In this engaging, ongoing class, learners aged 8-13 will embark on an exciting coding journey within Minecraft: Education Edition. Guided by their very own Agent—a coding companion—learners will explore how to write code, solve real-world problems, and bring their creative ideas to life in a fun, interactive environment. No prior coding experience is required for this course, making it perfect for young learners interested in both Minecraft and coding.

What Your Learner Will Achieve:
The class begins with learners getting to know their Agent, learning to program it to move, manage inventory, and perform basic tasks. From there, your learner will help shape their own adventure:

Collaborate with Dr. Barwin at the Animal Research Center (ARC), exploring different habitats and learning how coding can be used to address environmental challenges.
Or, they can dive into building their very own Minecraft City, designing roads, parks, and buildings to bring their dream world to life.
Whether solving environmental challenges or building a bustling virtual city, your learner will develop essential coding skills that inspire creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Skills Your Learner Will Develop:
Throughout the course, learners will gain key computational thinking and coding skills, such as:

Algorithms
Sequencing
Loops & Nested Loops
Conditionals & Nested Conditionals
Testing & Debugging
Boolean Operators
Events & Event Handlers
Variables & Functions

These skills form the foundation of their programming knowledge, helping them become confident coders and creative thinkers.

Class Structure:
 Each 1-hour class is designed to balance learning with fun. Here’s how a typical class is structured:

Discussion (20 minutes): Your learner will be introduced to the day’s coding activity, brainstorming solutions and learning key coding concepts to help them succeed.

Programming Time (30-40 minutes): Learners will work independently on their coding tasks, using Google Slides to document their progress with screenshots of their code. This helps them track their growth and complete reflection questions to deepen their understanding.

Reflection (5 minutes): As a group, learners will reflect on what they learned, any challenges they faced, and how they overcame them.

Badge Challenge: Once a lesson is completed, the next session will challenge learners to earn a badge based on their performance and creativity.

Badge Challenge:

Throughout the course, learners will have the chance to earn badges for their accomplishments. These badges highlight their growth, creativity, and problem-solving skills:

"Master of Speed!": This badge is earned by the learner who excels in the Human vs. The Agent Time Challenge, showing off their speed and accuracy in coding.

"Master Builder": Recognizes exceptional creativity in building intricate or complex structures in Minecraft, from roads and parks to entire cities.

"MVC (Most Valuable Coder)": Awarded to the learner who stands out for their coding excellence, collaboration, and leadership. This badge celebrates those who help others, find innovative solutions, and make a positive impact on the class.

These badges are designed to motivate learners, celebrate their achievements, and add a layer of fun and competition to the course.


Class Schedule:

Wednesday's at 7:00pm EST ( Slower Pace) 
Working on Unit 2: Computing with Minecraft: City Planner 


Wednesday's at 8:00 pm EST 
Unit 6: Coding FUNdamentals 1: Sea Turtle Assistance 


Saturday's at 12:50pm EST 
Working on Unit 2: Computing with Minecraft: City Planner 



Additional Details:

Age Range: This course is designed for learners aged 8-13 with no prior coding experience.

Class Size: Limited to 6 learners to ensure personalized attention and support.

Missed a Class?: No worries! If your learner misses a class, they can catch up by reading the Lesson PDF and following the instructions. They are also welcome to reach out to me with any questions.

Before Class: Make sure to download Minecraft: Education Edition on your device and be ready to log in with the provided information at the start of class.

Sign Up Today! 
Spaces are limited, so sign up early to ensure your learner can join this exciting and educational Minecraft coding journey. Each lesson builds on the previous one, and your learner will develop essential skills that will last a lifetime. No last minute sign-ups.