Notes

Minecraft was used To Teach Children Molecular Chemistry

Minecraft used to teach children molecular chemical



5 November 2015



The game of virtual world building Minecraft, which is played by millions of kids across the globe could be used in schools to teach 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 chemistry.



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



Minecraft players build with blocks to create landscapes and structures.



They are encouraged to find treasure and other items.



'Fiendishly difficult'



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



Dr Lorch declared that "Minecraft is an amazing tool to explore the structures of landscapes and buildings, and also 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 interest. It's an innovative way to engage them and deliver information to them.



As well as molecules and structures to discover Students have designed numerous other fun things for children to explore and find.



Dr Lorch stated that you can simply look around the molecules and then read the details. However, there's many treasure chests dotted around filled with puzzles, goodies and quiz books.



"Some are easy to find but others are extremely difficult to find. If you can find them all , you'll likely have learned a fair bit of chemistry on the way."



Outreach



Dr. Lorch is also involved in engaging young people in science. She stated: "If they see this information in the Minecraft environment and are given the means to access it, then they are more likely to visit the website to locate it."



The Hull team is currently experimenting with the game, called MolCraft in a variety of secondary schools in London as part of a variety of university outreach initiatives.



It can also be used in primary schools for teaching basic scienceconcepts, such as how atoms are formed to make molecules.



It is also available on Minecraft's educational library with versions for pupils as well as teachers.
wicked frise


This is not the first time Minecraft has been used to help children engage with topics of science.



A new world has been created to teach quantum Physics. Many schools in Northern Ireland have adapted it to encourage writing and creativity and engage young people with urban planning.



Unique Minecraft project for schools



25 March 2015



Are parents worried about Minecraft?



30 March 2015



University of Hull


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