Block by Block: Minecraft Coding FUNdamentals

Day 1: Introduction to Minecraft Coding

• Minecraft Education Setup:
  • Explore Minecraft Education Edition, movement, and controls.
  • Orientation to the Agent and its role in coding.
• Introduction to MakeCode:
  • Overview of the MakeCode interface: Blocks, workspace, and coding logic.
• Tutorial 1: "Agent Moves the World":
  • Program the Agent to move and place blocks.
• Creative Challenge:
  • Use the Agent to build a small structure (e.g., a house) using block-based coding.

Day 2: Exploring Automation

• Tutorial 2: "Farming Automation with the Agent":
  • Program the Agent to till soil, plant crops, and harvest.
• Loops and Conditionals:
  • Learn and apply loops (e.g., "repeat until") and conditionals (e.g., "if/else") in coding.
• Challenge: Build an Automated Farm:
  • Code the Agent to create and maintain a working farm.
• Creative Exploration:
  • Expand the farm by adding features like irrigation systems or fences.

Day 3: Redstone and Advanced Coding

• Tutorial 3: "Redstone Basics with Code":
  • Learn how to automate Redstone circuits using coding.
• Debugging and Problem-Solving:
  • Practice finding and fixing errors in pre-made code.
• Mini-Project: Redstone Door or Bridge:
  • Code and build a functional Redstone-powered door or drawbridge.
• Creative Exploration:
  • Combine Redstone and building to add features like lighting or traps to a structure.

Day 4: Creative Coding Projects

• Plan Your Project:
  • Brainstorm and outline a large Minecraft project (e.g., castle, maze, theme park).
• Start Building:
  • Use coding to automate parts of the project, such as walls, pathways, or decorations.
• Continue Building:
  • Add advanced features like Redstone mechanisms or custom Agent programs.

Day 5: Showcase and Celebration

• Finish Projects:
  • Final touches on creative projects, debugging, and improving functionality.
• Showcase Presentations:
  • Each camper presents their project and explains the coding concepts used.
• Camp Celebration:
  • Participate in fun Minecraft mini-games and receive camp certificates or awards.