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 Hull University students created an educational version of the game that allows players to explore specially created molecular structures and understand chemistry.

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

Minecraft players use building bricks to create structures and landscapes.

They are also encouraged to collect treasure and many 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 said: "Minecraft is a fabulous tool for exploring structures of buildings, landscapes and even anatomy.

"So why molecules? We showed it to children the other day, and they gasped and wow'd.

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

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

Dr Lorch said that "You can just look at the molecules and read the information." Servers 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 has a responsibility to engage young people in science.

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 on Minecraft's educational library with versions for both pupils and teachers.

This isn't a first time Minecraft has helped children to learn 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