Lesson 16: Functions in Minecraft
Overview
Students will begin to understand how functions can be helpful in this fun and interactive Minecraft adventure!
Purpose
Students will discover the versatility of programming by practicing functions in different environments. Here, students will recognize reusable patterns and be able to incorporate named blocks to call pre-defined functions.
Agenda
Warm Up (10 min)
Bridging Activity - Functions (15 min)
Main Activity (30 min)
Wrap Up (15 min)
View on Code Studio
Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Use functions to simplify complex programs.
- Use pre-determined functions to complete commonly repeated tasks.
Preparation
- Play through the lesson to find any potential problem areas for your class.
- Make sure every student has a Think Spot Journal - Reflection Journal.
Links
Heads Up! Please make a copy of any documents you plan to share with students.
For the Students
- Think Spot Journal - Reflection Journal
Vocabulary
- Function - A piece of code that you can easily call over and over again.
Support
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Teaching Guide
Warm Up (10 min)
Introduction
Content Corner
Teaching this course as a class?
Our grade-aligned CS Fundamentals courses use unplugged lessons to build community and introduce tricky computer science concepts, including functions. Check out the lesson Songwriting from Course E!
Help the class understand that functions are simply a chunk of code that has a name. Once defined, you can use that name over and over in your program to tell the computer to run the chunk of code that you assigned to it.
Bridging Activity - Functions (15 min)
Preview of Online Puzzles
Pull up a puzzle from the lesson. We recommend puzzle 9 of this lesson. As a class, work through the puzzle without using functions. Once you have gotten the solution, display it on a white board or overhead. Ask the class to point to the repeated code. Ask the class how they would simplify the program. Why can you not just use a loop?
On the white board or overhead, rewrite the program without the repeated code, but leaving one line space. In that/those line space(s), call a function. Off to the side, declare the function like the left example block in the lesson tip. Ask the class what they think the code will do now.
Open up a discussion with the class on why functions could be useful in programming. Invite students to discuss the difference between functions and loops.
Main Activity (30 min)
Online Puzzles
We recommend providing paper and pencils for students to write (or draw) out ideas. Also, if students are having trouble recognizing patterns, have them work with a partner on the harder puzzles.
Wrap Up (15 min)
Journaling
Having students write about what they learned, why it’s useful, and how they feel about it can help solidify any knowledge they obtained today and build a review sheet for them to look to in the future.
- What was today's lesson about?
- How do you feel about today's lesson?
- What did your functions do in the programs you wrote today? How did that help you?
- When should you use a function instead of a loop?
Student Instructions
The door is locked, but the Agent is here to help!
Snap a move forward block to the bottom of the when run block in the workspace to get the Agent to the pressure plate [PressurePlate_Up], then press "Run" and use the arrow keys to move out of the house to collect the chest [chest].
Student Instructions
{currentPlayerName} is headed on an adventure! To help, get the map [map_empty] behind the locked door on the right.
Snap the code into the workspace to move the Agent to the pressure plate [PressurePlate_Up] so that {currentPlayerName} can get through.
Student Instructions
{currentPlayerName} continues on the adventure and needs the compass [compass] to prepare for the trip.
Code the Agent to open the gate.
Student Instructions
The Agent can move across water!
Use a repeat loop to solve this puzzle and help {currentPlayerName} get to the bucket [bucket_empty] behind the door.
Student Instructions
You made it across!
Now, get {currentPlayerName} safely through the maze to collect the axe [diamond_axe]
Student Instructions
Oh no, the bridge is out!
Code the Agent to rebuild the bridge using the place block so that {currentPlayerName} can get to the shovel [diamond_shovel].
Student Instructions
Another river, but this one is much wider!
Fix this code to help the Agent build a bridge so that {currentPlayerName} can get to the pickaxe [diamond_pickaxe].
Student Instructions
A function named build bridge is in your workspace. All of the code you need to cross the river is built right in!
Snap the small, green build bridge function block into your workspace twice to fix the path and get {currentPlayerName} to the Redstone Torch [redstone_torch].
Student Instructions
There's ice in the way!
The clear path function can help you destroy the ice and get {currentPlayerName} to the Minecart [minecart_normal]!
Student Instructions
Can you spot the difference between the two functions in your workspace?
Use these functions with other code from the toolbox to clear a path for the Minecart, then collect the Flint and Steel [flint_and_steel].
Student Instructions
Look at the functions below. How can you use them to avoid the Ghasts and help {currentPlayerName} make it safely to the Enchanted Book [book_enchanted]?
Student Instructions
Freeplay: Now it's up to you! Use the Agent's code to help you explore this world.
Standards Alignment
View full course alignment
CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards (2017)
AP - Algorithms & Programming
- 1B-AP-08 - Compare and refine multiple algorithms for the same task and determine which is the most appropriate.
- 1B-AP-11 - Decompose (break down) problems into smaller, manageable subproblems to facilitate the program development process.