TOP 20 Free Minecraft Programming Lessons for Teens

Minecraft is a popular indie computer game in the sandbox genre. This means that players are not limited by a plot, goals or linearity: almost unlimited freedom of action is provided. This captivates schoolchildren and makes the gameplay quite interesting, even unexpected and intense.

Minecraft also lets kids and teens learn Python programming. Although Java was originally used to develop the game, and a C++ version was released in 2017, Python can be used by hobbyists to develop their own mods.

Why Minecraft?

Minecraft programming for kids is not only a fun way to entertain and bring creative ideas to life, but also a useful activity: creating your own game objects and worlds using code is the first confident step in IT.

And you can start and master the basics yourself. Today I want to offer you to watch twenty video lessons from the Pixel school, designed for beginners. It's free: just understand what the teacher is talking about and also repeat simple actions after him. The school conducts education children programming in Python in Minecraft, so the lessons are partly based on the educational program.

The selection I offer is sequential: let's start with the basics and gradually move on to more complex tasks.

20 Free Minecraft Programming Lessons for Kids with No Experience

First, here are the bonus videos: Let's watch the video and install Minecraft and Python on a PC with Windows or MacOS. These lessons will not be the first in our selection, they will only help to understand the software part and the basic points of the upcoming work.

If everything is ready, let's start learning.

Step-by-step Minecraft tutorials: starting from scratch

1. Getting to know Python

This is an introductory video for teaching kids programming in Minecraft, after watching which we will write our first code and learn how to display text messages in the chat. And we will also have to figure out:

• How to start your own game server using a script;

• What needs to be done to write a simple program using the example of displaying messages in your own chat.

2. We display the character's coordinates in the chat using the program

Now I suggest getting acquainted with coordinates and cycles. The second free video lesson on programming in Minecraft will help with this. As a result of watching, the child will learn:

• What are coordinates and how are they related to the characters in the game;

• How to use loops to print coordinates.

3. We study variables and conditions, create the first simple game

The next lesson is devoted to important constructions: variables and conditions. I would like to invite you to consider these topics and get acquainted with:

• Basic scripts for mods;

• Operation of determining coordinates;

• Variables and loops, as well as conditions that can be written in Python;

• The basics of checking finished code for errors and functionality.

4. Learn to create blocks using code

The fourth Minecraft programming lesson is dedicated to advanced use of code to create in-game blocks. Here are the topics you will learn about:

• Running programs written in Python;

• Installation of main units;

• Using bounded and nested loops.

And at the end, the teacher will give useful advice that will help each child in further self-study.

5. We get acquainted with the functions, and also build a virtual street and houses

It's time to move on to more complex tasks and get acquainted with the functions: they will help to build a full-fledged street with houses. We have to:

• Write another Python program;

• Build the first house;

• Solve a problem using functions;

• Create a full-fledged game street and fill it with buildings.

6. Making 2D figures

Let's continue learning Minecraft programming with a lesson that will help you learn how to create shapes. To do this, you'll need to know:

• How to use different libraries when working with Python;

• What you need to create 2D figures in the form of a square and a circle;

• How can you use the obtained objects in your own games?

7. Create 3D figures

Now that we have sorted out the simplest figures, let's learn how to make three-dimensional objects and items. The seventh online Minecraft programming lesson for kids will help with this. As a result of watching, we will be able to figure out:

• How to make your own tower and create a sphere and pit in the game;

• What is needed to implement a high-quality game program script.

8. Learning to create polygons

Now we need to learn about polygons and how to use them in our own Minecraft mods. So we need to figure out:

• Why do we need polygons and how to make them;

• What functions are useful for working with the corresponding objects;

• How to make your own pyramid using a polygon;

• How to fill in the used functions correctly.

9. Use artificial intelligence and create a bot

Now I want to suggest you program a bot that will follow us in the game. Interested? Then let's start watching the ninth video about the basics of programming in Minecraft for kids. After watching the video, we will understand how to:

• Create your own bot for the game, make it move as required and follow the main character;

• Manage artificial intelligence.

