Python - Updated

• Computing
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Python 

Year 7 - Lesson 1 

I am an alien from out of space and I have just landed on earth! I have been told to put some clothes on! Can you create some instructions for 'Getting Dressed'?

Where might we find instructions?

KO: Learn to code in a text based language (Python).

All 

• Deploy the "print" function in Python and debug code

Most

• Describe what a variable is and how they are used in computing

Some

• Understand the different types of data that can be stored in a variable

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.

• Think about our 'English'. It is important that we use correct punctuation, such as Commas and Full Stops. If we didn't, it would make our writing difficult to read.

• 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.

Task 2 - Debugging

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

Click here

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...

Debugging Continued...

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

Variables Video

Watch

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.

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.

• To use a variable, you first need to give it a name. This is like labelling the box with the word "apple" so you know what's inside. In programming, you can choose any name you want for your variable, as long as it follows certain rules. For example, the name can't have spaces in it, and it can't start with a number.

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!

Commenting our code. What is the importance?

• By commenting our code,  it tells you (the programmer) and anyone else who looks at the code what it does.

• By using the '#' symbol, it will not display when your code has been run.

Below is an example

What symbol do I use to comment code?

What is the process of checking a program for errors?

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

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