01. Basic Moves and The Agent
Coding Fundamentals Block 1, Lesson 1: Introduction to Minecraft and Computer Science
- Learn basic navigation in Minecraft: Education Edition
- Become familiar with Code Builder and MakeCode blocks
- Test and code the Agent to move around during game play
- Use the coding concept of sequencing to complete tasks
- Embrace a coding mindset
Review the Coding Fundamentals Part 1: Animal Research Center curriculum overview to get a better perspective of how this computer science content can be utilized with students.
Review and prepare the classroom presentation to use during instruction. This will provide you with a scaffolded approach to help students be successful at learning the lesson’s objectives.
Both of these resources are located under the Supporting Files section.
Welcome to the Animal Research Center (ARC), a place where students can learn all about animals in different habitats (biomes) and the challenges they face. Students will familiarize themselves with all of the tools they have at their disposal before going out into the field to interact and learn more about wild animals!
In this lesson, Basic Moves and the Agent, students will learn basic navigation and about the tools they will be using as they explore the different biomes. There will be several activities for students to complete:
- Activity 1: Minecraft Eye Fitness Test
- Activity 2: Minecraft Navigation
- Activity 3: Meet the Agent!
- Activity 4: Agent Move!
- Activity 5: Agent Move Up!
- Bonus Activity: Advanced Simulation
Upon completion of this lesson students should be able to answer the following questions:
1. What key on your keyboard summons your Agent?
2. How many steps of pseudocode did it take to solve the Bonus Activity?
3. What does the “On chat command” do?
4. What did ‘learning the directions the Agent moves in’ help you accomplish in Lesson 1?
These questions can also be used as a formative assessment. Formative assessments are a great way to gauage students’ understanding of the knowledge and skills taught within the lesson. A printable version of this formative assessment can be found at the end of educator’s guide.