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Introduction to Programming in Python

Block 1, fall 2020 (14 September – 18 December)
Tuesday/Thursday
9:00-10:30 a.m.

instructor: Emmett Wald (they/them pronouns)
ewald@lighthouseteens.org

Welcome to the class headquarters. All course information, assignments, code examples, etc. will be found (or found linked from) here. This is a living document, so bookmark it and check back regularly for updates!

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Course Description

Learn to code with Python, one of the most popular and versatile programming languages. You’ll learn the structure and details of Python, as well as universal programming skills like planning and debugging. You’ll build games, create graphics, analyze data, and develop independent projects to apply programming to your other classes and interests. This course is intended for beginners—no previous coding experience necessary! (If you’ve done some coding before, but you’re interested in this class, I’ll make sure you’re not bored.)

The goal of this course is to introduce universal coding concepts and practices (algorithms, variables, loops, functions, data structures, debugging) as well as to teach Python-specific syntax and structures (keywords, whitespace, libraries, and more). I hope students will leave this course with an appreciation for the logic, elegance, and possibilities that programming offers.

Remote Learning Format

This course is entirely remote. Class will be taught at the scheduled times via Zoom. Log in to Alma to get the Zoom info!

We’ll use a blend of demonstration, guided coding, collaboration in Repl.it Multiplayer, and pair programming to learn and practice coding in Python.

Accessibility

I know that a Zoom-taught computer programming class has a lot of inherent accessibility barriers. However, please let me know if there’s anything I can do to make this course more accessible for you, or if you need my help figuring out how to make it more accessible!

Course Materials

No textbook required! (If you’d like a supplemental text, feel free to check out the free ebooks mentioned on my resources page.)

You’ll need a computer with high-speed internet connection; a microphone, speakers, and webcam; and an up-to-date browser to participate in class. A full-sized keyboard is strongly recommended. A second monitor or device is very helpful, but not necessary.

Students will need to create a free Repl.it account for web-based programming, and you may also wish to download Python on your computer (we will go over this during the first week of class).

Course Schedule

(subject to change)

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Tuesday Thursday Homework
Week 1 15 Sep
Intro, Setup, Python Basics
links: video about problem solving, w3schools, today’s code, written version of today’s class
17 Sep
Libraries, Input, Conditionals
today’s code
Due Thurs:

Week 2 22 Sep
Loops
links: today’s code, loops lesson
24 Sep
Loops, Functions
links: Guess the Number, functions
Due Tues: Create a variable with an input statement, and then create a conditional using the value of that variable.

Due Thurs: no homework!

Week 3 29 Sep
Functions ctd.Today’s code
1 Oct
Animal Functions, Interactive Flowcharts
Due Tues: Make a second set of functions for a different animal so that you can mix and match. (For example, if you made a head, body, and feet for a cow, you could make a duck next!)

Due Thurs:

Week 4 6 Oct
Interactive Flowcharts
8 Oct
Interactive Flowcharts
Due Sun:

  • Finish your random animal generator and send me your code.
  • Start on your Interactive Flowchart. Instructions are here.

Due Tues: Work on your interactive flowchart program. It doesn’t need to be done, but you will be expected to finish it in the first half hour of class.

Week 5 13 Oct
Interactive Flowcharts
15 Oct
Lists ~ today’s code
Ongoing: Work on your interactive flowchart.
Week 6 20 Oct
Lists ~ today’s code
22 Oct
Mid-term Check-in, Hangman
Due Tues: Create a new list and write

  • for loop that prints sentences using the items on your list
  • an input statement
  • a conditional (if/else) statement that does different things depending on whether the input is on your list

Send me your repl link when you’re done!

Due Thurs: Practice lists, think about how the block has gone so far.

Week 7: Halloweek! 27 Oct
Hangman
29 Oct
Hangman
Ongoing: Work on your Hangman program! My sample code.
Week 8 3 Nov
Hangman
5 Nov
Hangman, Programming Project brainstorming
Ongoing: Work on your Hangman program! My sample code.
Week 9 10 Nov
Programming Project brainstorming
12 Nov
Programming Project brainstorming, termcolor module
Due Thurs: Programming project proposal
Week 10 17 Nov
Programming Projects, Python cheatsheet, Dictionaries
19 Nov
Programming Projects
Work on projects
Week 11 24 Nov
Programming Projects
26 Nov
Thanksgiving Break
Due Tues: Programming project outline
Week 12 1 Dec
Programming Projects
3 Dec
Programming Projects
Work on project
Week 13 8 Dec
Programming Projects
10 Dec
Programming Projects
Work on project
Week 14 15 Dec
Programming Projects
17 Dec
Programming Project Presentations
Work on project

Help & Resources

I put together a cheatsheet of functions, structures, etc. that we’ve gone over in this class, as a quick reference for you! I also encourage you to check out the links on my Programming Resources page ~ there are lots of great websites, references, ebooks, and more available there.

This course has some overlap with the Python classes I teach at Holyoke Codes, so you might find the materials for those classes helpful.

I don’t have scheduled office hours, but please email me if you need anything or want help with an outside-of-class programming project and we can set up a time to talk/Zoom/Skype/Facetime/whatever!

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