STUDENTS MUST OWN OR HAVE ACCESS TO A LAPTOP AND BRING IT TO CLASS WEEKLY.
Welcome to Foundations of Programming and Code Writing, a hands-on class designed to introduce students to the world of coding through a combination of block-based programming and Python. This class is perfect for beginners, and no prior coding experience is required; however, intermediate keyboarding skills are a must (see recommended for/requirements).
Throughout this course, students will begin by learning foundational programming concepts using block coding platforms like Scratch or Blockly. Block coding is a visual way to create and test code, allowing students to understand key programming concepts such as loops, conditionals, variables, and functions without needing to write traditional code. This approach helps students focus on logic and problem-solving skills, building a strong programming foundation.
As the course progresses, students will transition to Python, one of the most popular and versatile programming languages. By the end of the course, students will have an understanding of both visual and text-based coding, empowering them to create simple Python projects and tackle real-world coding challenges.
Key topics covered in this class include:
-Introduction to programming concepts (loops, conditionals, variables, etc.)
-Problem-solving strategies through coding
-Block coding with visual programming tools
-Introduction to Python syntax and -basic functions
-Designing simple interactive projects
-Debugging and testing code for acc
By the end of the course, students will have the skills and confidence to continue their coding journey, whether they choose to dive deeper into Python or explore other programming languages and platforms. This class is an exciting and engaging way to unlock the world of programming!
Enrollment Requirements:
Students enrolling in this class should have a basic understanding of keyboard functions such as copying, cutting, and pasting, and be familiar with essential file management systems, such as Windows Explorer. They must be able to open, save, and access files on their computers, as they will be using a code editor that requires retrieving and managing their work.
Additionally, students should have intermediate or higher keyboarding proficiency, using proper finger placement to type with fluency rather than relying on a key-finding approach. If your student is lacking basic keyboarding skills, please have them complete a free online typing course before back to school night. We recommend typingclub.com, typing.com, or free-typing-lessons-for-kids
