Python lesson 1

• Computing
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Python programming

Year 9 - Lesson 1 

In this lesson, you will...

Conquer: Define programs and describe how they are executed.

Aspire Higher: Write and execute your first Python programs. This will include displaying messages, creating and using variables and input from the keyboard.

Python

• High level programming language
  
• Allows you to create your own programs
  
• Text based

Programs

• A program is a set of precise instructions, expressed in a programming language.
  
• Translating the programming language is necessary for a machine to be able to execute the instructions.

Task 1 - Printing an Output

Click here

Copy the below code, then click 'RUN' in the bottom right corner.

Python Programming

The first program, that any programmer produces, when learning how to code, is the "Hello World!" program.

It is a simple program, that displays text to the screen.

What is Syntax?

• The way we write a line of code is important, as the computer needs to recognise it.

• If we do not use the correct symbols and spellings in our Python coding, then the computer will not be-able to run our programs.

What is debugging?

• Debugging code refers to the process of identifying and fixing errors, bugs, or defects in a computer program that we have created.
  

• An error occurs, when you have done something wrong in your program. You could have spelt something wrong or even missed out a symbol...

Task 2 - Debugging

In this task, you will need to debug the code using the error messages that create with code provide.

Click here

Debugging Continued...

Create with code, shows you where your error is. Below is a screenshot that shows this.

Variables 

• In programming, a variable is like a container that holds a piece of information. This information can be anything, like a number, a word, or even a whole sentence!

• For example, imagine you have a box that can hold a piece of fruit. You can put an apple in the box, and then later on, you can take the apple out and look at it. In programming, a variable is like that box. You can put information into the variable, and then you can use that information later on in your program.

Task 3 - Variables

We are now going to create a variable and then save some data to it. We will then output "print" this data to the screen.

Press the green play button to execute the code.

Task 4 : Create an adventure using inputs, outputs and variables to create a story!

Can you create a story like the one below - feel free to change the questions!

Use as many variables as possible to create a customisable story

What type of information can be stored in a variable?

1. Only videos
2. Only sounds
3. Only pictures
4. Numbers, text, and other types of data

What is the process of checking a program for errors?

1. Error checking
2. De-bugging
3. Error finding
4. Mistake finding