By modifying (modding) Minecraft’s underlying code, kids create powerful objects and special powers that do not normally exist in the game.
Kids learn to code their own mods using a drag and drop interface - students literally “hack” the game and bring their imaginations to life - all while learning Java fundamentals (a widely used programming language).
Key Skills students will build in class:
Each themed class below has a specific focus and can be taken in any order! Best of all, kids can test, play, and share their mods so the entire class can play together using their own Minecraft server.
By constructing their own mods, kids will get to compete in fun Mini-Games including Blocky Races, Ravine Runner, Swoop De Loop, and many more as they go for the GOLD!!
With a focus on building and creating tools, blocks, and other mods, students will get to show off their creativity in Lucky Blocks, Mob Madness, Wizard Wonder, The Haunted Mansion, and more!
Get ready to rumble! Kids design their own mods to help them in a variety of Mini-Games including Hungry Games, Rise of the Werebunnies, Spartan School, Spleef, Egg Wars and more. May the best MOD win!
*These are recommended age ranges. We can adjust based on your child’s needs and abilities.
If you’re thinking of having your kids learn Java, here’s a little-known fact for you: Spotify, Minecraft and Instagram are all built on Java. There’s so many possibilities and popular examples to drum up enthusiasm in your children. Java is one of the most prevalent coding languages. Also, it’s one of the most in-demand languages with employers, making it a good choice for kids’ futures.
Although beginners can learn Java with special classes for kids, for beginners and younger children will feel betting starting with a simpler program. The program Scratch, for example, introduces them to programming with a visual program language prior to moving onto text-based concepts. Before moving on to Java, students of programming should understand several things: if – then statements, loops, functions and classes.
The main reason it’s good for children is also one of the main reasons it’s so popular. Java can be used on an array of devices. Therefore, parents won’t need to invest in a fancy, high-spec computer for children to learn Java.
There’s no cost to download and begin with Java. Integrated Development Environments (IDE) like Eclipse can help kids write and organize code. There’s a wealth of online support for young coders too. Professional Java programmers who participate in online communities number in the millions. Stack Overflow is one such site.
A gigantic library of classes arrives with the Java program. Classes are sets of objects that enable certain functions in the program. Selecting between the classes will define the program’s capabilities. Better yet, children can choose a “superclass,” which is a section of code that can serve as a “subclass” in a new program. This eliminates the need to rewrite everything, so in short, children can see results sooner with less legwork.
Another advantage of Java is that it’s more visual instead of relying on a typed command-line. This leads to a more user-friendly experience and interface for children. Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) like JavaFX are a visual toolkit of code components. They let children more easily add interactivity to their applications. For example, some classes you might recognize in Java GUI’s are widgets like buttons, text boxes and drop-down lists. Part of the GUI is event handling, which brings interactivity from cursor movement or clicks.
Java offers kids the chance to be creative and to develop games and apps. Children can create simple games like tic-tac-toe and feel accomplished. Yet the opportunities have a high range, including building data structures for music libraries on the more complicated end. Modding in the uber-popular game Minecraft uses Java. Kids love to hack in and change the code of the game. They can make new rules. Many kids are amenable to learning more about coding because of Minecraft.
Beyond general creative and imaginative exercise, Java endows children with more concrete skills too. Analytical and problem-solving abilities see a boost through Java. Attention to detail develops when students must write precise code. They also learn to experiment with different outcomes. Java can be a stepping-stone to more complicated programming languages. It’s used by companies large and small. Amazon, Google, Facebook and Android all use Java.
