In this project, students are introduced to Python, a text-based programming language. They complete coding missions to develop the characteristics most valued in a programmer. To start, they ignite their curiosity by exploring scripts to discover how they are put together. Next, they create a series of games including Pet Monster Rescue, Guess It, and Adventure Quest. These foster logical thinking, persistence, and creativity, and are ideal for beginners. Upon completion, students share their favorite Python program in a coding presentation to build strong communication skills. Fun activities highlight the importance of being a team player. Do more than copy lines of code. Have your students develop original scripts using variables, loops, functions, and conditionals.
- Python Programming Activities for Beginners
Designed especially for middle and high school, lessons introduce text-based programming with fun, engaging activities.
- Ignite an Interest in Computer Science
Complete missions to develop the programming expertise and soft skills valued in a programmer. Foster logical thinking, creativity, and persistence.
- Programming Resources
TechnoPython includes a digital Teacher Guide and Student Workbook with easy to follow instructions. Worksheets may be printed or used in PDF format. Assessment tools include debugging challenges, peer review, marking sheets, quizzes, and a skill checklist. Tracking sheets and mission certificates recognize progress.
- Do More Than Copy Lines of Code
Hands-on activities support exploration, discovery, and experimentation. Students gain confidence as they construct their understanding of programming concepts such as variables, loops, and conditionals. Lessons explicitly teach troubleshooting strategies to build independence.
- Purchase One Project Per School
No per student fee. Not a subscription. Use on an unlimited number of devices within your school. See full Terms of Use.
Session 1 Into the Coding Jungle
Students explore the Coding Jungle. The goal of this mission is to learn about Python, which is a text-based programming language. To start, the explorers are introduced to terminology by experimenting with code. Once familiar with the role of a programmer, they play a Python Hunt game and then edit the program to discover how it works. Afterwards, they break code in the Catch the Bugs game to develop essential debugging skills. Successful completion of the four-part mission requires curiosity, which is a highly valued trait in a programmer.
Session 2 Pet Monster Rescue
Students create a program for the Pet Monster Rescue, which is a group that finds loving homes for monsters. To prepare for the programming mission, students learn about strings, integers, and variables. They apply this knowledge to personalize the adoption process. To pair a pet owner to their monster, the programmers write code that ask questions. The answers are used to match people to their ideal pet. This is done by combining logical operators, if and else statements, and a variable that changes from True to False. Throughout the four-part mission, an emphasis is placed upon thinking logically, which is an ability every successful programmer needs.
Session 3 Guess It Game
Students design a guessing game in which the player must correctly pick a number before they run out of chances. Clues tell them if their answer is too high or low. This programming mission has six parts. To prepare, students first explore how to code while and for loops. Once familiar with how to repeat a set of instructions, they start to build Guess It. To guide development, the Python programmers sequence steps into algorithms. These flowcharts provide a framework for constructing each part of the program. Fun challenges encourage students to build a unique game. Interwoven throughout all tasks is a focus upon being methodical. This skill helps programmers test different cases to solve problems within the code.
Session 4 Adventure Quest Part 1
Students develop a text-based adventure game. It is a quest that has players overcome challenges to earn rewards. To prepare for this programming mission, students learn techniques to standardize data entry. Next, they apply these skills to build the first part of their game. It will allow players to pick a direction to explore. It will also include a challenge whereby the player can win coins when they travel North. To complete the task, students must be persistent. What will happen in this strange land?
Session 5 Adventure Quest Part 2
Students complete their text-based adventure game. They develop a treasure hunt that has players travel East to collect objects. They must avoid danger, or risk losing it all! To prepare for this part of the programming mission, students learn about lists. They add, remove, sort, and count items. Once this skill is mastered, they apply it to their quest. Throughout the activities, an emphasis is placed upon creativity. This trait is essential as it allows programmers to design original programs.
Session 6 Coding Presentation
Students share their favorite Python program in a coding presentation. They demonstrate how the game works and explain the code. This provides an opportunity to develop strong communication skills, which help programmers do their job.
Optional Python Lessons with Programming Challenges
- Find and Fix the Bugs: Debug the code to read the silly sentences.
- Loop the Questions to Try Again: Write if and else statements in a nested loop.
- Pet Monster Picture: Use a Python library to open an online image.
- Keep Score: Track the number of correct guesses.
- Game Test: Research the user experience.
- Create a Map: Illustrate the land in the adventure game.
Terms of Use
Use TechnoPython with unlimited users at your site. A site is a physical location such as classroom, school, learning center, daycare, library, or home. If you teach at multiple sites, you will need to purchase one set for each location. Access everything you need from TechnoHub and transfer the files to all devices at your site. View the PDF teacher guides and workbooks digitally or print as many as you need. Files CANNOT be posted in public domain.
Python Lessons for Beginners - Programming for Kids
In this STEM project, students complete missions to develop Python programming skills. To start, they play a Python Hunt game to discover how the code works. Next, they break the Catch the Bugs game to acquire essential debugging skills. Afterwards, they gradually build their skill set by creating Pet Monster Rescue, Guess It, and Adventure Quest games. Each session includes reviews and skill reviews to assess knowledge, practice skills, and encourage the transfer of learning to new contexts.
- Apply programming skills to complete coding challenges
- Plan and organize ideas to develop a program
- Debug errors to find and fix a mistake in a script
- Test multiple responses to verify the output is correct
- Reflect upon program development in a coding presentation
- Demonstrate logical thinking, creativity, and persistence
- Create variables to store, report, and calculate information
- Loop a set of instructions and control how or when it ends
- Write if statements that are based on conditional logic
- Import Python libraries and use their commands
Write a Review
5.0
I purchased this for my daughter who wanted to learn Python.She really enjoyed it,and was engaged throughout the project.Unlike other programming courses it was filled with fun and entertaining activities that not only strengthened her programming skill,but also gave her the platform to wield her creativity.
5.0
My Coding class just started Session 2 today. So far, we are really enjoying it.