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Introduction to Computer Science in Python

This course teaches the fundamentals of computer programming as well as some advanced features of the Python 3 language. By the end of this course, students build a simple console-based game and learn material equivalent to a semester college introductory Python course.

Overview & Highlights

Level
High School
Contact Hours
175
Timeframe
Year

Course Overview

To view the entire syllabus, click here or click to explore the full course.

Welcome
Students gain an understanding of what the course is about and reflect on what they hope to learn.
Introduction to Programming with Turtle Graphics
Students learn Python commands, functions, and control structures by drawing shapes on their screen and solving puzzles with Turtle Graphics.
Basic Python and Console Interaction
Students learn the basics of programming by writing programs that interact with users through the keyboard.
Conditionals
Students teach their programs to make decisions based on the information it receives.
Looping
Students learn how to write more efficient code by using loops as shortcuts.
Functions and Exceptions
Students learn how their programs can be decomposed into smaller pieces that work together to solve a problem.
Strings
Students use more sophisticated strategies for manipulating text in their programs - slicing, concatenating, and formatting.
Creating and Altering Data Structures
Students learn how tuples and lists are formed and the various methods that can alter them.
Extending Data Structures
Students learn to build more complex programs that make use of grids and dictionaries.
Project: Guess the Word
Students use the skills they've learned throughout the course to build a word guessing game.
Final Exam
Students prove their knowledge of content learned throughout the course through a multiple choice, short answer, and programming exam.

128
Lessons
103
Videos
189
Exercises
29
Challenges
265
Offline Handouts

Demo Programs

Explore programs that your students will build throughout this course!

Course Resources

Here are a few examples of teacher resources and materials to use in the Introduction to Computer Science in Python course

Industry-Relevant Certifications for High School Computer Science

The CodeHS Python Level 1 Certification offers high school students the opportunity to validate their mastery of Python, giving them a competitive advantage when entering college or the workforce.

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Professional Development

Teaching Intro to Computer Science in Python 3

Dive into the basics of programming and learn how to lead a successful introductory computer science class. This course covers everything from learning effective debugging methods to teaching computer science in a blended classroom. Perfect for teachers with limited or no programming experience.

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Standards

Introduction to Computer Science in Python is aligned with the following standards

Standards Framework View Alignment
Microsoft Technology Associate Python Certification View (100%)
Certiport IT Specialist Python View (93.3%)
Kentucky Introduction to Programming View (76.9%)

Customizable Assignments

Create and organize Assignments in any CodeHS course that you're teaching. You can even add custom assignments to pre-existing CodeHS courses.

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Actions for Teachers

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