Notes

Minecraft was used To Teach Children Molecular Chemistry

Minecraft was used to teach children molecular chemical



The game of virtual world building Minecraft that is played by millions of kids around the globe can be utilized in schools to teach Chemistry.



A group of Hull University students created an educational version of the game that lets players explore specially created molecular structures and learn about chemistry.



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



Minecraft players build with blocks to create structure and landscapes.



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



'Fiendishly difficult'



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



Dr Lorch stated that "Minecraft is an incredible 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 wows and gasps.
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"This draws their attention. It's a truly innovative method of engaging the audience and delivering information to them."



Alongside structures and molecules to explore The students have also created numerous other fun things for children to explore and find.



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



Some are easy to find and others are more difficult to find. You'll probably have learned a lot of chemistry if it's possible to locate all.



Outreach



Dr Lorch, who also has a role to engage young people with science, said: "If I've given them this information in a Minecraft world and shown how to access it, they're much more likely to go and learn more about it than if I have given it in an PowerPoint presentation."



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



But it can be utilized in elementary schools to teach fundamental science, such as how atoms come together to make molecules.



It is also available on Minecraft's educational library, which includes versions for teachers and pupils.



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



A whole world has been built 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


My Website: https://plussoc.com/