Computer Science & Coding Courses

Instructor: Mr. Ma

• Master’s Degree in Computer Science

• Proficient in multiple programming languages including Java, C++, and Python

• Over 10 years of professional software development experience

• Former roles at prestigious institutions such as Columbia University, IBM T.J. Watson Research Center, and leading Wall Street firms including Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, and UBS

• In the past 6 years, Mr. Ma has dedicated himself to K–8 STEM education, developing and teaching interdisciplinary courses in science, engineering, and mathematics

Program Overview

Ascend Advance Academy offers a series of coding and computer science courses designed specifically for elementary and middle school students. These courses aim to inspire curiosity, promote hands-on exploration, and strengthen problem-solving abilities through practical applications.

Using the professional 3D virtual learning world of Minecraft: Education Edition and Microsoft’s Code Builder platform powered by Microsoft MakeCode, students are introduced to core computer science concepts such as:

Events

Coordinates

Variables

Conditional Statements

Functions

Loops

Arrays

They also explore introductory Artificial Intelligence topics, including pattern recognition, machine learning algorithms, and predictive modeling. All students complete a final project to demonstrate what they’ve learned.

CS 01: Computing with Minecraft

Grade Level: Kindergarten – Grade 2

Duration: 20 Lessons

Instructor: Mr. Ma

Kick off your child’s creative coding journey! In this beginner-friendly course, students use Minecraft’s customized 3D education platform to explore foundational computational thinking and coding concepts. Using MakeCode, they’ll control agents, manipulate objects, and tackle creative building challenges. Projects include designing a city, building a park, creating a zoo, and constructing wind farms—all while developing problem-solving and coding skills in a playful, immersive environment.

CS 02: Coding Fundamentals (No Prior Experience Required)

Grade Level: Grades 3–5

This course focuses on developing essential coding concepts such as loops, conditionals, and debugging, while also building digital research skills by analyzing data from various sources. Students work collaboratively, giving and receiving feedback in multiplayer challenges using Code Builder.

Course Themes:

Part 1 – Animal Research Center (10 Lessons): Explore animal habitats, help sea turtles, save polar bears, protect pandas, and study wolves

Part 2 – Minecraft Space Center (10 Lessons): Explore outer space, gather planetary materials, and unleash imagination

Part 3 – Time Travel Coding (8 Lessons): Code through the prehistoric era, Ancient Rome, the Wild West, and the future, solving challenges through cooperative play

CS 03: Coding with Minecraft (Intermediate)

Grade Level: Grades 4–6 (Basic coding knowledge required)

Three progressive levels, 10 lessons per level

This course is ideal for students in upper elementary grades who already have some programming experience. It focuses on deepening understanding of key programming concepts such as events, coordinates, variables, conditionals, functions, loops, arrays, and basic AI. Students work within the “Blocks of Grass” Minecraft sandbox environment to apply their knowledge through hands-on coding challenges. Each lesson includes a mini-project to reinforce learning and encourage creativity.

CS 04: Introduction to Python with Minecraft

Grade Level: Grades 5–8 (Requires prior coding experience)

Duration: 18 Lessons

This course introduces students to text-based programming using Python—one of the most beginner-friendly and widely used programming languages in the world, especially in data science and artificial intelligence. Using Minecraft: Education Edition, students will explore Python syntax, data structures, variables, conditionals, loops, and functions. They’ll complete a capstone project titled “The Floating Island”, combining creative design with practical code to bring their own virtual world to life.

echnical Requirements for All Courses

A desktop or laptop PC or Mac

External mouse is required for optimal performance