Summer Camp: Project-Based Python (Level 1)

In this 10 lesson project-based course, students will learn to program using Python, the most popular programming language for software engineering, data science, and AI. Our Python lessons teach students programming fundamentals, including the usage of variables, flow controls, functions, and objects, as well as how to use the Turtle library to create graphical designs and interactive games which meet young students' interests. Learning Python greatly enhances students’ abilities to think critically and programmatically. 

All lessons are project-based, and each lesson contains one fun guided project that allows students to practice new programming concepts. All students will be asked to apply what they’ve learned to create a final project of their own design which will be presented on the last day of class. There will be some reinforcement quizzes for students to complete after lessons, along with review games that will be played in the final class meetings to ensure students remember material and are prepared to take the next steps in their programming adventures.

Lesson 1 – Introduction to Python with Turtle
An introduction to what Python is and what makes it a valuable skill to learn, along with the basics of variables, print statements, and user input. We also dive into the basics of turtle graphics.
Project 1 – Connect the Dots
Students will use variables, user input, and turtle graphics functions to create a connect the dots drawing program.

Lesson 2 – Operations and Conditional Logic
The students will learn about operations and conditional logic. We introduce boolean values and operations, comparison operations, and conditional statements. Students will compare strings and integers and create branching programs.
Project 2 – Create an interactive story game
Students apply all these new concepts to create an interactive story with different endings depending on the choices the player makes.

Lesson 3 – Repeating Patterns with Turtle
Students will learn about the float data type, mathematical operations, and loops in python. For-loops and while-loops allow us to repeat parts of our code. New turtle features are introduced to change the background color and drawing speed.
Project 3 – Winding spirals
Using the turtle module and loops, students will create several colorful spiral patterns and use variables to change the appearance of the patterns.

Lesson 4 – Lists
Students will learn about ordered collections of data called lists, how to add and remove items from lists, how to access and change list items, and how to use lists to organize data.
Project 4 – Survey with turtle
Students will create interactive surveys to share with classmates and use turtle graphics to display the data they have collected

Lesson 5 – Random Numbers and More Turtle Features
More features of Turtle are covered as students continue to develop their skills using the Turtle graphics module. Students will learn how the turtle coordinate system works, how to control multiple turtles at once, how to write text using turtle, and how to change the shape of the turtle. The random module is introduced to generate random integers for the project.
Project 5 – Turtle race
Students use loops to draw a racetrack and make the turtles move a random number of steps each turn in a race so that the results of the race will be different every time.

Lesson 6 – Functions and modules
A function is a set of statements that can take input, do some specific procedure and produce output. A module is a file containing Python functions and definitions, created to be used in future projects. Students will learn about these concepts and apply them in projects.
Project 6 – Draw a shape
Students write a function of their own that is capable of drawing a shape with any amount of sides and any size. They can expand on this to include different features, like color, and draw multiple shapes with their function to create a picture.

Lesson 7 – Classes and Objects
Classes and objects are fundamental concepts in python and other object oriented programming languages. Students will learn how to write classes and objects, and why these help us to create more organized code.
Project 7 – School Roster System
Students will create a simple and functional system for keeping track of students and teachers that belong to a school.

Lesson 8 – Designing Programs
Good design is essential when we want to write more complex code. Students learn methods of project planning and how to structure large projects.
Project 8 – Text Adventure
Students create a more advanced version of a text adventure game that includes an interactive map while applying all of the concepts learned in previous lessons.

Lesson 9 – Review
All previously taught concepts are reviewed, with special attention given to topics students wish to apply to their own final projects.

Lesson 10 – Final Project
The students will create their own program applying what they have learned throughout the class. Upon completion, the projects are demonstrated by their creators.