For Loops & Nested Loops

8-10 yrs old

11-13 yrs old

14-18 yrs old

Art and Design

Computer Science

Learn more how to use For Loops in blocks, JavaScript and Python with MakeCode Coding Editor.

3

Submitted By: Minecraft Education

October 12, 2020

Lesson Plan
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Skills

Creativity
Critical Thinking

External References

Educator Guide Loops & Nested Loops

Loops and Nested Loops world

Learning Objectives

Learn how to use for loops (repeat blocks) in their code.
Learn how to nest loops inside each other.
Utilize the following National Core Arts Standards: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Utilize the following CSTA standards: 1A-AP-08, 1A-AP-09, 1A-AP-10, 1A-AP-11, 1A-AP-14, 1B-AP-10
Utilize the following ISTE standards: 5D

Guiding Ideas

These learning activities are designed to provide the learner with flexibility and choice in his/her learning.

The learner will be introduced to three tutorials that are at three levels of difficulty (Novice, Intermediate and Expert) which are followed by an educational activity where he/she can apply coding skills.

Within each tutorial, the learner will have the option of selecting a coding language (Blocks, JavaScript or Python).

The learner may choose a tutorial at his/her appropriate difficulty level and language OR choose to complete all tutorials and the educational activity. It will take approximately an hour to complete all the activities.

GUIDING QUESTIONS

What are things in our life that we repeat?

Eating, walking, breathing, etc

If I set a song on repeat, what will happen when it gets to the end of the song?

It will start over.

What are the reasons we might want to repeat parts of our code when working in Minecraft?

We want to do the same code in a different spot.

Student Activities

TUTORIAL 1: SPAWN ANIMALS (Novice - 5 minutes)

Main objective: The learner will use events and for loops to spawn animals when specific events happen.

View the solution at: https://makecode.com/_5cKFx0Wad5Pq

TUTORIAL 2: FARM (Intermediate - 10 minutes)

Main objective: The learner will code the agent using for loops to plant carrots at the farm.

View the solution at: https://makecode.com/_fc9H0Y1v2WLR

TUTORIAL 3: HOUSE (Expert - 15 minutes)

Main objective: The learner will use build a house using for loops.

View the solution at: https://makecode.com/_Amid8E6u9VvJ

EDUCATIONAL APPLICATION (15 minutes)

Subject Area: Art

Main purpose of the activity:

Use loops in his/her code to create pixel art.
Experience various examples of pixel art in the land for additional ideas.
Use loops in their code to create his/her own pixel art.

The learner’s challenge is to use loops in the creation of pixel art.

Outcome of This Activity: The learner will have successfully created pixel art through using for loops and nested loops.

Possible Solution for this Activity:

View sample code online for a pixel art of a Minecraft creeper: https://makecode.com/_WP27LT7dw8cr

Performance Expectations

Ask the learners about new skills that they have practiced during the activity to reinforce the concepts.

What does a for loop do?

It repeats the code for a specific number of times.

What is a nested loop?

It is a loop within a loop.

Why do you use loops?

Use loops to repeat a certain string of code.

Skills

Creativity
Critical Thinking

External References

Educator Guide Loops & Nested Loops

Loops and Nested Loops world

Suggested Lessons