Python Programming

Python is a very popular teaching language due to its readability, and relative similarity to human language. It is also widely used in industry and will provide adults alike a stepping stone into real-world development

Course Topics

Topic lengths may vary based on student experience. For shorter sessions, students will be able to complete the activities at home. Where age appropriate, discussion forums will be available for the course members to support each other

Week	Topic	Description
0	Computational Thinking	Introduction to algorithms and thinking like a computer – unplugged activities
1	Python Turtle	Computational thinking / problem solving with the python turtle (inspired by logo)
2	Text – the simple chatbot	User input and manipulating text input and output
3	Numbers	Make a simple calculator
4	Conditional statements	Using if statements to decide how to make your chatbot respond
5	Loops	Repeating code with loops – expanding the turtle and chatbot activities
6	Lists	Simple arrays in python. Accessing information using numerical indexes. Adding a bank of responses to the chatbot
7	Dictionaries	Storing information using a key. Using keywords to match phrases to responses
8	Functions	Learn about abstraction, functions, parameters and return values with some turtle shapes
9	Fun with Numbers	Taking a closer look at the numerical operators in python.
+2-4	Adventure Game Project	Multi-session project to consolidate your skills. Build an exciting adventure game where you travel through new lands and fight demons
+1	Linear Sort	Practice with loops and lists by building a simple sort
+1	Files	Read from, and write to text files. Adding a file-based set of commands to our chatbot and/or save status to the adventure game