Minecraft used to teach children molecular chemical
5 November 2015
The game of virtual world building 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 lets players investigate specially designed molecular structures, and to understand chemistry.
Our aim is to engage young scientists in engaging and enjoyable ways.
Minecraft players build using blocks to construct structures and landscapes.
They are encouraged to find treasures and other things.
'Fiendishly difficult'
The students created the project with the help of the university's Minecraft expert, Joel Mills, and senior lecturer in biological chemistry Dr. Mark Lorch.
Dr Lorch said: "Minecraft is a fabulous tool to explore the structures of landscapes, buildings, and even anatomy.
"So why not molecules? We showed it to a group of kids the other day, and there were a lot of wows and gasps.
"This really grabs their attention. It's a novel method to engage them and provide information to them.
As well as structures and molecules to explore The students have also created a host of other surprises for children to explore and discover.
Dr Lorch said: "You can just explore and read about the molecules. There are also many treasure chests scattered about that contain puzzles, books and other treasures.
Gaming
"Some are easy to find but others are extremely difficult to find. If you locate them all , you'll likely have learned a lot of chemistry on the way."
Outreach
Dr. Lorch is also involved in involving young people in science. She explained: "If they see this information in the Minecraft environment and are shown how to access it, they'll be more likely to visit the website to look it up."
The Hull team is currently testing the game, dubbed MolCraft in a variety of secondary schools in London as part of various university outreach projects.
But it can be utilized in primary schools to teach the basics of science such as how atoms are formed to form molecules.
It is also available on Minecraft's educational library with versions for pupils as well as teachers.
This isn't the first time Minecraft is used for engaging children with scientific topics.
A world has been developed to teach quantum physics. many schools in Northern Ireland are using an adapted version to inspire creativity in writing and to engage students in urban planning.
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University of Hull
