Minecraft Used To Teach Children Molecular Chemistry
Minecraft used to teach children molecular chemistry
The virtual world-building game Minecraft, which is played by millions of children around the globe, could be used in schools to teach chemistry.
A group of Hull University students developed an educational version that allows players explore specially-created molecular structures and understand chemical reactions.
The aim is to engage young scientists in a fun and interactive way.
Minecraft players use building blocks for landscapes and structure.
They are also encouraged and encouraged to collect treasures and other items.
'Fiendishly difficult'
Joel Mills, a Minecraft expert from the university, assisted the students in developing the project. Dr Mark Lorch, a senior lecturer on biological chemistry, also assisted the students.
Dr Lorch said that Minecraft is a fantastic tool for exploring structures and landscapes of buildings, as well anatomy.
"So why molecules? We showed it to a class and they were astonished.
"This just really grabs their attention. It's a new way to engage them, and it delivers information to their attention.
The students have created a host other surprises for children, including structures and molecules to investigate.
Dr Lorch stated that you can simply explore the molecules and read the information. There are also many treasure chests scattered about that contain puzzles, books, and goodies.
"Some are easy to find, others are fiendishly difficult. 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 trialling the game, called MolCraft, in a number of secondary schools in London as part of various university outreach projects.
It can also be used in primary schools for teaching basic science, such as how atoms are formed to make molecules.
It is also available in Minecraft's educational library. There are versions for both teachers and students.
This isn't the first time Minecraft has been used for engaging children with scientific topics.
A world has been created to teach quantum physics. Many schools in Northern Ireland have adapted it to encourage creative writing and engage young people with city planning.
Unique Minecraft project for schools
25 March 2015
University of Hull