10. Understanding what random numbers are and how they affect AI

Let's continue learning Minecraft programming with a video that will help us understand:

• What are random numbers;

• How to write a program based on the concept of probability;

• Why and when should you use the so-called Random;

• How to create and run a game with AI and random variable generation.

So, now we know the basics. So I suggest continuing self-study with a really fun practice: let's learn how to create our own full-fledged Minecraft mods in the form of simple games.

Minecraft Game Making – Advanced Tutorials

11. Making a runner

Runners are simple games in which the player's task is to control a character who is constantly in motion. Often the goal is to overcome obstacles. And I want to recommend the eleventh video, which will teach a child:

• Write scripts for blocks, platforms and character spawn locations;

• Display messages in the internal chat;

• Manage the timer and item positions;

• Programming the fall and loss;

• Generate blocks and levels;

• Write commands to make objects disappear.

12. Programming the game “Treasure Hunt”

Lessons for teaching children programming in Minecraft online I want to continue the video, which will help to understand how:

• Create files for Python;

• Script simple games using the example of the Treasure Hunt project;

• Test the code and check it for functionality and errors.

13. Programming zombies

Let's do another project. Let it be a game called “Zombie Attack”.

Here's what we'll learn to do after watching the video:

• Create game files and write them in Python;

• Use loops to count points;

• Set a losing condition;

• Program internal chat;

• Control virtual zombies.

14. Making traps

This training video partly repeats what we have already mastered, but this is a plus: it will be possible to consolidate the acquired knowledge. Therefore, I suggest you start watching and:

• Once again create game files, program conditions and write code for the map;

• Learn to use conditions for traps.

15. Create POP-IT

Now I propose to make a once popular toy by programming in Minecraft environment in Python. The fifteenth video will teach us:

• Use infinite loops to control game objects, as in Pop It;

• Verify game code at an advanced level.

16. Use glass and iron blocks to create a play skyscraper

Another Minecraft programming lesson is dedicated to building a skyscraper. Let's watch the video and:

• We will create the necessary files and platform;

• Let's build a skyscraper from glass and iron blocks and program it.

17. Making the game “Iron Cloud”

Now I want to suggest making a simple game where the character will appear on iron blocks that gradually disappear. He will need to hold out as long as possible and collect more diamonds. And let's complicate the project and add dynamite to it!

The video explains how to:

• Declare the required variables;

• Create in-game objects, items and character;

• Write a code for the “Iron Cloud” with dynamites and diamonds.

18. Create a server for your own mods

This topic was previously discussed indirectly in the first video tutorial, but only at a basic level, so I suggest going into more detail and understanding:

• Creating and configuring a server;

• Its editing and files necessary for smooth functioning.

19. We are doing the project “Mysterious House. Escape from the Fire Monster”

This is one of the difficult online Minecraft programming lessons, but at the same time it is very interesting. Let's see for ourselves and:

• Let's build a house using blocks and code;

• Let's come up with a mission for the game “Mysterious House. Escape from the Fire Monster”;

• Let's set the conditions for winning and losing;

• We will create and program characters.

20. Making a labyrinth on Python in Minecraft

This video lesson logically concludes today's selection. It will help consolidate the acquired knowledge concerning:

• Basics of programming in Minecraft;

• Writing code in Python using the example of creating a maze;

• Using loops and other constructs.

I hope that everything worked out and was interesting and informative. If you couldn't do something, try watching the video again: I think it will help correct the mistakes. Be sure to share in the comments whether it worked: I'll be interested to know.

I also want to wish success to every child who has started their journey in the IT direction! If you want to introduce children to IT directions, we have free lessons on various video platforms: YouTube, Rutube, Zen, VK — more than 600 videos on Minecraft, Python, Scratch, Unity, Blender and other programs. And if you need a mentor and a well-thought-out program, come to the online courses at the school Pixel.