Intro to Python (LightHouse)
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)
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:
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
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!