Lesson 6: Conditionals

Computer programs are made up of instructions that tell the computer how to process input and deliver output. In Minecraft, the instructions you write are triggered by events or by commands, and they control what actions take place in the Minecraft world. An important part of programming is telling the computer WHEN to perform a certain task. For this, we use something called ‘conditionals’, because a certain Condition or Rule has to be met before an action is performed.

* You can also watch this video here.

Lesson structure

• Overview: Conditionals
• Unplugged: Silent Simon
• Minecraft Activity 1: How Old Are You?
• Minecraft Activity 2: Agent Tree Chopper
• Minecraft Activity 3: All Mine!
• Minecraft Activity 4: Pyramid
• Independent Project: Paired project
• Assessment: Rubric
• Standards: Listed

Lesson plan

1. Overview: Conditionals
2. Unplugged: Silent Simon
3. Activity: How Old Are You?
4. Activity: Agent Tree Chopper
5. Activity: All Mine!
6. Activity: Pyramid
7. Independent Project

Flipgrid

The Flipgrid topic for the Conditionals lesson: https://flipgrid.com/8799c2e5

CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards

Targeted standards for this lesson:

• CL.L2-05 - Implement problem solutions using a programming language, including: looping behavior, conditional statements logic, expressions, variables, and functions.
• CL.L2-03 - Collaborate with peers, experts, and others using collaborative practices such as pair programming, working in project teams, and participating in group active learning activities.
• CL.L2-04 - Exhibit dispositions necessary for collaboration: providing useful feedback, integrating feedback, understanding and accepting multiple perspectives, socialization.
• CL.L3A-01 - Work in a team to design and develop a software artifact.
• K-12 Computer Science Framework Core concept: Control Structures