Python Programming

Course Syllabus and Planner

December, 2018

Course Overview
The Python Programming curriculum is a one-semester course covering topics typically found in
introductory computer programming (coding) courses. Other introductory programming courses
are not required; students merely need to have typical computer usage skills prior to starting this
course. Python Programming is designed for middle or high school students in 6th to 12th grade.

Teaching Strategies
The course material is designed to appeal to a variety of students, from traditional learners who
thrive on written text to audio-visual students who enjoy a multi-media format. All content is
delivered through an online system that allows students to work seamlessly both in the classroom
and at home.

Labs and Programming Environment

The chosen programming language is Python 3.x (https://www.python.org/).

Each lesson contains hands-on coding opportunities (“Work with Me” sections). An online Python
engine is made available within the lesson text and web browser interface, so students do not
normally need to install any local Python software or manage local Python source files.

Every chapter contains one or more hands-on programming labs where students will design or
implement programs to demonstrate understanding of the lesson topics. These labs use the same
online Python engine as the lesson exercises and are automatically graded by our system.

Assessments
The course contains automated lesson quizzes and chapter tests and an electronic grade-book.

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Supplemental Lessons and State Standards

The main chapters concentrate on Python programming and computer science topics. Certain states
may require additional topics ranging from computing ethics and security to career exploration to
the impact of computers on modern society. The course contains additional supplemental chapters
at the end that can optionally be used to meet common state requirements. Teachers may choose to
assign Supplemental Lessons as desired to meet state standards or student interest.

The final “Creative Project” is optional and can be completed in small groups or individually.
Working in small groups is sometimes required by state standards. This project can be scaled up or
down to meet available class times. The Creative Project is not auto-graded by our system, so
teachers will be responsible for assigning these project grades.

Course Planner
A typical school semester consists of approximately 18 calendar weeks or 90 days of school. The
course plan covers approximately 65 to 90 school days, depending on which supplemental lessons
and creative projects are incorporated into the class plan. Some classes may move faster or slower
than the suggested pace.

The planner assumes students are working daily with approximately 45 to 60 minutes of class time.
In most cases, the planner estimates one day per lesson (including the lesson quiz), one day per
graded chapter activity (lab), and one day per chapter test. Some larger labs are assigned more time.

Days Reading and Objectives Labs

5 Chapter One: Fundamentals of Python Class Schedule

• Introduction to Python
• Running Python Programs
• Writing Python Code

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Days Reading and Objectives Labs
5 Chapter Two: Working with Data Cash Register

• Data Types and Variables

• Using Numeric Variables
• Using String Variables

5 Chapter Three: Input and Output Character Art

• Printing with Parameters

• Getting Input from a User
• String Formatting

6 Chapter Four: Making Decisions Blue Moon

• Logical Expressions
• The “if” Statement
• Logical Operators
• More Complex Expressions

5 Chapter Five: Finding and Fixing Problems Chat-Bot

• Types of Errors
• Troubleshooting Tools
• Using the Python Debugger

6 Chapter Six: Lists and Loops Burger Castle

• Lists and Tuples

• List Functions
• “For” Loops
• “While” Loops

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Days Reading and Objectives Labs
6 Chapter Seven: Numeric and Date Vacation Planner
Functions

• Dates and Times

• Advanced Data and Time Management
• Random Numbers
• The Math Library

5 Chapter Eight: Working with Strings Pig Latin Translator

• Character Data
• String Functions
• Input Validation with “try / except”

5 Chapter Nine: Functions Verification Function

• Writing and Calling Functions

• Function Inputs and Outputs
• Local and Global Scope

5 Chapter Ten: Python Classes ATM

• Thinking about Objects

• Class Variables and Methods
• Managing Class Files

5 Chapter Eleven: Class Instances Mars Rover

• Creating Objects with Instance Data

• Instance Methods
• Managing Objects

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Days Reading and Objectives Labs
7 Chapter Twelve: Food Fight Project Food and Defense Items

• Introducing “Food Fight” The Chef Class

Main Game Code

10 Chapter Thirteen: Creative Project Requirements

(Scale as desired to meet available time) Design

• Project Life-cycles and teams Coding

Testing
3 Supplemental Chapter One: Python on Your N/A
Computer

• Installing Python
• Managing Projects
• Using the Python IDE

4 Supplemental Chapter Two: Computing Individual exercises per lesson

Ethics and Security

• Ethical Use of Computers

• Intellectual Property
• Digital Security
• Social Engineering

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Days Reading and Objectives Labs
5 Supplemental Chapter Three: Enrichment Individual exercises per lesson
Topics

• Computer Number Systems

• Encoding Data
• Algorithms
• Software Development Careers
• Student Organizations

4 Supplemental Chapter Four: Computers and Individual exercises per lesson

Modern Society

• Global Computing Issues

• Managing Your Digital Identity
• Impact of Computing
• Artificial Intelligence

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