8-10 yrs old
11-13 yrs old
14-18 yrs old
18+ yrs old
History
Science
Students at the University of Hull have populated a Minecraft world with structures of proteins, chemicals and even some chemical history.
April 4, 2018
Lesson Plan
My Notes
The MolCraft project page
Project site giving more background & links to alternative world downloads for Java and MinecraftEDU.
RSC Site
We promote, support and celebrate chemistry The world’s leading chemistry community, advancing excellence in the chemical sciences.
National Protein Database
The RCSB PDB builds upon the data by creating tools & resources for research and education in molecular, structural, computational biology & beyond.
MolCraft World File
Download the world file for MolCraft in Minecraft: Education Edition.
MolCraft Books text
Text file containing the questions or clues in each book.
Proteins are the molecular machines that control all the biochemical processes in living things. Proteins start with amino acids which then link together to form long chains, these then fold up well defined structures which are unique to each protein.
Visualising proteins usually needs professional software, so instead we have imported proteins structures into Minecraft, allowing students to explore these marvellous molecules in an environment that they are familiar with.
The world also introduces some fundamental chemistry, simple molecular structures and some history of chemistry.
Explanations are provided throughout the world via NPCs, books and signs.
The Molcraft world is split into 4 areas.
1) Spawn hub contains background information delivered by NPCs, signs and wirtten books.
2) On the right side of the hub are a series of alcoves which take students to areas containing structures of proteins.
3) The alcoves on the left takes students to structures of amino acids.
4) At the end of the hub is a corridor taking students to a map of the UK and some sites of chemical historical interest
The world is set out as a treasure hunt, with students collecting items hidden in chests throughout the world. Some are easy to find, others are fiendishly difficult. Some of the items can only be located if students use the knowledge they have gained to solve puzzles and answer questions.
Contained within the world are two quiz books, students should be able to answer these and submit them as evidence for having explored the world
Progress through the world can also be tracked by the items the students find. Their ultimate goal is to find a complete set of golden armour.
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