Minecraft Hour of Code Lesson Focuses on AI

Microsoft's latest Hour of Code tutorial is providing educators with resources to teach their students the basics of coding and how to prevent forest fires using Minecraft. The lesson is inspired by Microsoft's AI for Earth team that develops open-source tools using artificial intelligence to solve environmental challenges.

 

 

Teachers can download Minecraft: Education Edition, access a downloadable lesson plan and watch a video tour of the Microsoft Hour of Code world.
 
In a free one-hour online course, educators can learn how to facilitate an Hour of Code lesson and earn a Microsoft Educator badge. Students can also access other Minecraft lessons on Code.org.

More information on how to download the new Minecraft: Education Edition lesson plan is available on Microsoft's website.

About the Author

Sara Friedman is a reporter/producer for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe covering education policy and a wide range of other public-sector IT topics.

Friedman is a graduate of Ithaca College, where she studied journalism, politics and international communications.

Friedman can be contacted at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @SaraEFriedman.

Click here for previous articles by Friedman.


Featured

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • chart with ascending bars and two silhouetted figures observing it, set against a light background with blue and purple tones

    Report: Enterprises Are Embracing Agentic AI

    According to a new report from SnapLogic, 50% of enterprises are already deploying AI agents, and another 32% plan to do so within the next 12 months..

  • zSpace Imagine Learning Solution

    zSpace Debuts Headset-Free AR/VR System

    Immersive learning company zSpace has announced the zSpace Imagine Learning Solution, a headset-free AR/VR laptop system designed for elementary education. The all-in-one platform integrates hardware, software, and hands-on lessons to create dynamic learning experiences for young students.

  • AI robot with cybersecurity symbol on its chest

    Microsoft Announces New Agentic AI Tools for Security Copilot

    Microsoft has expanded its AI-powered cybersecurity platform, introducing a suite of autonomous agents to help organizations counter rising threats and manage the growing complexity of cloud and AI security.