Computer Science

18 Lessons
Upper Secondary|Grades 9-12|Ages 14-18

Programming with Python

EDUCATION.MINECRAFT.NET
Table of Contents

GETTING STARTED WITH MINECRAFT 3

COMPUTER SCIENCE PATHWAY PROGRESSION 4

CURRICULUM SUMMARY 5

INTRODUCTION 7

MINECRAFT: EDUCATION EDITION- TEACHING & LEARNING FRAMEWORK 8

INSTRUCTIONAL SEQUENCE 9

EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS 12

COMPUTER SCIENCE CONCEPTS 14

VISUAL GLOSSARY 15

2
Getting Started with Minecraft
Install Minecraft: Education Edition
Minecraft: Education Edition can be installed on Chromebook, iPad, Mac, and PC.
To ensure your experience with Minecraft: Education Edition is top-notch, make
sure your devices meet the minimum system requirements. To check if your device
supports Minecraft: Education Edition, see System Requirements.

If you have questions about setting up Minecraft: Education Edition, the following
link will provide you with some frequently asked questions and additional
information about set-up. On this page, you will find assistance for:
• Get Started
• Purchase Licenses
• Administration and License Management
• Installation
• Troubleshooting

Preparing to Teach with Minecraft: Education Edition

Teachers do not need to have any prior computer science experience; however,
they should familiarize themselves with a basic understanding of what is
Minecraft: Education Edition. Support for building out teacher knowledge can be
found here:
Minecraft: Education Edition: Teacher Academy
Minecraft: Education Edition Webinar Series

3
Computer Science Pathway Progression

Programming with Python is a part of the Upper Secondary (Grades 9-12|Ages 14-
18) computer science progression. In this part of the progression, students are
transitioning over to text-based programming utilizing Python. Python is the text-
based programming language used by millions of professional coders at places
like Microsoft, Google, IBM, and even NASA! Python has worldwide use across
various industries and is considered one of the preferred programming languages
in industry due to its stability, security, and flexibility, and straightforward syntax.

Students will begin their experience with MakeCode Python and then scaffold over
to Python in Azure Notebooks. The focus within this part of the progression is to
support students’ transition to text-based programming and preserve the
engagement in Minecraft. The goal is to build out students’ knowledge in how to
use Python coding to accomplish tasks and solve problems.

4
Curriculum Summary
Programming with Python is specially designed computer science content for students in
Upper Secondary/Grades 9-12/Ages 14-18. Students will learn, practice, and apply relevant
computer science skills and concepts as well as literacy skills in both unplugged and digital
experiences. The lessons are designed to provide students with an opportunity to build
knowledge of the concept(s) in an unplugged version (i.e., demonstrate the concept on
paper), practice the concept with the direct support of their teacher in the Minecraft
world, and then finally by completing the task independently.

Lesson Design
Each EDU guide contains multiple activities that are intended to be taught over the
specified amount of sessions (explained in the Instructional Sequence part of this
document); however, you should use discretion and modify/adapt the lesson activities
based on your students’ needs and abilities. Within the lessons, the instructional sequence
will contain three parts correlating with the gradual release model:
Direct Instruction—Teacher-Directed, In the first step, the teacher introduces
“I Do” and models the appropriate way of
performing the skills included in the new
concept being taught.
Guided Instruction— Teacher Modeling, After the teacher models the correct way
“We Do” to understand or perform the new concept
being taught, teacher will guide the
students as they work through some
examples together.
Independent Practice—Teacher Support, This step is where students demonstrate
“You Do” their initial level of understanding of the
new concept being taught through
independent practice.

Instructional Materials
Curriculum Overview That is this document you are reading now! This will
provide you with insight about the curriculum and what is
taught within the curriculum.
Educator’s Guides (EDU An educator’s guide is provided for each of the lessons. The
Guides) guide provides a high-level overview of the lesson, learning
goals, standards addressed, required preparation for the
activities, the lesson plans for the activities, and any
additional materials needed.
Classroom Presentations Each unit is supported by its own PowerPoint presentation
to provide structure and guide the educator through the
activities for the lesson.

