Unit 8: Arrays

3A-DA-09 - Translate between different bit representations of real-world phenomena, such as characters, numbers, and images.
2-AP-10 - Use flowcharts and/or pseudocode to address complex problems as algorithms.
2-AP-11 - Create clearly named variables that represent different data types and perform operations on their values.
2-AP-12 - Design and iteratively develop programs that combine control structures, including nested loops and compound conditionals.
2-AP-14 - Create procedures with parameters to organize code and make it easier to reuse.
K-12 Computer Science Framework Core concept: Control Structures
CT.L2-12 - Use abstraction to decompose a problem into sub problems.
CPP.L1:6-05 - Construct a program as a set of step-by-step instructions to be acted out.
CPP.L1:6-06 - Implement problem solutions using a block-based visual programming language.
NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2 - Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

Guiding Ideas

All the following lessons are approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on how much time you give students to explore the coding activities.

Lesson A: Introduction to arrays

Lesson B: Build a zoo with arrays

Lesson C: Teleport with arrays

Lesson D: Blocks with arrays

Lesson E: Get creative with arrays

Please review the Coding With Minecraft Educator Preparation Video and Educator Guide attached for additional details.

Student Activities

In this unit, students will explore the concept of arrays. In computer science, an array is a series of places to store things. Earlier students learned how to use variables as a way to store information. Arrays store multiple values and they are accessed from a single object, the array itself. You’ll continue with the idea of storing information for later use, but in this lesson, you’ll use many values. The students will learn the usefulness of arrays as a collection of related items. You’ll teach them how to use the array operations to add and get items to arrange and remember.

Performance Expectations

By the end of this unit, students will be able to:

Explain the usefulness of arrays in coding as a collection of related items
List examples of arrays in real life
Use the array operations to add and arrange items
Describe array indexes and elements in MakeCode
Sort array values with basic sorting algorithms
Design an original creative project that uses arrays to create a piece of artwork in Minecraft

Please review the Assessment Guide for additional details.