Notes

Minecraft Used To Teach Children Molecular Chemistry

Minecraft used to teach children molecular chemistry



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



A group from Hull University developed an educational version of this game that allows players the opportunity to explore molecular structures specially designed and to understand chemistry.



Our goal is to engage young scientists in fun and interactive ways.



Minecraft players use building blocks to create structure and landscapes.



They are also encouraged and encouraged to collect treasures 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 stated that "Minecraft is an amazing tool for exploring structures of buildings and landscapes, as well as anatomy."



"So why not molecules? We showed it to a class and they were astonished.



"This grabs their attention. It's a new way to engage them, and it delivers information to their attention.



The students have created a host other surprises for children, including structures and molecules to investigate.



Dr Lorch said, "You can just examine and read about the molecules. There are also many treasure chests scattered about that contain puzzles, books, and goodies.



"Some are easy to find, others are fiendishly difficult. MINECRAFT If you manage to find them all, you'll probably have learned quite a lot about chemistry along the way.



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



It is also available on Minecraft’s educational library with versions suitable for both teachers or pupils.



This isn't the first time Minecraft has been used for engaging children with scientific topics.



A world has been developed to teach quantum physics and many schools in Northern Ireland are using an adapted version to inspire creative writing and engage young people in city planning.



Unique Minecraft project for schools



25 March 2015



University of Hull


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