5
Formative Assessments After each lesson in the EDU guide, there is an opportunity
to check for student understanding of the concept taught
within the lesson. These formative assessments are
typically comprised of 2-4 questions directly related to the
learning that just took place.
Summative Assessment At the end of the entire lesson sequence, students will be
provided with a performance-based task to demonstrate
their new knowledge and skills learned throughout the
computer science unit, Programming with Python. This
performance-based task can be assessed using the
provided rubric.
Minecraft World Files The specific world files needed to experience the
instructional activities have been linked directly within the
Educator’s Guides.

6
Introduction
Level: Upper Secondary | Grades 9-12 | Ages 14-18

Essential Question: How can computational thinking help us to solve problems and
identify solutions?

Introduction
Welcome to the text-based programming world of Python! In this unit, students will have a deep
dive experience of learning the essentials of what are programming languages, what is Python
syntax, and how to effectively utilize sequences, loops, conditionals, lists, and functions to develop
programs. Students will be tasked with helping CodingMine to develop several types of software
programs and the robot, the Agent, to help solve specific needs within the community. Students
will also get to experience additional Python worlds as they travel to Python Islands to support their
ongoing knowledge and skill development in Python programming.

Pacing: 18 hours (could be more if tutorials and/or supplemental lessons are included)

Materials

Hardware • The teacher will need a laptop or tablet with a projector for the plugged-in
coding lessons.
• Internet access will be required for a portion of the lessons and activities.
• Each student will need a device to complete the plugged-in coding
activities.

Software • Minecraft: Education Edition needs to be deployed on the devices utilized

within these lessons. Use this link to find information about Deploying
Minecraft: Education Edition.
• The teacher and students will need the relevant MCworld files downloaded
for each lesson.

Other • M:EE Tutorials in Python (if needed)

Materials

• M:EE Supplemental Lessons (if needed)

7
Minecraft: Education Edition Teaching and Learning
Framework
GOAL:
Provide students with the necessary skills to become creative coders and content
creators
Coding Mindset Computational Thinking Skills
Although Minecraft: Education Edition provides Computational thinking provides a vital skill set in
rigorous and engaging academics, we also deliver a which students must possess in order to fulfill the
holistic education- providing instruction for the industry’s needs in the jobs of tomorrow.
social, emotional, and physical needs for our Our ever-changing workforce creates a critical need
students. We want to foster a distinctive set of for innovation. Our students need computational
attributes. These qualities prepare our students to thinking skills not just to solve the problems within
make exceptional contributions both in school and their educational journey, but to also meet the
outside of school. challenges of adapting to our constantly changing
workforce.

CURIOUS
COMMITTED DECOMPOSITION
COOPERATIVE PATTERN RECOGNITION
CONSIDERATE ABSTRACTION
CONFIDENT ALGORITHMS

Computer Science Units of Study Community

Minecraft: Education Edition provides meaningful, As students gain and possess new knowledge and
relevant, and engaging units of study. The units of skills, we strive for them to find a greater purpose of
study will possess a conceptual lens to allow for “why do I need to know this” or more importantly,
depth and complexity to develop conceptual “how can I use this information?”.
understanding—knowledge which transfers We aim to empower students, develop confidence
through time, across cultures, and across situations. and self-efficacy into a commitment to serve the
community in which we live in and beyond.

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP
PROGRAMMING
CYBERSECURITY
IMPACTS OF COMPUTING

This unit will focus on Programming, as students will transition to utilizing MakeCode Python and Python
in Azure Notebooks. Students will learn the importance and value of text-based programming within
industry.
This unit will focus on the coding mindset of being committed, as they learn new skills and concepts
within Python.
This unit will focus on algorithms as students learn about the needed syntax and coding concepts to
create programs with Python.
This unit will provide students with the opportunity to become a content creator within the Minecraft:
Education Edition community. Students will have the opportunity to utilize the Reference Guide to build
out their own game and/or computational artifact in Minecraft utilizing Python at the end of this unit.

