All Ages
Computer Science
Gaming
How do the basic elements of Minecraft work together? Students work through self-paced, directed and choice activities to explore and learn the game.
January 9, 2020
Link to My First Lesson World
Download the Storytime Basic world that accompanies this lesson from the Phygital Labs library.
Link to My First Lesson lesson plan in PDF
Download the PDF version of the entire lesson, including specific teacher guidance for directed and choice activities, from the Phygital Labs library.
Link to My First Lesson Checklist
Download the optional checklist resource for student choice activities from the Phygital Labs library.
My First Lesson Notebook
This notebook, created by the Minecraft Education Team, is available to support any teacher using games-based learning in the classroom.
Guiding question:
How do the basic elements of Minecraft work together?
Lesson overview:
The lesson and world file are an excellent starting place for teachers who wish to have a starting place for:
• A pre-assessment tool to determine student gaming knowledge in Minecraft: Education Edition
• A knowledge building tool for those new to gaming in Minecraft: Education Edition
Students "spawn" or enter the game at the beginning of a maze at coordinates 30, 151, 50. Students are greeted by Phygital Labs team members Stephen and Becky as NPCs (non player characters). Color-changing Phygital blocks direct the students where to go in the world, as well as paths and signs.
Part 1 – Directed activities in the game
Students "spawn" or enter the game at the beginning of a maze at coordinates 30, 151, 50. Students are greeted by Phygital Labs team members Stephen and Becky as NPCs (non-player characters). Color-changing Phygital blocks direct the students where to go in the world, as well as paths and signs.
Part 2 – Choice activities and exploration checklist
There are 12 locations throughout the world in which students can explore on their own and learn something new about the game features, mechanics, and inventory.
Optional: Distribute the paper or digital copy of the Phygital Labs My First Lesson Exploration Checklist. This helps students ensure they get to all of the locations and learn all of the skills while maintaining the student choice of which order they complete the activities.
Differentiate in a mixed-skill level class by having more advanced students create their own challenges for other students to complete in the game, then trade devices to complete them. Partner students who need additional support with more comfortable gamers as needed.
Additional content for this lesson available at phygitallabs.com/lessons.
Assessment for the activity:
Exceeds expectations
Student was on task and completed all activities inside the world. Student explored places in the world outside of the checklist and learned additional skills or features to share with others.
Meets expectations
Student was on task and completed all activities inside the world. Student helped others when appropriate.
Approaching expectations
Student was mostly on task or completed almost all activities inside the world. Student demonstrated a basic knowledge of Minecraft by the end of the lesson.
Needs modification
Student was off task or did not complete the activities inside the world. Student did not demonstrate a basic knowledge of Minecraft by the end of the lesson.