GameCode: Minecraft Education Coding

The GameCode Camp is a dynamic, five-day program designed to introduce students to coding fundamentals through the exciting world of Minecraft Education.

Participants will design and program arcade-style mini-games, master coding concepts like loops, conditionals, and functions, and proudly share their creations with friends. This camp fosters creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork, empowering students to become game developers and digital creators.

Key Learning Objectives

By the end of the camp, students will be able to:

1. Design and program their own arcade-style mini-games in Minecraft Education.
2. Apply coding concepts such as events, loops, conditionals, functions, and arrays.
3. Use MakeCode block coding effectively to manipulate Minecraft mechanics.
4. Foster teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in a collaborative environment.
5. Showcase their creativity and technical skills through interactive projects.

Day 1: Introduction to GameCode and Minecraft Education

Morning Session:

• Welcome and orientation to Minecraft Education and MakeCode.
• Introduction to coding concepts: events, sequencing, and repeat loops.
• Activity: Code the agent to navigate a simple environment in Minecraft.

Afternoon Session:

• Explore the "Connect, Construct, Contemplate, Continue" learning model.
• Mini-project: Create your first interactive environment using repeat loops.

Day 2: Build and Play with Coding Basics

Morning Session:

• Explore conditionals (IF statements) and loops in depth.
• Hands-on activity: Use coding to create a basic "Hide and Seek" game in Minecraft.

Afternoon Session:

• Learn about variables and data storage.
• Mini-project: Program a parkour challenge using variables to track player progress.

Day 3: Functions and Advanced Logic

Morning Session:

• Introduction to functions and function parameters.
• Activity: Code a Rock, Paper, Scissors game using functions and conditionals.

Afternoon Session:

• Explore arrays and return functions.
• Mini-project: Develop an Aim Trainer game that tracks player accuracy using arrays.

Day 4: Creative Game Design

Morning Session:

• Combine all learned concepts (loops, variables, conditionals, functions) in a collaborative project.
• Activity: Build and program a Dunk Tank Game using return functions.

Afternoon Session:

• Brainstorm and design your own arcade game.
• Begin coding the mechanics of your unique game.

Day 5: Build, Share, and Celebrate

Morning Session:

• Finalize and test your arcade game.
• Add creative elements like scoring systems, timers, and interactive features.

Afternoon Session:

• Showcase your project to peers and mentors.
• Group celebration and awards ceremony, with certificates of completion.