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Python Programming

Python is one of the fastest growing computer programming languages. Python software engineers are in demand in data science, engineering, graphic design, network development and entertainment industries. It is one of the most popular programming languages for artificial intelligence and big data applications. The Python language is designed to be more user friendly than other languages like Java and C++.

This course is designed to introduce Python as a beginning computer science course. It provides an opportunity for students to learn and practice coding in an online environment with engaging, creative, and fun activities. This course includes video content, discussion, practice labs, games, digital products, and projects. Students learn to talk to computers using the Python programming language in CodeHS and EarSketch IDE. During the course, students write code, design programs, and have fun along the way.

In the first term, students will explore the essential features of the CodeHS IDE, an online Python program Integrated Development Environment, and create the first Python program “Hello World!” They will explore the basic features of EarSketch IDE and create music using Python code. They will learn about Python’s history, and its impact on the industries. Students will then learn the basics of programming concepts by exploring EarSketch and learn to code in the Python programming language using Turtle. Students will learn to use Python Tkinter to design graphical user interfaces which will prepare them for the final Pythonia Championship Project.

In the second term, students will focus specifically on fundamental Python programming concepts and skills. Students will learn conditionals, looping, functions, Strings. Students will apply the skills they acquired in this course to develop a custom application in an area of interest for their final Pythonia Championship Project.

Over the course of the semester, students will be engaging in discussions around computer science and programming, and its impact on economy, society, and culture. There will be a strong focus on learning fundamental computing concepts, principles, and programming skills with engaging, creative and fun activities.

In this Standard-level course, students are expected to invest approximately 6 hours per week on their course work.

Acknowledgements

  • There are no prerequisites for this course. Students are not required to have any coding or programming experience.
  • Please Note: This course contains an end-of-course proctored exam. Instructions for students to identify an appropriate adult proctor are included in the course lessons.

Course Objectives

Course Essential Questions:

  • What is an algorithm?
  • How do computer programs implement algorithms?
  • Which mathematical and logical concepts are fundamental to computer programming?
  • How does abstraction help us in writing programs, creating computational artifacts, and solving problems?
  • What are the fundamental Python programming concepts?
  • How do economic, social, and cultural influence innovation and the use of python?

Course Objectives:

  • Demonstrate the use of variables, conditionals, repetition structures to create line art utilizing the Python Turtle library.
  • Design and develop a computer program of the student’s choice using python graphical interface components such as forms, buttons, dropdowns, labels, and textboxes.
  • Apply fundamental Python programming algorithms to generate music in EarSetch.
  • Create running applications utilizing a FOR loop, a WHILE loop and an IF THEN statement.
  • Analyze, critique, improve computing programming applications using the iterative and incremental software development process.
  • Analyze the beneficial and harmful effects of computing.

Additional Requirements

In addition to VHS Learning system requirements, students will need the following web applications:

  • CodeHS Integrated Development Environment
  • EarSketch

A modern web browser and Internet connection. No special software is required to complete this course.

Students must create CodeHS and EarSketch accounts to complete this course and will be directed to do so during the first week of the course.