Minecraft was used to teach children molecular chemistry

5 November 2015

The virtual world-building game Minecraft is played by millions of children all over the world, could be used in schools to teach Chemistry.

A group of Hull University students created an educational version of the game that allows players to discover specially-designed molecular structures and understand chemistry.

Our aim is to involve young scientists in engaging and fun ways.

Minecraft players build with blocks to construct structures and landscapes.

They are encouraged to find treasures and other things.

‘Fiendishly difficult’

The students developed the project with the assistance of the university’s Minecraft expert, Joel Mills, and senior lecturer in biological and chemical chemistry Dr. Mark Lorch.

Dr. Lorch said that “Minecraft is an incredible tool for examining the structure of buildings and landscapes, and also anatomy.”

“So why not molecules?” It was shown to a class of children yesterday and there were many gasps and wows.

“This just really grabs their attention. It’s an innovative approach to engage them and provide information to them.

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

Dr. Lorch stated that you can simply look around the molecules and then read the details. There are also treasure chests scattered around which contain books, puzzles and other treasures.

“Some are easy to locate, others are fiendishly difficult to find. You’ll probably have learned a lot of chemistry if you can locate them all.

Outreach

Dr Lorch also has a role in involving young people in science. Fun gallery She stated: “If they see this information in the Minecraft environment and are shown how to access it, they’ll be more likely to go to the website to look it up.”

The Hull team is currently testing the game, MolCraft, in secondary schools in London as part of a variety of outreach projects for universities.

However, it can be utilized in elementary schools to teach fundamental science such as how atoms form together to make molecules.

It is also available on Minecraft’s educational library, which includes versions for teachers and pupils.

This isn’t the first time Minecraft has been used to engaging children with scientific subjects.

A world has been developed to teach quantum physics. many schools in Northern Ireland are using an modified version to encourage writers and encourage students in urban planning.

Unique Minecraft project for schools

25 March 2015

Are parents concerned about Minecraft?

30 March 2015

University of Hull