Learn to code with block-based programming in Microsoft MakeCode

  • 4 minutes

Minecraft Education's upper primary coding lessons feature over 55 hours of standards-aligned content. The upper primary units use block-based programming to teach learners how to code. Each coding unit uses a different Minecraft world that highlights other content areas with real-world connections. The stand-alone units are easily integrated across the curriculum and connect to other content areas, including:

  • Environmental Science
  • Earth and Space Science
  • Math
  • Social studies
  • Language Arts

In the upper primary unit 1, Coding FUNdamentals Unit 1, for example, learners learn about animals in diverse habitats and the challenges they face. The Animal Research Center provides scaffolded coding challenges related to these animals. The first lesson is set in the Animal Research Center and introduces learners to their Agents. Lesson 2 in Unit 1 is set in the Galapagos Islands where learners must clean up sea turtle nesting grounds. The Sea Turtle activity builds on the introductory coding challenge and expands on learners’ knowledge of algorithms, sequencing, and pattern recognition. It also lays the foundation for learners’ end of the unit performance-based task where they work in teams to figure out how to manage the five different tasks found in four different areas of the island.

  • Build a bridge
  • Complete a maze
  • Clean up trash
  • Build a fence
  • Build a tower

Take these steps to complete the lesson:

  • Refer to the video to learn how to access the lesson.

  • Complete the five activities within the world. Make note of the coding mindsets and computational skills employed when completing the activities.

  • Take screenshots of the finished program in each activity and add them to the Sea Turtle activity document.

  • Have fun working with the Agent!

  • When finished with the activity, note what computational thinking skills are reinforced in the lesson by completing the computational thinking section of the Teaching and learning framework review document.

Reflection

  • How did this activity build educator confidence in coding in Minecraft Education?
  • Are there any questions about the activities?
  • How does programming in Minecraft Education make destroying blocks in Minecraft more efficient?