Notes

Minecraft used To Teach Children Molecular Chemistry

Minecraft was used to teach children molecular chemistry



Virtual world-building game Minecraft, played by millions of children worldwide can be used in schools to teach children the basics of chemistry.



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



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



Minecraft players use building blocks to create structure and landscapes.



They are also encouraged to collect treasures and other items.



'Fiendishly difficult'



The students designed the project with the assistance of the university's Minecraft expert, Joel Mills, and the senior lecturer in biological Chemistry, Dr. Mark Lorch.



Dr. Lorch said: "Minecraft is a fabulous tool for exploring structures of buildings, landscapes and even anatomy.



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



"This just really grabs their attention. It's an innovative method of engaging the audience and delivering information to them."



As well as the chemistry and structures The students have also created a host of other surprises for children to roam around and find.



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



"Some are easy to locate, others are fiendishly 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 who also plays a role to engage young scientists, said: "If I've given them this information in the Minecraft world and then shown how to access it, then they're much more likely to go and discover more about it than if I've given it in an PowerPoint presentation."



The Hull team is currently testing the game, MolCraft, in secondary schools in London as part of a range of outreach projects for universities.
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But it can be utilized in primary schools to teach basic science concepts 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 to engage 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 and creativity and engage young people with urban planning.



Unique Minecraft project for schools



25 March 2015



University of Hull


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