then choose a figure who’s “Good Trouble” most resonates with them and build a monument in the blank space next to the chests of materials. The monument may be a representation of that particular figure or it may represent the Anti-Apartheid movement. Simply put, it's a creative expression of these themes and unique to each student!

Revolutionary Movement for India Independence

In the second new lesson introduced this month, students take a trip to India to join NPCs Congressman John Lewis and Indian National Congress Leader Mohandas Gandhi (Mahatma) to explore the philosophies, teachings, and actions of Gandhi, as well as the non-violent movement towards India’s Independence.

As learners progress through this interactive experience, they’ll develop a better understanding of how colonialism affects countries. They’ll also cultivate a better understanding of the importance of independence and sovereignty for nations across the globe. Through discussions on both current events and this moment in our history, students conduct research on the teachings and actions of Mahatma Gandhi and may apply their importance to the success of this historical movement. Moving forward from there, learners consider this area of India, making note of the different terrains and architectural designs represented. The interactive experience and learning take hold as students progress to a spot in this world where Gandhi invites them to build a statue in the garden, based upon his teachings. It’s a beautiful moment in creative expression as learners convey the importance and meaning of what they’ve just learned.

We invite you now to find these lessons in the Minecraft: Education Edition Library from the New and Featured prompt on the opening menu. Each of these resources can be accessed from the Lessons in Good trouble world. Full lesson plans are available in our Equity and Inclusion Subject kit, with even more to explore!