Notes

Minecraft used To Teach Children Molecular Chemistry

Minecraft used to teach children molecular chemistry



Virtual world-building game Minecraft is played by tens of millions of children worldwide can be used in schools to teach pupils chemistry.



A group of students from Hull University created an educational version of the game. It lets players explore molecular structures created specifically for them and to understand the science behind.



The goal is to involve young scientists in a fun, interactive way.



Minecraft players build with blocks to create structure and landscapes.



They are encouraged to search for treasure and other things.



'Fiendishly difficult'



The students developed the project with the assistance of the university's Minecraft expert, Joel Mills, and the senior lecturer in biological chemistry, Dr Mark Lorch.



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



"So why not molecules?" The video was shown to a class of kids yesterday and there were many gasps and awes.



"This really grabs their attention. It's a unique way to engage them and deliver information to them.



In addition to the chemistry and structures, the students have created many other exciting things for children to explore and discover.



Dr. Lorch has stated that you can simply look at the molecules and read the information. There's also a whole load of treasure chests that are dotted around the area, filled with goodies, puzzles and quiz books.



"Some are easy to locate but others are extremely difficult to find. If you locate them all then you'll probably have learned a fair bit of chemistry on the way."
minecraft servers


Outreach



Dr Lorch also has a role in involving young people in science. She said: "If they see this information in a Minecraft environment and are given the means to access it in the future, they are more likely to go to the website to find it."



The Hull team is currently experimenting with the game, dubbed MolCraft in a number of secondary schools in London as part of various university outreach projects.



It is also used in primary schools to teaching basic science including how molecules are made of atoms. molecules.



It is also available on Minecraft's educational library with versions for both pupils and teachers.



This isn't the first time Minecraft has been used to engage children with topics of science.



A world has been designed to teach quantum physics, and numerous schools in Northern Ireland are using an modified version of the program to encourage writers and encourage students in urban planning.



Unique Minecraft project for schools



25 March 2015



University of Hull


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