Notes

Minecraft Used To Teach Children Molecular Chemistry

Minecraft used to teach children molecular chemistry



Schools could use Minecraft, a virtual world-building game, to teach chemistry to their students. It is currently played by tens or millions of children all over the world.



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.



The goal is to engage young scientists through a fun and interactive manner.



Minecraft players use building blocks to create structure and landscapes.



They are encouraged also to collect treasure and other items.



'Fiendishly difficult'



Joel Mills (university Minecraft expert) and Dr Mark Lorch (senior lecturer in biological Chemistry), helped students develop the project.



Dr Lorch said that Minecraft is a fantastic tool for exploring structures and landscapes of buildings, as well anatomy.
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"So why not molecules? It was shown to a class of children yesterday and there were many gasps and wows.



"This grabs their attention. It's a unique way to engage them and provide information to them.



The students have created a variety of surprises for children to discover, not only structures and molecules.



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



"Some are easy, some are fiendishly challenging." You'll likely have learned quite a bit of chemistry if you can find them all.



Outreach



Dr Lorch, who is also able to engage young people with science, said that "if I give them this information in Minecraft and show them how to get it, then they're much more likely than if it was in a PowerPoint presentation."



The Hull team is currently testing MolCraft in a number secondary schools in London as part university outreach projects.



It can be used in primary school to teach basic science concepts such as how atoms combine to form molecules.



It is also available in Minecraft's educational library. There are versions for both teachers and students.



This is not the first instance Minecraft has been used to educate children about scientific topics.



A world has been designed to teach quantum Physics. Many schools in Northern Ireland use an adaptable version to inspire creativity and engage young people in urban planning.



Unique Minecraft project for schools



25 March 2015



University of Hull


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