8
Instructional Sequence
This next section will provide you with an overview of the activities included in this
lesson sequence. The lesson sequence is presented in chronological order—we
suggest working in order, as the content will build upon skills presented in the
previous session. A session is equivalent to one class period, or a 45-60 minute
session. However, educators should feel empowered to modify and adapt the
lesson sequence to best meet the needs of their students.

Lesson Sequence Overview

Session Objectives Teacher will Students will Resources

1-3* Students will Lead students Students will engage in a Seymour

engage in a through an multiplayer experience Island
multiplayer unplugged activity to
experience model and articulate
the different story
elements of a
narrative text

4* Students will be Introduce what a Students will write Python 101:

able to explain what computer language is, MakeCode Python All That
are computer what an algorithm is, commands using correct Syntax
languages. and introduce Python syntax and find and
correct errors in already
existing pieces of code.

5* Students will utilize Introduce the concept Students will write Python 101:
command in of relative coordinates Minecraft Python Location,
command structure and positional commands to place Location,
and the code programming in blocks in the right Location
completion tool to Minecraft locations in a three-
find the most dimensional space.
efficient way to
construct objects.

6* Students will learn Introduce how to Students will help Python 101:
about and use create a variable, CodingMine develop a A Varied
variables and world assign a string, assign farming software (using Outcome
coordinates in their a numerical value, variables and world
Python programs. and how to change locations) to help in every
the value of a variable step of the farming
process from planting to
sorting to selling the
produce.

9
5* Students will learn Introduce the concept Students will help Python 101:
how to effectively of lists, how to create CodingMine develop a Animals are
use lists in their lists, how to use identification software Friends
Python programs. methods with lists, (using lists) to help
and how to modify veterinarians to easily
and sort lists identify and categorize
animals as well as help
them prescribe
treatments and dietary
requirements.

7* Students will learn Introduce the concept Students will help Python 101:
how to effectively of loops, the use of CodingMine develop A Helper for
use loops in their the “for loop”, how to their top-secret project the Home
Python programs. use nested loops, and called the Agent, a robot,
how to use to do different jobs
indentations. around the house.

8* Students will learn Introduce the concept Students will help Python 101:
how to effectively of conditions and CodingMine develop a Driving
use conditionals Boolean logic; explain program (using Around
and Boolean logic how to use if, if else conditionals and Boolean
in their Python and elif conditionals logic) to help the Agent
programs. to drive a car by itself.

9* Students will learn Introduce the Students will develop a Python 101:
how to effectively concepts of while program (using while Emergency
use while loops and loops and sequence; loops and sequences) to Response
sequences in their explain how to use have the Agent respond
Python programs. while loops with in emergency situations
different conditions by building structures
like water barriers,
firebreaks, and
rebuilding house
foundations.

10* Students will learn Introduce the concept Students will develop a Python 101:
how to effectively of functions, how to program (using Planting A
use functions in use functions, how to functions) to have the Seed
their Python create their own Agent help an ecological
programs. functions, and the organization to prepare
concepts of in-code the soil to plant pastures
comments of saplings.

11* Students will learn Introduce the concept Students write and Python 101:
how to tackle of decomposition for develop one large code All Fun and
writing larger codes students to create a fully working Games
when utilizing all of game.

10
 the coding concepts
they have learned.

12* Students will Explain the Students will utilize their Python 101:
demonstrate their summative task and accumulated coding Creative
ability to create provide success knowledge to complete a Coding
Python programs. criteria and guidance number of challenges
to collaborative within a given time.
groups.

13* Students will learn Introduce the Agent Students will navigate Python
the say() command and introduce the Python Island 1 to Island 1
and its purpose for concept of increase their coding
outputting inputs/outputs. proficiency in Python.
information.

14* Students will build Review the concepts Students will navigate Python
up experience with of conditional Python Island 2 to Island 2
multiple statements increase their coding
approaches to proficiency in Python.
using conditional
statements.

15* Students will build Review the concept of Students will navigate Python
up experience with for loops in Python Python Island 3 to Island 3
using for loops in increase their coding
their Python code. proficiency in Python.

