To become familiar with the basics of computer programs and concepts.
Starting typically either with Python or with Scratch , a block-based graphical programming language, the students will learn the fundamentals of programming in a fun, hands-on way.
Content
Some things that are covered in this course:
- What is a variable?
- How does the computer execute a program?
- What is a conditional?
- What are loops?
This is done through small projects like simple games or useful scripts where the student can see the learned theory work in practice immediately.
Younger students will typically start out with Scratch and then move on to Python or a similar “real” programming language. Older students may want to start directly with Python instead.
The top image is a screenshot of a script one of my students wrote aged 12. It takes a decimal number and converts it into its binary representation. It is written completely in Scratch.