Python Beginner: Grades 5-8

About this course

An introductory course in Python for student new to the world of programming. The course focuses on taking students through the fundamentals of Python and programming in general with the goal of preparing students for the more advanced Python classes offered at Focus Learning. For term 2, topics such as animations, images, sounds, functions, collision detection and video game design will be covered. The course is concluded with a final project where students program a short video game in Python. This course is recommended for students who have completed term 1.

What you'll learn

The course is broken down into 7 distinct units.

• Unit 1 Review of term 1 (1 week): Students will get a refresher on the content taught in term 1. Topics include variables, for loops, while loops, if statements and list.
• Unit 2 Python Functions (2.5 weeks): Here students will learn about Python Functions and solve a variety of problems using functions. Students will design, code and test their functions.
• Unit 3 Python Dictionaries (1.5 weeks): Here students will learn about Python Dictionaries and solve problems using dictionaries. Students will learn about the key difference between a list and a dictionary and understand when it is appropriate to use a dictionary over a list.
• Unit 4 Review of Processing (1 week): In this unit, students will get a quick review of drawing shapes, working with colors and the Processing coordinate system. Students will get the chance to work on a mini project.
• Unit 5 Images and sounds in Processing (2 weeks): Graphics and sounds are two of the important pillars of video games and in this unit, students will learn the code required to inject images and sounds into their Processing projects.
• Unit 6 Video game design (4 weeks): This unit focuses on many aspects of designing and coding a video game. Topics such as animations, user interactions, collision detection, random number generation, score keeping and much more is covered. Students will get the chance to put together everything they have learned to complete a mini game project.
• Unit 7 Final Project (4 weeks): In this last unit students will be given the opportunity to design and bring to life their own short video game. Students will have to use their creativity skills in conjunction with their Python skills to create a functioning game from scratch.

Materials & Homework

Please list any special requirements for this course, such as homework requirements, extra materials, computer requirements, or pre-requisites for this course.  

1. Students must have access to a computer with a strong internet connection.
2. A working microphone and webcam are required.