Page 174 - Computing E-Book Grade 6

The City School 2021-2022

7.1. Computer Science Principles

Computer Science Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of
computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can

impact the world. More than a traditional introduction to programming, it is a rigorous,
engaging, and approachable course that explores many of the foundational ideas of

computing so all students understand how these concepts are transforming the world
we live in.

7.2. Getting Started with Minecraft

Over the next hour, you’re going to
learn the basics of computer science

by programming Alex or Steve to move
through a simulated piece of a Minecraft

world.
Traditional programming is usually

in text but today we’ll use Blockly, a
system which uses visual blocks that you

can drag and drop to write programs.
Under the hood, you’re creating

JavaScript code.
The concepts you’ll be learning are what

computer programmers use every day
and are the foundation of computer

science. Here at Mojang, we use these
same concepts to make Minecraft

work. Before you start, you’ll pick your
character. Let’s build the code for a program that will help them move around the

screen.

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