Beginning Programming with Python: Learn to Code (Ages 13-18)

Learn how to program using the Python programming language!  Python is a powerful, expressive programming language that's easy to learn and fun to use! Students will learn about programming logic, data structures, functions, and control structures while completing programming puzzles, creating simple games, having fun, and developing a great sense of accomplishment!  

This is a beginning programming class.  Students do not need any previous programming experience but are expected to be proficient enough with a laptop to be able to create and save files to a folder and to be able to maneuver around a keyboard (they do not have to be able to touch-type). 

*** IMPORTANT NOTES***
- Students must use a laptop or desktop. No Chromebooks, tablets, or mobile devices.
- Students must be comfortable with a keyboard and know how to copy, cut, and paste.
- Homework and additional practice exercises will be provided each week.
- Notes from each class will also be provided as a resource for students to refer to while doing their homework.
- Students will download Python 3.11.1 to their computers, laptops, and desktops only (no Chromebooks, iPads, tablets, etc.). 
- Students with Macs are welcome but be warned that I am not familiar with Macs/Apple, so students (or their parents) will need to be able to install Python and create a folder for this class.

Week 1 
-Why learn Python?  
-Running commands in the shell
-Variables
-Comments

Week 2 
-Input
-Strings   
-Error messages
-Lists

Week 3 
-Dictionaries
-Drawing with the Turtle library

Week 4 
-Conditionals
-if/else statements

Week 5 
-for Loops
-while loops

Week 6
- Animation
- Functions

Week 7
-Drawing with turtle using functions

Week 8 
- Create a Pong game

Besides practice exercises, we will complete the following projects:
-Madlibs
-Rock Paper Scissors
-Guessing game
-Choose Your Own Adventure
-Turtle racing game

*** IMPORTANT NOTES***
- Students must use a laptop or desktop. No Chromebooks, tablets, or mobile devices.
- Students must be comfortable with a keyboard and know how to copy, cut, and paste.
- Homework and additional practice exercises will be provided each week.
- Notes from each class will also be provided as a resource for students to refer to while doing their homework.
- Students will download Python 3.11.1 to their computers, laptops, and desktops only (no Chromebooks, iPads, tablets, etc.). 
- Students with Macs are welcome but be warned that I am not familiar with Macs/Apple, so students (or their parents) will need to be able to install Python and create a folder for this class.