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[PARTNER MESSAGE] Minecraft's Hour of Code 2024: The Show Must Go On!

  • 1.  [PARTNER MESSAGE] Minecraft's Hour of Code 2024: The Show Must Go On!

    Posted 12-13-2024 10:23 AM
    Edited by Jason W. Bohrer 12-13-2024 10:25 AM

    From: Lights, Camera, Code! Minecraft's Hour of Code 2024: The Show Must Go On! <https://education.minecraft.net/en-us/blog/hour-code-2024> 

    Step into the spotlight with Minecraft's Hour of Code 2024: The Show Must Go On! This year's adventure is a zany romp through a bustling theater where learners become the star coder, director, and creative mastermind! 

    A Star-Studded Crisis

    Oh no! Our lovable star, The Agent, has pulled a disappearing act moments before the big show. Your mission: code your way through fun challenges, unlock surprises, and save the show!

    In this exciting new Hour of Code experience, students will:

    • Explore the theater to find the missing Agent and help them find their coding confidence
    • Solve engaging coding puzzles throughout the venue
    • Team up with the Agent to execute the Minecraft Hour of Code Extravaganza
    • Share their unique creative vision and grand finale with their friends

    Backstage Pass to Creativity

    As you navigate the theater, you'll discover various departments, learners will use the power of code to:

    • Compose toe-tapping tunes in the Recording Studio
    • Choreograph dazzling dance routines in the Dance Studio
    • Craft eye-catching props in the Prop Department
    • Create show-stopping costumes in the Wardrobe

    Whether you are new to coding or have more experienced, the Hour of Code 2024: The Show Must Go On!, learners will apply key computer science concepts like sequences, loops, and debugging-all while letting their creative vision become real in Minecraft.

    The Power of Computational Thinking

    Coding serves as a gateway to essential 21st-century thinking skills. As students work through the challenges in Hour of Code 2024: The Show Must Go On!, they'll develop:

    • Problem-solving: Breaking down complex challenges into manageable steps
    • Critical thinking: Analyzing tricky situations and making logical decisions
    • Creativity: Expressing themselves through unique digital creations
    • Perseverance: Building grit as they debug and refine their code to nail their perfect performance!

    These skills prove invaluable across all disciplines – building confidence and computational thinking - on and off the stage! 

    Accessible for All

    The Hour of Code 2024: The Show Must Go On! is available as a free demo in Minecraft Education, so anyone can join the fun-no license required! Choose between block-based coding with MakeCode for beginners or try text-based Python for an extra challenge.

    We have a full stage crew to support you: educator resources, including a facilitation and solution guide, and a walkthrough videos. It's easier than ever to bring this Hour of Code to your classroom, after-school program, or even at home. Plus, in-game hints ensure self-directed learners can shine on their own.

    Join the Global Celebration

    Mark your calendars for Computer Science Education Week (December 9-15, 2024) and get ready to join millions of students worldwide as we celebrate the power of code. But why wait? You can start rehearsing today!

    Here's how to get started:

    1. Download Minecraft Education and explore Hour of Code 2024: The Show Must Go On! If you already have Minecraft Education installed, make sure you're using the latest version (1.21.06) for the best experience. Then login and play the Hour of Code lesson in the Library or as a demo
    2. Check out the lesson page which includes a facilitator guides with answer keys, solutions guide, and click here for a video walkthrough.
    3. Download The Show Must Go On Poster, and I Coded Sticker to celebrate Hour of Code with your students.
    4. Don't miss our upcoming educator webinar November 18th (register here) for pro tips and tricks for directing an amazing Hour of Code.
    5. Register your classroom to participate in our Hour of Code: The Show Must Go On Play-Alongs – an exciting experience for students that combines coding and creativity to save the show. Teachers, sign up your class today for a session that works best for your language and classroom schedule!

    For more details on facilitating Hour of Code please download the HOC: The Show Must Go On - Facilitator One-Pager.

    Beyond the Hour

    After the curtain falls and the lights go on, the coding journey is just beginning. Minecraft Education offers over 200 hours of computer science content designed for K-12 learners and aligned with CSTA standards. From block-based coding to advanced Python projects, we've got everything you need to keep the coding excitement going all year long. Visit our Computer Science page for more information.

    The Future is Code

    Today's rapidly evolving digital world demands a solid understanding of coding fundamentals. Early research indicates that learners with a stronger grasp of computing concepts can better harness emerging technologies like AI more effectively. By introducing students to coding through fun, engaging experiences like Hour of Code: The Show Must Go On, we prepare them to become active creators and innovators.

    Are you ready to code, create and save the show? Download Minecraft Hour of Code: The Show Must Go On today and let the extravaganza begin! Together, we'll prove that with creativity, problem-solving, and a little bit of code, the show will ALWAYS go on!



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    Jason W. Bohrer | Chapter Relations Lead
    Computer Science Teachers Association | @csteachersorg
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