Notes

Minecraft was used To Teach Children Molecular Chemistry

Minecraft used to teach children molecular chemical



Virtual world-building game Minecraft is played by millions of children around the world, could 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 investigate molecular structures designed specifically for them, and learn about the chemistry behind them.



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



Minecraft players build with blocks for landscapes and structure.



They are also encouraged to find treasures and 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. Minecraftservers.sbs Mark Lorch.



Dr. Lorch stated that "Minecraft is an incredible tool for exploring structures of buildings and landscapes, and also anatomy."



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



"This is what draws their attention. It's a unique method to engage them and provide information to them.



Alongside structures and molecules to explore The students have also created a host of other surprises for kids to explore and discover.



Dr Lorch said: "You can just explore and read about the molecules. There's also plenty of treasure chests dotted around packed with treasures, puzzles and quiz books.



Certain are easy to find and others are more difficult to find. If you can find the majority of them, you'll have learned a fair bit of chemistry on the way."



Outreach



Dr Lorch also has a role in involving young people in science. She said: "If they see this information in the Minecraft environment and are given the means to access it and how to access it, they are more likely to visit the website to find it."



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



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



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



This is not 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 creative writing and to engage young people in urban planning.



Unique Minecraft project for schools



25 March 2015



University of Hull


Here's my website: https://minecraftservers.sbs/