Notes

Minecraft used To Teach Children Molecular Chemistry

Minecraft used to teach children molecular chemistry



Virtual world-building game Minecraft that is played by tens of millions of kids around the world could be utilized in schools to help teach students chemistry.



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



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



Minecraft players use building blocks for landscapes and structure.



They are encouraged to find treasure and other items.



'Fiendishly difficult'



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



Dr. Lorch said: "Minecraft is a fabulous tool for examining the structure of landscapes, buildings and even anatomy.



"So why not molecules? We showed it to a group of kids the other day and there were lots of gasps and wows.



"This really grabs their attention. It's an innovative approach to engage them and give information to them.



Students have created many other fun things for children to discover and explore, in addition to molecules and structures.



Dr. Lorch stated that you can simply look around the molecules and then read the information. There are also a lot of treasure chests scattered about that contain puzzles, books and other goodies.



"Some are easily found, others are fiendishly difficult to find. If you can find them all then you'll probably have learned a fair bit of chemistry along the way."
Minecraft servers


Outreach



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



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



It is also used in primary schools for teaching fundamental science concepts including how molecules are made of atoms. molecules.



It is also available in Minecraft's educational library that includes versions for students and teachers.



This isn't the first time Minecraft has been used to engaging children in science-related topics.



A world has been developed to teach quantum physics, and schools across Northern Ireland are using an adapted version to inspire creative writing and engage students in urban planning.



Unique Minecraft project for schools



25 March 2015



University of Hull


Website: https://minecraft-servers.sbs/