$60

for 5 classes

Intro to Coding Through Minecraft Commands (5-Class Series)

Completed by 51 learners

Ages 12-16

Live Group Course

Discover new ways to explore and change the world around you with the awesome power of Minecraft Commands! (Minecraft Java Edition for Mac and PC, Bedrock Edition not compatible, No mods required)

Ben Kraft

Average rating:

4.8

Number of reviews:

(46 reviews)

Live video meetings

5x per week, 1 week

5-10 learners per class

45 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

5 live meetings

3 hrs 45 mins in-class hours

Homework

1 hour per week. Students are strongly encouraged but not required to practice concepts covered in class outside of the classroom to solidify ideas and to grow their creativity in the process. They will have the opportunity to showcase their creations at the beginning of class time.

Class Experience

Advanced Level

This class will help your student learn some of the basic concepts behind Minecraft’s native programming language. Its understandable syntax and tactile in-game visuals make it a great first coding experience, or something to test your skills in.

Your student needs to have a decent background in Minecraft in general, including at least a basic understanding of Redstone and how its components function for this course.

Concepts in this course cover a thorough look under the hood as to how Minecraft functions as a game, simple console commands, an introduction to command blocks, as well as intermediate concepts such as NBT and chaining commands.

This class will take place in a 5-lesson format. 

Each day, students will learn and discuss specific concepts and components by means of a live and interactive demonstration.
*** This specific class does not take place on a Minecraft server due to logistical constraints in creating in-game exercises ***
Students are strongly encouraged to practice these concepts outside of the classroom to solidify ideas and to grow their creativity in the process.

One of the best things about this class is that your student can use these lessons anytime they want on their own. Any of the experiences learned during this class applies to all un-modded (vanilla) instances of Minecraft without needing any added content.

The only requirement for this class is access to Minecraft Java edition found on Mac / PCs. Unfortunately, Minecraft Bedrock Edition, while also including a native coding language, differs substantially from Java Edition.

Learning Goals

Students will learn valuable computer science and problem-solving skills that can be applied to many disciplines outside of Minecraft. From important introductory themes of programming to problem-solving skills, students continue exploring through play.

Syllabus

5 Lessons

over 1 Week

Lesson 1:

Breaking Down Blocks into Bits

 Students will learn the basics of how Minecraft functions as a game. Introducing the differences between blocks and entities, we will discuss the elements the game is solely composed of, as well as coordinates and how to recognize differences in the native game and in a controlled environment.

45 mins online live lesson

Lesson 2:

With Great Utility Comes Great Capability

 Students will learn some easy utility functions as well as more important concepts pertaining to how a Minecraft world can interact with a player and vise versa. Commands will include: /setblock, /particle, and /playsound.

45 mins online live lesson

Lesson 3:

Selecting Who to Do What

 Students will learn more intermediate commands and concepts, including the use of target selectors to differentiate entities. Commands will include: /fill, /clone, /effect, /tp, /xp.

45 mins online live lesson

Lesson 4:

Everything Holds Data (For Now)

 Students will learn about extraneous data storage in both blocks and entities. This will include discussing block states, as well as block and entity Data Components. Students will be given examples and resources to create their own intricate commands.

45 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Parental Guidance

Minecraft Java Edition requires a Microsoft account to function.

Pre-Requisites

Learners should be very comfortable with Minecraft Java Edition and have experience with most aspects of the game, including at least a basic understanding of Redstone and how its components function for this course.

Supply List

All a student will need is Minecraft Java edition, the Outschool classroom, an updated version of Zoom, and a wifi connection.

External Resources

In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:

Minecraft Java Edition

Sources

All a student will need is Minecraft Java edition, the Outschool classroom, an updated version of Zoom, and a wifi connection.

Meet the teacher

Ben Kraft

Joined June, 2020

4.8

46reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

Bachelor's Degree in Science from Tufts University School of Engineering

I am a mechanical engineer from Tufts University and have taught education through video games for close to five years. I have been a STEM specialist at MGH Aspire where I developed a science and engineering curriculum for children ages 7-12 on the autism spectrum to engage interest, exploration, and problem-solving. I have also been playing Minecraft for over ten years, and I pride myself on being able to offer a more comprehensive overview of commands than most other similar courses on the platform, yet I have found ways to keep lessons simplified and understandable.