Course Details

Note: A course's programming language includes the [PP] flag to designate Proprietary Platform. This means that code written in this course would not run elsewhere without significant modifications or installations.

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CMU CS Academy: Exploring Programming with Python

Exploring Programming with Python is a lighter version of our CS1 curriculum, some might call it a splash into the fundamentals of programming. It is designed to engage and excite future CS1 students. This curriculum is taught using text-based coding in Python. Exploring Programming with Python also revolves around graphics-based problem solving and has similar visually-engaging notes, checkpoints, exercises, and projects for students to complete.

Suggested for 6th – 8th Grade

40 hours

Free to use

Platform

Proprietary Platform

Programming Language

[PP] Python

Device Compatibility

Computers (Windows, MacOS, Linux), Chromebooks, iPads and Other Tablets (with External Keyboards and Trackboards/Mouse to Access All Features)

Auto-Grading Availability

Full

Date Modified

Created in 2019; actively updated

Funding Information

Funded by companies and private donors (Amazon, remake learning, PAsmart)

Lesson Structure

Teaching Notes, Checkpoint Understanding Checks, Exercises, and Creative Tasks (more open-ended summative assignment)

Course Sequencing

Note: Must be taught in order

1. Drawing with shapes (circles, rectangles, lines, labels, and properties) (6 Lessons)

2. Animation basics (variables, moving a shape, functions) (5 Lessons)

3. Animation with control structures (if statements) (6 Lessons)

4. Game Design (groups, loops) (4 Lessons)

Course "Lens"

This curriculum adopts a graphics-oriented lens to introduce programming concepts. All content and explorations are related to filling a canvas with objects using Python code with additional dependencies.

Standards Alignment

Provides alignment to CSTA CS Standards. Provides aliginment to CS standards for each available state.

Structure

4 units with ~4 lessons each 17 total lessons

Training Available

Welcome Webinar Wednesdays (30 minutes weekly) Course refresher sessions offered weekday evenings. Asynchronous PD modules available, weeklong workshop each Fall.

Spotlight

Spotlight:

Creative Tasks

At the conclusion of each unit, students complete a Creative Task, where they have a blank canvas to fill with a product of their choosing - a static scene, an interactive experience, a game, or anything else! Before completing the task, students complete a design and development guide, where they think through their product, it's constituent components and their purposes, and devise a strategy to bring their canvas to life. After completing the assignment, students work through a reflection worksheet, where they reflect on challenges and successes, future goals, and catalogue their code.

What makes it great:

Student choice is an important aspect of any curriculum, and it allows students to bring their experiences, backgrounds, and unique perspectives to the CS classroom. They also push students to consider the intention behind their code.

Expert Take

CMU CS Academy's founders have been prominent figures in the field of CS Education for an extensive period of time. "Exploring Programming with Python" (CS0) aims to ignite interest in CS from an early age. It features a proprietary graphics package enabling students to create drawings from Day 1 using simple Python instructions. The curriculum introduces event-driven programming and loops for animation, while incorporating conditionals and random numbers to foster creativity in student projects over the four-unit course. A teacher discussion board facilitates communication, support, and resource-sharing among educators. The discussion board is well-monitored and responses are thoughtful. Student progression may vary based on prior experience and problem-solving abilities. The course prioritizes enjoyable and engaging learning experiences, with emphasis on coding and problem-solving rather than mere exercises.