2D 3D Creature Code

In this middle school computer science unit and lesson series, students code a 2D hybrid mythological creature in Scratch and the same creature in 3D using Minecraft MakeCode. The three lessons comprising this unit are:

1. 2D Creature Design and Backstory

2. Animate Your Mythological Creature in Scratch

3. 3D Creature in Minecraft Education

Check out student projects, Scratch code, MinecraftEDU structure blocks and Minecraft MakeCode scripts in our "Creature Code Gallery."

Lesson 1: 2D Creature Design and Backstory

Lesson 2: Animate Your Mythological Creature in Scratch

GOALS

1. Translate your pixel art sketch into a digital Scratch sprite using the costume editor.

2. Name and save your custom sprite correctly.

3. Code a short animation or interactive story using your mythological creature.

4. Reveal creative aspects of your creature’s backstory using coding tools like "say," "switch costume," and "broadcast."

5. Practice file sharing and organization using a shared Google Drive folder.

STEPS

1. Use www.pixilart.com/draw to create a 32 x 32 pixel canvas:

   • Draw your mythological creator in Pixilart.com (no login required)

   • Download as a PNG image

2. Open Scratch and Start a New Project

   • Visit scratch.mit.edu and log into your account.

   • Click “Create” and delete the default cat sprite.

   • Import your Pixilart PNG file and NAME your sprite

3. Optional: Use the Scratch Costume Editor to create multiple costumes and add MUSIC

   • Open the Costumes tab and select “Paint” to remix your sprite.

   • Use your Notability sketch from Lesson 1 as a reference.

   • Keep your sprite roughly within a 32 x 32 grid, and use pixel mode or the smallest brush to keep that look.

   • Keep the background transparent!

   • Use the Scratch Music library or Chosic.com to add fun background music. Remember to give CREDIT!

4. Name and Export Your Sprite

   • Rename your sprite using this format:
     CreatureName_YourFirstName

   • Right-click the sprite → export → save the .sprite3 file to your device.

5. Share a Copy in Google Drive

   • Upload your exported sprite file to this shared folder:
     👉 [Google Drive Sprite Folder]

6. Code a Short Animated Story (10–30 seconds) Use Scratch blocks like these to tell the story of your creature:

   • when green flag clicked

   • say [text] for [x] seconds

   • next costume

   • go to x: y:

   • wait [x] seconds

   • broadcast [message]

7. Your creature’s story should include:

   • At least 3 key backstory facts

   • At least 1 movement or animation

   • Dialogue or a voice that represents your creature’s personality

8. Share Your Scratch Project

   • Click the orange "Share" button at the top of your Scratch project.

   • Title your project with your creature’s name.

   • Add a short description explaining what the project is and what your creature can do.

TURN IN

1. 🔗 Paste the link to your shared Scratch project in Canvas.

2. Submit this Google Form to share the link to your Scratch Project. (Your link should show up here!)

3. 🖼 Download / Save your .sprite3 file (your exported custom sprite)

4. 🗂 Upload a copy of your correctly named sprite in this shared Google Drive folder.

Lesson 3: 3D Creature In Minecraft Education

GOALS

1. Transform your 2D sprite into a 3D pixel art model using Minecraft Education Edition.

2. Think spatially and mathematically about length, width, and height to bring your design to life.

3. Use a Structure Block to save and reuse your creature’s build.

4. Use code and variables to spawn your creature into any world location.

STEPS

1. Open Your Learning Journal
   Add a new section titled:
   Planning My 3D Build
   In your journal, write about:

   • How your 2D creature will look in 3D

   • What will its front, side, and back look like?

   • Will you add layers to show volume (e.g., eyes bulging, wings sticking out)?

   • What blocks or materials will you use?

   • What are your planned dimensions?
     (Keep total size under 32 x 32 x 32 blocks)

2. Start Building by Hand in Minecraft Education

   • Choose or create a flat build world.

   • Use your pixel sprite as a front-facing reference.

   • Begin building layer by layer, adding height and depth as needed.

   • Use colored wool, concrete, or other pixel-art-friendly blocks.

3. Use a Structure Block to Save Your Build

   • /give @s structure_block

   • Place a Structure Block near your creature.

   • Use it to define the bounding box around your build.

   • Name your saved structure using this format:
     CreatureName_YourFirstName.mcstructure

   • Save the file to your device.

4. Follow a short tutorial on how to use a structure block.

5. Write Code to Spawn Your Creature

   • Use MakeCode inside Minecraft to create a new Agent or Chat command project.

   • Create a variable for the structure name and use coordinates to spawn your saved creature in the world.

   • Test your code in different places by changing the coordinates.

6. Suggested blocks:

   • on chat command

   • set world position

   • place structure at position

TURN IN

1. 📐 Paste the link to your Learning Journal 3D planning section (including dimensions and ideas). Also Include:

   1. Link to your MakeCode to create your creature with your AGENT.

   2. 💬 Share a screenshot or short screen recording showing your 3D creature placed in the world. (Insert or link in your learning journal)

   3. ✅ Reflection: Include a short paragraph reflecting on what changed from your 2D design to your 3D build and why.

2. 💾 Upload your .mcstructure file from Minecraft AND upload it to this Google Drive folder. (name it with the creature name AND your FIRST name)