Find the Button
Find the button is a classic minigame in Minecraft, and can be used as a great introduction to coding using command blocks.
Updated: June 6, 2022
Learning objectives
Game design: Each student can create an entire level from scratch, and then students play each others levels and give feedback. Each student then iterates their design, fixing bugs and adding enhancements based on feedback. The scope of creativity is huge. Learning to code using command blocks: Starting from simple teleportation and messages and through various progressions. Crucially more sophisticated use of command blocks allows the student to add more functionality to their game
Guiding ideas
- Introduction to command blocks, and how they can be used to control aspects of Minecraft using code
- Understanding of game design, what makes a level good to play? What are the downsides to making it too easy/hard? If we have different stages in the level, can we link them together well?
- Co-ordinate Geometry: Used through the project for teleporting, command blocks and placing blocks/buttons/levers
Student activities
- Have the students start by playing the excellent Find the Button game available at: http://mcpedl.com/find-the-button-houses-edition/, included as an attachment
- After playing as normal, have the students switch to Creative Mode and try to figure out how the game is made using Command Blocks
- Start with all students in the attached FindTheButtonStart.mcworld (this will accommodate up to 25 students at a time, the grid can be clone if more are needed. Each students should claim one unique square of the grid
- Give students the attached MinecraftFindTheButton.pdf handout, and give a brief explanation of how the different examples were used in the example game to create the different levels
- Have each student create a Find the Button game, and end each by teleporting to the adjacent level
- Have students lay each others levels and give constructive feedback
Performance expectations
- Having completed the lesson, all students should have a good familiarity with command blocks, including using them to show messages and teleport players. Progressions include using /setblock commands to remotely power external command blocks which then add stages to levels
- Students should be able to explain why they think their game is fun to play, focusing on the experience of the player as they work through it
- Students should be able to both give and take constructive feedback that is used improve their game
External reference
Skills
- Creativity
- Critical thinking