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Programming Through Games (Minecraft) – Full Curriculum
Part of the Cyber School 6-Year Pathway
Target Audience: Grade 5 Students and Above (Ages 10+). This course is designed for Grade 5 students as the starting point, but older students are welcome to join.
Course Duration: 38 Core Sessions (1 hour each) + 10 Optional Sessions
Course Format: Fully Online, Hands-On Learning using Minecraft: Education Edition
Important: Students must purchase a separate license for Minecraft: Education Edition.
About the Cyber School 6-Year Pathway
Cyber School’s 6-Year Pathway is designed to transform curious students into confident coders, ethical hackers, AI innovators, and digital leaders. The pathway builds skills progressively but is flexible, allowing students to join at any stage after Grade 4.
The 6 Courses in the Pathway:
- Cyber Kids (Grade 4+) – Computer basics, internet safety, intro to coding (Scratch).
- Programming Through Games (Minecraft) (Grade 5+) – Learn coding logic and automation through Minecraft.
- AI Explorer (Grade 6+) – Dive into artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science using kid-friendly tools.
- Cyber Rangers (Grade 7+) – Intro to cybersecurity, ethical hacking, and defending against cyber threats.
- Python Security (Grade 8+) – Advanced Python coding, cryptography, and building security tools.
- Cyber Battle Royale (Grade 9+) – Competitive capture-the-flag challenges, AI security tools, and advanced cybersecurity concepts.
Start Anytime, Learn at Your Own Pace:
- The courses are recommended to be taken chronologically for the best learning flow.
- However, each course is independent, and students can jump into any course based on their interest and skill level.
About This Course: Programming Through Games (Minecraft)
This course takes the creativity and excitement of Minecraft and turns it into a powerful coding playground. Students will use Minecraft: Education Edition to learn block-based coding and Python, while building mini-games, puzzles, and complex worlds.
Course Goals:
- Turn Minecraft into a coding lab – using code to automate builds and create games.
- Teach logic, sequencing, and automation with redstone, command blocks, and Python.
- Build complex mini-games, puzzles, and mazes within Minecraft.
- Introduce real-world coding concepts in a fun, familiar environment.
- Foster creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Prerequisites:
- Basic computer skills (typing, file management).
- Love for Minecraft (a must!).
- Minecraft: Education Edition license (purchased separately).
Module 1: Welcome to Minecraft: Education Edition (Sessions 1-6)
Getting students set up and exploring coding tools inside Minecraft.
- Course Kick-Off: Meet Your Minecraft Mentor
- Overview of the course and the 6-Year Pathway.
- Setting up Minecraft: Education Edition.
- Lab: Customize your avatar and explore your first world.
- Mastering the Basics: Movement, Crafting, and Survival
- Controls, crafting tools, and survival strategies.
- Lab: Build a “Safe House” in Survival Mode.
- Creative Mode Mastery: Building & Exploring
- Block types, design tips, and creative builds.
- Lab: Design your dream house.
- Redstone 101: Minecraft’s Electrical Engineering
- Redstone mechanics, circuits, and simple logic gates.
- Lab: Build a secret door using redstone.
- Command Blocks: Coding Without Typing
- Using commands to control the world (time, weather, mobs).
- Lab: Create a teleportation system with command blocks.
- Custom Maps & Challenges
- Design custom maps and unique player experiences.
- Lab: Build a “Capture the Flag” map.
Module 2: Block-Based Coding in Minecraft (Sessions 7-16)
Students dive into coding using block-based platforms like Code Builder.
- Intro to Code Builder: MakeCode & Tynker
- Linking Code Builder with Minecraft.
- Lab: Code an agent to build a simple bridge.
- Loops & Conditionals: Automating Builds
- Using “if-then” logic and repeat loops.
- Lab: Program an agent to plant an entire farm.
- Variables & Coordinates: 3D Control
- Understanding Minecraft’s 3D space and variables.
- Lab: Code a fireworks display at specific coordinates.
