Minecraft used to teach children molecular chemistry
5 November 2015
Virtual world-building game Minecraft, played by tens of millions of kids around the world could be utilized in schools to help teach students Chemistry.
A group of students from Hull University created an educational version of the game. It lets players investigate molecular structures designed specifically for them and understand chemistry.
Our aim is to engage young scientists in engaging and enjoyable ways.
Minecraft players build with blocks to create landscapes and structures.
They are encouraged to search for treasures and other items.
'Fiendishly difficult'
The students developed the project with the help of the university's Minecraft expert, Joel Mills, and senior lecturer in biological and chemical chemistry Dr. Mark Lorch.
Dr Lorch said: "Minecraft is a fabulous tool to study the structure of buildings, landscapes and even anatomy.
"So why not molecules? It was demonstrated to a class of children yesterday and there were many gasps and awes.
"This is what draws their attention. It is a really novel way of engaging them and providing information to them."
Alongside the chemistry and structures The students have also created numerous other fun things for children to roam around and discover.
Dr Lorch stated that you can simply look at the molecules and read the information. Minecraft-server-list.Co There's also many treasure chests dotted around filled with puzzles, goodies and quiz books.
"Some are easy to locate while others are incredibly difficult to find. You'll likely have learned quite a bit of chemistry if you can find them all.
Outreach
Dr Lorch who also plays the responsibility of involving young people in science, added: "If I've given them this information in the Minecraft world and then shown them how to access it, then they're more likely to learn more about it than if I have presented the information in a PowerPoint presentation."
The Hull team is currently playing the game, MolCraft, in secondary schools in London as part of a variety of university outreach projects.
It is also utilized 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 for pupils as well as teachers.
This is not the first time Minecraft has been used to get children involved with science-related topics.
A world has been created to teach quantum physics. Many schools in Northern Ireland have adapted it to encourage writing and creativity and encourage young people to be involved in city planning.
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University of Hull