Notes

Minecraft used To Teach Children Molecular Chemistry

Minecraft used to teach children molecular chemistry



Virtual world-building game Minecraft, played by tens of millions of kids around the world can be used in schools to teach pupils Chemistry.



A group of Hull University students created an educational version of the game that allows players to explore specially created molecular structures and understand chemistry.



Our goal is to involve young scientists in engaging and enjoyable ways.



Minecraft players use building blocks to construct structures and landscapes.



They are also encouraged to find treasures and other items.



'Fiendishly difficult'



Joel Mills, a Minecraft expert at the university as well as Dr Mark Lorch, a senior lecturer in biological chemical chemistry, helped the students create the project.



Dr. Lorch said: "Minecraft is a fabulous tool to explore the structures of landscapes, buildings, and even anatomy.



"So why not molecules? We showed it to a group of kids the other day, and there were a lot of gasps and wows.
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"This is a great way to grab their attention. It's a truly innovative way of engaging the audience and delivering information to them."



Alongside the chemistry and structures The students have also created a host of other surprises for children to explore and discover.



Dr. Lorch said: "You can just explore and read about the molecules. But there are also plenty of treasure chests scattered around, packed with treasures, puzzles and quiz books.



"Some are easy to find while others are incredibly difficult. You'll likely have learned quite a bit of chemistry if you manage to locate them all.



Outreach



Dr. Lorch is also involved in engaging young people in science. She said: "If they see this information in a Minecraft environment and are shown how to access it, they are more likely to go to the website to locate it."



The Hull team is currently playing the game, MolCraft, in secondary schools in London as part a variety of outreach projects for universities.



It is also used in primary schools for teaching fundamental science concepts including how the atoms are created to create molecules.



It's also available on Minecraft's educational library, which contains versions for teachers and students.



This isn't the first time Minecraft has been used to engaging children with scientific topics.



A world has been created to teach quantum physics. Many schools in Northern Ireland have adapted it to encourage writing and creativity and encourage young people to be involved in urban planning.



Unique Minecraft project for schools



25 March 2015



University of Hull


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