Little Coders, Big Worlds (12 weeks) – Beginner

Description

Objective:

The objective of this course is to:

• Provide students, age  5–7, with foundational computer science skills through both unplugged and digital experiences.

• Introduce computational thinking and coding using Minecraft: Education Edition and Code Builder.

• Develop students’ coding mindset—encouraging curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving.

Topics Covered:

Here are the main computer science and coding topics taught:

• Sequencing

• Loops

• Variables

• Functions

• Coordinates / Positions

• Abstraction

• Algorithms

• Decomposition

• Pattern Recognition

• Debugging

The lessons are delivered through a Minecraft-based sequence covering:

1. Introduction to coding and Minecraft gameplay.

2. Coding with the Agent (movement, building, destroying).

3. Designing city infrastructure (roads, houses, parks, zoo, wind farm).

4. Using coding tools like loops, clone commands, and builder functions.

5. Creating animated systems (e.g., animated wind turbines).

6. Collaborative project: City Improvement using learned concepts.

Outcome:

• By the end of the curriculum, students will:

  • Be able to plan, design, and code various elements of a Minecraft City using MakeCode blocks.

  • Understand and apply fundamental programming concepts like sequencing, loops, variables, functions, coordinates, and abstraction.

  • Complete a summative performance task in which they collaboratively plan and present a Minecraft City Improvement project demonstrating all learned concepts.