16* Students build up Review the concept of Students will navigate Python
experience in using while loops in Python Python Island 4 to Island 4
while loops in their increase their coding
Python code. proficiency in Python.

17* Students build up Review the concept of Students will navigate Python
experience in using functions in Python Python Island 5 to Island 5
functions in their increase their coding
Python code. proficiency in Python.

18* Students build up Review the concept of Students will navigate Python
experience in using lists in Python Python Island 6 to Island 6
lists in their Python increase their coding
code. proficiency in Python.

19* Students will learn Introduce the Students will utilize the Python
and use the Reference Guide for Python Reference Guide Island 7
Reference Guide for students’ use to complete tasks and
Python AZNB. create their own program

*Teachers should use discretion and modify the lessons as needed for students based on needs.

11
Educational Standards
CSTA Standards
• 3A-AP-13 Create prototypes that use algorithms to solve computational problems
by leveraging prior student knowledge and personal interests.
• 3A-AP-14 Use lists to simplify solutions, generalizing computational problems
instead of repeatedly using simple variables.
• 3A-AP-15 Justify the selection of specific control structures when trade-offs involve
implementation, readability, and program performance, and explain the benefits
and drawbacks of choices made.
• 3A-AP-16 Design and iteratively develop computational artifacts for practical intent,
personal expression, or to address a societal issue by using events to initiate
instructions.
• 3A-AP-17 Decompose problems into smaller components through systematic
analysis, using constructs such as procedures, modules, and/or objects.
• 3A-AP-18 Create artifacts by using procedures within a program, combinations of
data and procedures, or independent but interrelated programs.
• 3A-AP-21 Evaluate and refine computational artifacts to make them more usable
and accessible.
• 3A-AP-22 Design and develop computational artifacts working in team roles using
collaborative tools.
• 3A-AP-23 Document design decisions using text, graphics, presentations, and/or
demonstrations in the development of complex programs.

ISTE Standards
● 1.2.b Students engage in positive, safe, legal and ethical behavior when using
technology, including social interactions online or when using networked devices.
● 1.3.c Students curate information from digital resources using a variety of tools and
methods to create collections of artifacts that demonstrate meaningful connections
or conclusions.
● 1.4.c Students develop, test and refine prototypes as part of a cyclical design
process.
● 1.5.a Students formulate problem definitions suited for technology-assisted
methods such as data analysis, abstract models and algorithmic thinking in
exploring and finding solutions.
● 1.5.c Students break problems into component parts, extract key information, and
develop descriptive models to understand complex systems or facilitate problem-
solving.
● 1.6.b Students create original works or responsibly repurpose or remix digital
resources into new creations.
● 1.7.c Students contribute constructively to project teams, assuming various roles
and responsibilities to work effectively toward a common goal.

12
UK National Curriculum: Computing – Key Stage 4
• Develop their capability, creativity and knowledge in computer science, digital
media and information technology
• develop and apply their analytic, problem-solving, design, and computational
thinking skills
• understand how changes in technology affect safety, including new ways to protect
their online privacy and identity, and how to identify and report a range of
concerns

Australian F-10 Curriculum: Digital Technologies – Year 9

and 10
● Developing a preliminary specification for an opportunity or a need that typically
contains a problem statement, a set of solution needs expressed as functional and
non-functional requirements, any assumptions or constraints to be considered and
the scope or boundaries of the solution (ACTDIP036)
● Designing algorithms to solve real-world problems and describing algorithms
using flow charts and structured English (ACTDIP040)
● Recognising that different algorithms can solve a problem with different trade-offs
(ACTDIP040)
● Tracing algorithms to predict results and program state for a given input
(ACTDIP040)
● Coding separate modules that perform discrete functions but collectively meet the
needs of the solution (ACTDIP041)
● Considering different algorithms and selecting the most appropriate based on the
type of problem (ACTDIP041)
● Selecting different types of data structures such as an array, record and object to
model structured data (ACTDIP041)
● Creating online interactive solutions for working with others by combining or
modifying online software tools to support project work (ACTDIP043)
● Managing and modifying the development of a solution (ACTDIP044)
● Developing an evolutionary prototype iteratively and incrementally (ACTDIP044)

