Notes

Minecraft was used To Teach Children Molecular Chemistry

Minecraft was used to teach children molecular chemical



5 November 2015



The game of virtual world building Minecraft is played by millions of children all over the world can be utilized in schools to teach the science of chemistry.



A group of Hull University students created an educational version of the game that lets players discover specially-designed molecular structures and understand chemistry.



Our aim is to involve young scientists in engaging and fun ways.



Minecraft players build with blocks to create structures and landscapes.



They are also encouraged to find treasure and many other items.



'Fiendishly difficult'



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



Dr Lorch stated that "Minecraft is an incredible tool for exploring structures of buildings and landscapes, and also anatomy."
Stuff


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



"This is a great way to grab their interest. It's a truly innovative method of engaging them and providing information to them."



As well as the chemistry and structures, the students have created numerous other fun things for children to explore and find.



Dr. Lorch said: "You can just explore and read the info about the molecules. There are also many treasure chests with books, puzzles and other treasures.



Certain are easy to locate, while others are difficult. If you find them all then you'll probably have learned a bit of chemistry along the way."



Outreach



Dr Lorch also has a role in engaging young people in science. She explained: "If they see this information in the Minecraft environment and are shown how to access it, they will be 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 range of university outreach initiatives.



But it can also be used in primary schools to teach basic science, such as how atoms are formed to create 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 for engaging children with scientific topics.



A new world has been created to teach quantum physics and many schools in Northern Ireland are using an modified version to encourage creativity in writing and to engage young people in urban planning.



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25 March 2015



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30 March 2015



University of Hull


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