coding for middle school

NEW! TechnoPython – Python Lessons for Beginners

Do you need Python lessons for beginners? If yes, then you will be happy to learn more about TechnoPython. It is a new programming technology project from TechnoKids. This curriculum resource includes coding activities that are ideal for middle school and high school students.

In TechnoPython, your students become game developers. They learn the Python programming language by building games such as Pet Monster Rescue, Guess It, and Adventure Quest. To conclude the curriculum unit, students share their favorite Python program in a coding presentation.

Not only do the Python lessons teach fundamental programming concepts, but they also spark an interest in computer science. At the same time, the assignments develop soft skills that are highly valued in a programmer, such as curiosity, logical thinking, persistence, and creativity.

coding for middle school

Complete Python Programming Missions

In TechnoPython, students learn the Python programming language by completing programming missions. Each mission begins with the basics and then advances to more complex tasks. With this in mind, you can assign one mission or do them all! In fact, TechnoPython offers so much flexibility, you can use the lessons as part of computer science class, programming unit, Python workshop series, or for an Hour of Code.

Coding Jungle Programming Mission

The goal of the Coding Jungle Mission is to gain an understanding of the Python programming language. The mission has four tasks. To start, students experiment with code to learn about the role of a programmer and about terminology. Next, they play the Python Hunt game and edit the program to discover how it works. Afterwards, they develop debugging skills by adding “bugs” or mistakes to the Catch the Bugs game. These assignments are ideal for beginners.

python for beginners
Introduce the Python programming language to beginners in the Coding Jungle mission.

Pet Monster Rescue Programming Mission

In the Pet Monster Rescue Mission, students design a program that matches an owner to their ideal pet. The mission has four tasks. First, students learn about strings, integers, and variables so that they understand how to write text and ask questions. Next, they apply this programming knowledge to inform others about the adoption process. Afterwards, they complete a flowchart that outlines the logic needed to match a person to a pet. Finally, they build the decision-making code that determines if a pet with horns, scales, one eye, or many arms is a good fit. This is done by writing if and else statements that use logical operators. These Python lessons for beginners include extra challenges to improve the program and make it unique.

pet monster game
Write if statements using logical operators to match a person to their ideal pet.

Guess It Programming Mission

In the Guess It Mission, students build a guessing game. It asks players to guess a number correctly before they run out of chances. Clues tell the player if their answer is too high or low. Coding challenges help students to enhance the game design. They can format the output, create a cheer, keep score, or switch player feedback. This programming mission has six tasks. Programmers combine the random library, loops, and conditionals to build a fun game that players will want to play again and again.

code a guessing game
Build a guessing game using Python lessons for beginners.

Adventure Quest Programming Mission

In the Adventure Quest Mission, students create a text-based adventure game. It has players explore a strange land to earn coins and collect special objects. The programming mission has nine tasks. To prepare, students learn how to control data entry. This will prevent typing errors from causing bugs. Next, they describe the places players visit when they travel North, South, East and West using functions. To add interest to the storyline, they then apply their programming skills to create a game that has the player pick the correct color to win money.

Game development continues with a treasure hunt. Players travel East to collect objects and store them in a backpack. To prepare for this part of the programming mission, students learn how to add, remove, sort, and count list items. Once this skill is mastered, they create an adventure with loot and hidden dangers. Will the players find treasure or risk losing it all?

python lessons
Design a text-based adventure game using the Python programming language.

Teach Programming Skills to Middle and High School Students

Is student engagement important to you? If yes, then TechnoPython is a great way to start teaching the Python programming language. Instead of having students mindlessly copy code snippets, they build unique games. In other words, everyone follows the SAME instructions, but each person creates an original program!

