Unit 3: Coordinates

Learn about the three-coordinate grid represented by (X, Y, Z) coordinates and the difference between relative position and world position.

Open in Minecraft

Submitted by: Minecraft Education

Updated: February 4, 2025

Learning objectives

  • Learn and apply the coding concept of coordinates
  • Articulate the difference between relative position and world position
  • Describe the difference between relative coordinates and absolute world coordinates in real life
  • Explain the importance of coordinates in coding and while playing Minecraft
  • Design an original project to apply the use of coordinates in new ways

Review the Coding with Minecraft curriculum overview to get a better perspective of how this computer science content can be utilized with students.

Review and prepare the classroom presentation to use during instruction. This will provide you with a scaffolded approach to help students be successful at learning the lesson's objectives.

Both of these resources are located under the Supporting Files section.

In this unit, students will learn about the coding concept of coordinates. This unit will cover how to move around in a Minecraft world based on the three-coordinate grid represented by (X, Y, Z) coordinates. Students will learn the difference between relative position and world position. Students will participate in both unplugged and plugged experiences to help them learn, practice, and apply coordinates in Minecraft.

All of the following lessons are covered in Unit 3 - Coordinates. The lessons are approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on how much time you give students to explore the coding activities.

Lesson A: Introduction to Coordinates

Lesson B: Coding with Coordinates

Lesson C: Automating Actions with Coordinates

Lesson D: Get Creative with Coordinates

Please review the educator's guide for this unit to see additional details and find the specific lesson plans to help support classroom instruction.

Each of the lessons have various opportunities for formative assessments to gauge the students' understanding and skills learned throughout the unit. Please refer to the Assessment Guide (found under Supporting Files).

Student workbook
Coding with Minecraft 3-Coordinates-Student workbook
Overview Video
Coordinates Overview Video

Skills

  • Creativity
  • Critical thinking

Estimated time

1 hour