Beginner Coding Class With Minecraft: Level 1 - The Basics of Programming

For this class, only Minecraft Java Edition (not the Bedrock edition) for PC or Mac is supported. It is not compatible with iPads, tablets, phones, Chromebook, or game consoles. Students must purchase the Java Edition of Minecraft for their personal computers; tablets, Chromebook or consoles will not suffice.

In this class, students will learn the basics of programming within Minecraft!

Students will learn PDL Code, a language created by our company to work seamlessly with Minecraft and introduce the basics of coding. Using core elements from other popular languages such as Java or C++, PDL Code has its own console where students program outside of Minecraft to make things happen on our very own secure server. They can affect the game world or make their character move just by using code.

For example, when students place a block, they can spawn 5 cows. Or, when they begin sneaking, their character will do a dance. Students can even create a code that will build a house for them completely hands-free!

Students are expected to understand the basics of using a computer, including switching between windows and using a mouse. It is also intended for intermediate Minecraft players; they should at least know the basic controls and concepts. However, no programming knowledge is required! This course will introduce the basics completely from scratch, such as variables, loops, and conditionals.

In addition to the basics of programming, students in this course will:
 - Use technology to accomplish goals
 - Learn to work in group settings
 - Accomplish goals using programming concepts
 - Problem-solve when bugs arise and learn to handle challenges graciously
 - Practice their math and logic skills
 - Develop an engineering mindset

Day 1. Set up / Unit Initializer - Understand how to navigate the PDL Code console and create their very first unit of code!
Day 2. Events / Repeat / Delay - Use Events to make actions occur multiple times and repeat or delay certain pieces of code
Day 3. Movement / Variables - Learn variables, an essential piece of programming, and how to move your character around the world
Day 4. Conditionals - Using if/then statements to make things happen under specific conditions
Day 5. Review Game - Show what you know! Work together to practice all the previous concepts to make various units of code!

The teacher will wait up to 15 minutes for students to arrive. If students do not show up within that time and haven’t provided advance notice, the session will not be rescheduled.