Python coding for kids: Moving beyond the basics
We are excited to announce our second new Python learning path, ‘More Python’; which shows young coders how to add real data to their programs while creating projects from a chart of Olympic medals to an interactive world map. The six guided Python projects in this free learning path are designed to enable young people to independently create their own Python projects about the topics that matter to them.
In this post, we’ll show you how kids use the projects in the ‘More Python’ path, what they can make by following the path; and how the path structure helps them become confident and independent digital makers.
Python coding for kids: Our learning paths
Our ‘Introduction to Python’ learning path is the perfect place to start learning how to use Python; a text-based programming language. When we launched the Intro path in February; we explained why Python is such a popular, useful, and accessible programming language for young people.
Because Python has so much to offer; we have created a second Python path for young people who have learned the basics in the first path. In this new set of six projects, learners will discover new concepts and see how to add different types of real data to their programs.
Who is this path for?
We have written the projects in this path with young people around the age of 10 to 13 in mind. To code in a text-based language; a young person needs to be familiar with using a keyboard, due to the typing involved. Learners should have already completed the ‘Introduction to Python’ project path; as they will build on the learning from that path.
How do young people learn with the projects?
Young people need access to a web browser to complete our project paths. Each project contains step-by-step instructions for learners to follow, and tick boxes to mark when they complete each step. On top of that, the projects have steps for learners to:
- Reflect on what they have covered in the project
- Share their projects with others
- See suggestions to upgrade their projects
Young people also have the option to sign up for an account with us so they can save their progress at any time and collect badges.
While learners follow the project instructions in this project path, they write their code into Trinket, a free web-based coding platform accessible in a browser. Each project contains a link to a starter Trinket, which includes everything to get started writing Python code — no need to install any additional software.
What will young people learn?
To use data in their Python programs, the project instructions show learners how to:
- Create and use lists
- Create and use dictionaries
- Read data from a data file
The projects support learners as they explore new concepts of digital visual media and:
- Create charts using the Python library Pygal
- Plot pins on a map
- Create randomised artwork
In each project, learners reflect and answer questions about their work, which is important for connecting the project’s content to their pre-existing knowledge.
As they work through the projects, learners see different ways to present data and then decide how they want to present their data in the final project in the path. You’ll find out what the projects are on the path page, or at the bottom of this blog post.
The project path helps learners become independent coders and digital makers, as each project contains slightly less support than the one before. You can read about how our project paths are designed to increase young people’s independence, and explore our other free learning paths for young coders
How long will the path take to complete?
We’ve designed the path to be completed in around six one-hour sessions, with one hour per project, at home, in school, or at a coding club. The project instructions encourage learners to add code to upgrade their projects and go further if they wish. This means that young people might want to spend a little more time getting their projects exactly as they imagine them.
What can young people do next?
Use Unity to create a 3D world
Unity is a free development environment for creating 3D virtual environments, including games, visual novels, and animations, all with the text-based programming language C#. Our ‘Introduction to Unity’ project path for keen coders shows how to make 3D worlds and games with collectibles, timers, and non-player characters.
Read more: https://www.blogdot.tv/python-coding-for-kids-moving-beyond-the-basics/
