Lab 0: Introduction and Minecraft

Overview

In this lab, you will first learn about and reflect on pair programming. Then, you will get a first taste of programming by directing a character’s actions in the virtual world Minecraft.

Materials

• Quotes on paper from previous courses
• Minecraft at Code.org
• Lab Partner

Step 1

In this and the rest of the lab assignments in this course, we will be using a technique called pair programming. Two students will work together as lab partners at one computer. One student will be the driver, operating the keyboard and mouse, and the other student will be the navigator, giving advice and direction. Students will change roles frequently, every 10-15 minutes. If there are an odd number of students in the lab, one pair will become a trio.

Pick up a slip of paper from the instructor, containing a modified quotation from students in previous similar computer science labs. Once all students have a slip of paper, you will then be asked to read your quote aloud.

Once all students have read their comments aloud, we will talk through the implications of the situations.

Step 2

Now, form a small group of three to four of your peers to come up with suggestions for a Lab Code of Conduct for this section. If you wish, you can also submit suggestions to your lab instructor privately.

Before next week’s lab, your instructor will combine these suggestions into a single document, which you will be asked to sign. If you have concerns over the final document and are unwilling to sign, please discuss them privately with your instructor.

Step 3

Find your assigned Lab Partner to begin pair programming.

Follow the link to our Code.org section and sign up for an account at Code.org. Be sure to use one of your Hendrix email address, since this is the only way we will be able to assign you a grade for this lab. Also, put both partners’ full names in the name field.

Work through the stages of the Minecraft programming section. First, just try to solve each puzzle by piecing together a valid solution. Then, focus on being efficient in your code, as each level has a minimum number of blocks that can be used to develop a solution.

Note that the final “open-ended” level is just for fun and does not need to be completed in order to complete the lab.

Submission

You do not need to do anything to submit this lab: if you accessed it by clicking the link above, we can automatically track your progress.

Grading

• To Complete the lab, finish all stages (other than the final “open-ended” stage) with the minimum number of blocks.