Notes

Minecraft was used To Teach Children Molecular Chemistry

Minecraft was used to teach children molecular chemistry



Virtual world-building game Minecraft that is played by millions of children around the world, could be used in schools to help teach students Chemistry.



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



The goal is to engage young scientists in a fun and engaging way.



Minecraft players use building blocks to create structure and landscapes.



They are also encouraged to find treasure and other things.



'Fiendishly difficult'



The students developed their 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 exploring structures of landscapes, buildings, and even anatomy.
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"So why not molecules? The video was shown to a class of kids yesterday, and there were many gasps and awes.



"This is a great way to grab their attention. It's a novel approach to engage them and deliver information to them.



Students have also created a myriad of surprises for children to discover and explore in addition structures and molecules.



Dr Lorch has stated that you can simply look around the molecules and then read the details. There are also many treasure chests scattered about which contain books, puzzles and other goodies.



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



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 taught how to access it and how to access it, they are more likely to visit the website to find it."



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



It is also used in primary schools to teaching basic science like how atoms are formed to make 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 for engaging children with scientific topics.



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



Unique Minecraft project for schools



25 March 2015



University of Hull


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