13
Computer Science Concepts: Programming with
Python
Lesson Concept(s)

Seymour Island Sequencing

Control Structures (nested loops and
compound conditionals)
Python 101: All that Syntax Python command syntax structure
String (text)
Integers (numbers)
Syntax errors
Python 101: Location, Location, Location Relative coordinates
Positioning programming
Python 101: A Varied Outcome Variables
World coordinates
Python 101: Animals are Friends Lists
Zero-based numbering
Python 101: A Helper for the Home For loops
Nested loops
Python 101: Driving Around if Conditionals
if else Conditionals
elif Conditionals
Boolean logic
Python 101: Emergency Response While loops
Sequencing
Python 101: Planting a Seed Functions
Code comments
Python 101: All Fun and Games Decomposition
Relative positions
Python 101: Creative Coding Collaboration
Program Development
Testing
Python Island 1 Using outputs (say command)
Variables
Python Island 2 Conditions
if statements
Else statements
Nested if/else statements

14
 Logic operators
Python Island 3 For loops
Nested for loops
Break points
Python Island 4 While loops
Nested while loops
Python Island 5 Functions
Return statements
Events
Python Island 6 Lists
Arrays
Lists with for loops
Python Island 7 Use of Reference Guide
Problem Solving
Program Development
Testing
Collaboration

15
 MINECRAFT VISUAL GLOSSARY
Agent Blocks Book & Quill
personal robot in Minecraft the basic units of structure in an item used to create written books
Minecraft that make up the game's in Minecraft
world

Camera Chalkboards Controls

allows you to take screenshots and special blocks that allow you to write (keyboard)
selfies in Minecraft: Education Edition and display text in Minecraft keyboard buttons that help you move
around and complete tasks

Controls Creative Hotbar

(touch) game mode that gives you unlimited selection bar that appears on the
the touch pad that helps you move resources, ability to fly, and lets you bottom of the screen
around and complete tasks destroy blocks instantly when mining

Inventory Minecraft: Mob

pop-up menu the player (or Agent) game character resembling a living
Education Edition
uses to manage the items they carry creature
a game-based learning platform

16
 Portfolio NPC Spawn Point
saves all of the photos that you have non-player character the location where a player begins
taken with a camera; allows you to game play
add captions

17
 COMPUTER SCIENCE GLOSSARY
Algorithm Boolean Logic Code (Coding)
a sequence of defined steps uses the numbers 1 and 0 to the method of giving a computer
represent if something is true (1) or instructions to perform a specific task
false (0) and is called its state

1 or 0

Colon Commas Comments

a symbol used at the end of used to separate parameters if there pieces of a text in a code that the
command declaration are two or more computer does not run

:
Compare Conditionals Coordinates
double equals, or compare, is used an action or occurrence that is a coordinate represents a position or
when comparing two statements detected by the computer location

==
Debug Decompose Event
the process of finding (and breaking down a problem or task into an action or occurrence that is
correcting) errors in a computer smaller, more manageable parts detected by the computer
program

18
 Function Indentation List
a named section of a program that declare the piece of code belongs to An ordered collection of strings,
performs a specific task the command above; to indent a numerical values, or variables
piece of code, use the tab key on the
keyboard

Methods Nested Loops Parentheses

special commands that affect data in a loop within a loop used after a command name;
many ways can have parameters placed in them
to set the command’s settings, to
make the command do exactly what
is wanted

()
Python Quotes Sequence
a computer programming language used to define a string; any a programmed (coded) algorithm
that uses a mixture of recognizable characters between the quotes will be
words and characters seen by Python as text

““
Square Brackets String Syntax Error
used when creating lists; contents of a piece of text in quotes “-“ the computer’s way to say that it
a list need to be placed within square cannot run a piece of code because
brackets and separated by commas the syntax structure is not correct
“Hello”

19
 Test Underscore Variable
the process of running a program to used in the place of a space the places in which computers store
see if it is correct values in a computer program

While Loops World Position

repeats code when a condition is met unique coordinates defined by three
numbers

20