Fatima Y.

Mahilum MST BIO I

Methods of Science Teaching

Minecraft: A Virtual World in Teaching Science Concepts

Minecraft is widely known as a video game where virtual world is created

out from the real world. In this application, players may build and craft some

materials using blocks. It is known to be a form of entertainment to some

children who were well-acquainted to this video game. But who have thought

that this video game can be utilized as a form of educational tool in delivering

instruction?

According to Short (2012), the use of Minecraft as an educational tool

has increased significantly for it promotes creativity and building. Building

complete lessons for use in the classroom or online can take the form of single

activities incorporated into the regular classroom based on lesson plans or full-

fledged adventure maps with a beginning, middle, and end scenario. The use of

Minecraft can be applicable in biology, ecology, physics, chemistry, geology and

geography.

In biology, Minecraft can be used in mapping the human body. Students

will be engrossed in 3-dimansional environment that will mimic the vascular

systems, nerve cells and even the animal cells. In studying the cellular activity,

it could be done by placing blocks in order to imitate it.

For the field of ecology, it is the strongest application of Minecraft since it

is more on building the different biomes in our planet which can be easily

demonstrated in this game. The concept of “the tragedy of the commons” or

Fatima Y. Mahilum MST BIO I
Methods of Science Teaching

more commonly known as the depletion of resources, can be simulated in mine

craft by building a self-contained world map inside a dome containing only

trees. It can be played in two rounds by which in the first round, the students

are tasked to collect as much wood from the forested area as possible. As a

result, the area’s resources is easily depleted and with this, round 2 comes

along where students are allowed to plant trees and build fenced farm areas

leading to a more sustainable resources.

Finally, video games may be used to complement other media such as

educational programming, web-based videos, and so on. Another tool in the

teacher's toolbox is the use of video games. Simulations and interactive virtual

environments are increasingly being used to complement conventional teaching

methods, according to research (Kirriemuir & McFarlane, 2003).

Minecraft is now being used in schools around the world to demonstrate

science concepts. The development of educational activity maps to be used as

part of lesson plans is on the rise right now. A number of teachers are using a

mix of online forums and videos to share their development process.