Python for Beginners: 12-Week Syllabus

Session Duration: 2 hours, once per week

Capstone Project: Create a simple game in Python

This 12-week course is designed to introduce you to the basics of programming and help you build foundational skills in Python. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to create your own simple game using the Python programming language. Whether you’re new to coding or looking to brush up on your skills, this course will provide you with hands-on experience and practical exercises to reinforce your learning.

Lesson Plan

Week 1: Introduction to Python and Programming

  • What is programming?
  • Installing Python and a simple IDE (e.g., IDLE or Thonny)
  • Writing your first Python program: “Hello, World!”
  • Basic data types: integers and strings
  • Simple math operations
Week 2: Variables and User Input
 
  • Creating and using variables
  • Getting user input with input()
  • String concatenation
  • Basic string methods (e.g., upper(), lower())
Week 3: Conditional Statements
 
  • Boolean values and comparison operators
  • if, elif, and else statements
  • Simple decision-making programs
Week 4: Loops
 
  • For loops
  • While loops 
  • Using loops for repetitive tasks
  • Break and continue statements
Week 5: Lists and Indexing
 
  • Creating and modifying lists
  • Accessing list elements with indexing
  • List methods (e.g., append(), remove())
  • Iterating through lists
 
Week 6: Functions
 
  • Defining and calling functions
  • Parameters and return values
  • Scope of variables
  • Built-in functions vs. user-defined functions
 
Week 7: Dictionaries
 
  • Creating and using dictionaries
  • Key-value pairs
  • Accessing and modifying dictionary data
Week 8: File Handling
 
  • Reading from text files
  • Writing to text files
  • Using files for storing game data
Week 9: Introduction to Pygame
 
  • Installing Pygame
  • Creating a game window
  • Drawing shapes and colors
  • Handling events (keyboard/mouse input)
Week 10: Game Development – Part 1
 
  • Planning your game (e.g., a simple quiz, guess the number, or basic arcade game)
  • Setting up the game structure
  • Implementing core game mechanics
Week 11: Game Development – Part 2
 
  • Adding graphics and sound (if applicable)
  • Implementing a scoring system
  • Refining game logic
Week 12: Game Development – Part 3 and Presentation
 
  • Finalizing your game
  • Debugging and testing
  • Presenting games to the class
  • Course recap and future learning paths

Course Structure

Each session will consist of:

  1. A review of concepts from the previous week
  2. Introduction of new topics
  3. Hands-on coding exercises
  4. Mini-projects or coding challenges
  5. Q&A and troubleshooting time

Capstone Project:

At the end of the course, you’ll apply everything you’ve learned by developing a simple Python game. This project will give you the opportunity to explore creativity and problem-solving while reinforcing your programming skills.

 

Enroll Now

Chyld Medford

Minecraft Math Teacher

Chyld Medford is a seasoned STEM educator with over 12 years of experience teaching software engineering, data science, mathematics, robotics, and physics to diverse learners. Mr. Chyld combines academic rigor with practical industry insights. His teaching experience spans from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley to custom-designed curricula for major corporations across various sectors. Chyld’s innovative teaching methods, including coding in Minecraft and robotics challenges, have engaged nearly 1000 students throughout his career. Passionate about nurturing the next generation of innovators, Chyld consistently employs cutting-edge technology and hands-on approaches to create exciting learning environments that foster critical thinking and creativity.

1340 S De Anza Blvd suite 104, San Jose, CA 95129

Office Phone Number :1 (408) 352-5488

Email: 

General questions: ustar@loveustar.com

Onsite programs questions: onsite@loveustar.com

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