Coding With My Agent - Block Coding

** Updated **

In this 6-month course, learners ages 8 to 13 will embark on a hands-on coding journey in Minecraft Education Edition. Guided by their Agent, a built-in coding companion, students will write block code, solve challenges, and bring their creative ideas to life. The course is flexible and can be retaken multiple times, with learners helping to choose the path we explore together. No prior experience is required.

What Your Learner Will Achieve
The course is divided into 6 units, each running for one month. Every unit introduces new adventures and challenges that build coding skills, creativity, and problem-solving. On the final week of each unit, learners will enjoy a Freeplay session where they can relax, collaborate, and explore with peers.

Adventures may include:

Exploring habitats with Dr. Barwin at the Animal Research Center, solving environmental challenges

Designing and coding a Minecraft City with roads, parks, and buildings

Engaging in Building Challenges in both Unit 3 and Unit 6, where learners take part in official Minecraft Education challenges that spark imagination and teamwork

Skills Your Learner Will Develop
Throughout the course, learners will strengthen key computational thinking and coding skills, including:

Algorithms

Sequencing

Loops and Nested Loops

Conditionals and Nested Conditionals

Testing and Debugging

Boolean Operators

Events and Event Handlers

Variables and Functions

Class Structure

Discussion (20 minutes): Introduction to the lesson and brainstorming solutions

Programming (30–40 minutes): Independent coding tasks with documentation in Google Slides using screenshots and reflections

Reflection (5 minutes): Sharing highlights, challenges, and solutions as a group

Skill Badge: At the end of each lesson, learners receive a digital badge acknowledging the skill they learned

Classroom Workbook
Each section has its own Classroom Workbook hosted on Google Slides. This workbook is read-only, updated weekly by the teacher, and serves as a record of lessons and student work.

Weekly Flow

Tutorial (Week 1, 5, 13, 17): Introduction to the new concept with step-by-step guidance.

Try It Together (Week 2, 6, 14, 18): Students practice with support and collaboration.

Now You Do (Week 3, 7, 15, 19): Independent application of skills in a creative activity.

Free Play (Week 4, 8, 16, 20, 24): Open world exploration and building time to unwind and collaborate with peers.

Additional Details

Age Range: 8–13

Class Size: Limited to 6 learners for personalized support

Missed a Class?: Lesson PDFs and slides will be available so learners can catch up

Before Class: Each learner needs their own Minecraft Education account with an annual subscription through Microsoft (about $12 per year). Please download Minecraft Education and set up your learner’s account before the first class.