- Functions & Commands: Clean, Reusable Code
- Breaking code into functions for efficiency.
- Lab: Build a mini-game using custom commands.
- Spawning Mobs & Creating Custom Challenges
- Control mob spawns and interactions.
- Lab: Create a survival arena where players battle waves of mobs.
- Timers & Scoreboards: Adding Game Mechanics
- Build real-time scoreboards and countdown timers.
- Lab: Design a parkour race with a ticking timer.
- Multiplayer Projects: Build as a Team
- Collaborative world-building and teamwork.
- Lab: Create a multi-level obstacle course as a class.
- Debugging: Finding & Fixing Code Errors
- How to identify bugs and correct logic errors.
- Lab: Debug a broken adventure map.
- Designing a Mini-Game: Planning & Prototyping
- Students design their first fully coded mini-game.
- Lab: Build a “Treasure Hunt” with hidden clues.
- Game Day! Playing & Reviewing Projects
- Play classmates’ games and give feedback.
- Lab: Peer reviews and game testing.
Module 3: Python in Minecraft (Sessions 17-26)
Moving from block-based to real-world Python coding.
- Intro to Python: Your First Lines of Real Code
- What is Python, and why is it used in Minecraft?
- Lab: Code your agent to build a house.
- Variables, Loops, and Functions in Python
- Translating block-based concepts into Python.
- Lab: Build a “rain of TNT” using loops.
- Building Massive Structures with Python
- Code complex structures in seconds.
- Lab: Program a giant pyramid.
- If-Else Logic & Random Events
- Making games with unpredictable elements.
- Lab: Create a “Lucky Block” that spawns random surprises.
- Interactive NPCs: Coding Quests & Dialogue
- Build characters with interactive text and mini-quests.
- Lab: Create a treasure hunt with NPC guides.
- Puzzle & Maze Design: Combining Logic & Creativity
- Create mazes and logic-based puzzles.
- Lab: Build an escape room with clues and challenges.
- Creating Custom Game Modes
- Design entirely new ways to play Minecraft.
- Lab: Build a custom “Skyblock” challenge.
24-26. Final Project Development
- Students brainstorm, plan, and build a full Minecraft game.
- Lab: Students work on their own game, from code to design.
Module 4: Final Showcase & Advanced Concepts (Sessions 27-38)
- Presentation Skills: Showcasing Your Game
- How to pitch and explain projects.
- Lab: Students create a trailer for their game.
- Polishing & Debugging
- Refine game mechanics and squash bugs.
- Lab: Final playtesting and bug fixes.
29-32. Game Week: Compete & Collaborate
- Students play each other’s games and give peer feedback.
- Lab: Vote on best mini-game, most creative design, etc.
- AI in Minecraft: Mob Behaviors
- Understanding AI programming in Minecraft.
- Lab: Modify mobs to behave in unique ways.
- Redstone Meets Python: Combining Code & Mechanics
- Use Python and redstone together for complex builds.
- Lab: Build a coded rollercoaster.
- Survival Challenge: The Codebreaker Quest
- A full-class survival game using code-driven events.
- Lab: Beat the quest to unlock hidden rewards.
36-38. Final Project Presentations & Class Showcase
- Students present their custom games to friends and family.
- Lab: Final play sessions and certificate ceremony.
Optional Content & Enrichment (10 Extra Sessions)
For students who want to level up their skills beyond the core lessons:
- Pixel Art in Minecraft: Build giant statues and 3D art.
- Advanced Redstone Engineering: Elevators, traps, and secret bases.
- Environmental Coding: Simulate ecosystems and natural disasters.
- Epic Boss Battle Design: Create a custom boss with unique attacks.
- Escape Room Masterclass: Build logic-based escape rooms.
- Skyblock Survival: Code challenges for floating island survival.
- Minecraft RPG Building: Create quests, dialogue trees, and rewards.
- Intro to Modding: Learn how Minecraft mods work.
- Custom Texture Packs: Design your own look for Minecraft.
- Family & Friends Game Day: Invite family to play your creations!