Teach essential programming skills using Python lessons for beginners:

  • build an algorithm using a flowchart that describes the steps in a program
  • write Python code to achieve a specific goal
  • apply debugging techniques to identify and fix errors
  • format the output of program to make it easy to read
  • collaborate with others to review program design
  • name a variable and assign a value
  • prompt the user to input a value for a variable
  • convert a variable from an integer to a string or vice versa
  • manipulate the case of a string to upper, lower, or sentence case
  • calculate the values of variables
  • create an editable list of items; add, remove, sort and count items
  • loop a set of instructions forever or until a condition is met
  • repeat a set of instructions a specific number of times
  • break a loop to stop running a set of instructions
  • control the outcome using if, elif, and else statements
  • trigger actions using logical operators (==, !=, <, >) and True/False values
  • develop a function to run a block of instructions
  • import Python libraries
  • select a random integer or choice

Python Lessons for Beginners

Are you teaching programming to kids? It should be noted, TechnoPython is jam-packed full of Python programming activities. The technology project has:

  • 24 Python Assignments: The TechnoPython assignments are divided into sessions. In each session students complete a programming mission. The assignments have detailed steps, troubleshooting tips, and coding challenges. By following the instructions, students gradually learn how to independently plan, write, and debug original programs.
  • 8 Extension Activities: The extension activities are additional assignments for enrichment. They present a wide range of learning opportunities. Some are programming tasks that introduce a new skill while others are reflections about the coding experience.

What Do I Get with the TechnoPython Technology Project?

Do you want to save time designing your own lessons? TechnoPython has everything you need to teach a computer science unit or hands-on programming workshop:

  • TechnoPython Teacher Guide: The teacher guide has six sessions. It has lessons for teaching each programming mission. As well it includes preparatory steps, teaching strategies, and learning objectives. It also has simple explanations of code snippets to help explain how a program works to children ages 10 and up.
  • TechnoPython Student Workbook: The student workbook is a complete booklet of assignments. This file is in PDF format. Use it to double-side print. Place the instructions into a binder or duo-tang for distribution to students.
  • TechnoPython Student Worksheets: The assignments are available as individual worksheets. These files are in a secure PDF format and require Adobe Reader or Kami to view and annotate. Import these worksheets into an LMS such as Google Classroom or Canvas to create assignments.
  • TechnoPython Resources: TechnoPython includes a folder that has customizable assessment tools, task lists, certificates, templates, and samples.

Simplify Teaching with the TechnoPython Resources

  • 6 Python Reviews: The reviews are quizzes. Questions are true/false, fill-in-the blank, or multiple choice. They assess students understanding of programming terminology, Python commands, or computer science concepts. These files are in a customizable Word/Docs format allowing teachers to add or remove questions.
  • 5 Python Skill Reviews: The skill reviews are additional assignments to solidify learning. They encourage the transfer of knowledge to a new task. Many of the skill reviews in TechnoPython require students to enhance the program built in the session. These files are in a customizable Word/Docs format making it possible for teachers to edit the content.
  • 3 Python Peer Reviews: The peer reviews are question sheets that have students play each other’s games and then provide feedback. They are an excellent way to promote collaboration and celebrate learning.
  • Game Marking Sheets: Each game built using Python has a marking sheet. There is one for Pet Monster Rescue, Guess It, and Adventure Quest. These files are in a customizable Word/Docs format so that teachers can adjust the scoring or criteria.
python tracking sheet
Track programming mission progress using a task list that looks like a gameboard.
  • Python Task Lists: The task lists are gameboards with an outline of each part of the programming mission. Students can use them for self-monitoring or to recognize accomplishments. These are available as customizable Word/Docs files, allowing teachers to modify the programming mission.
  • Programming Mission Certificates: Each programming mission has its own certificate to recognize student achievement. These are available as customizable PowerPoint/Slides files. This allows teachers to customize the award by adding the student name or a school logo.
  • Programming Templates: The programming templates are used at the beginning of the TechnoPython technology project. They introduce Python to beginners. Students open the Python file and follow instructions to edit the content.
  • Over 30 Python Program Samples: Every program that students build has an accompanying sample file. These Python files can be used for demonstration purposes to explain the task or inspire learners. They also provide an answer key. For example, all coding challenges have solutions.

Contact TechnoKids to Learn More about TechnoPython

To get started teaching the Python programming language contact TechnoKids today or get TechnoPython right now!

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