Introduction to Python for Middle School Students

About the Course

Introduction to Python for Middle School Students

Grades 6-8
CTY-Level
Individually Paced
Computer Science and Technology

Register before December 17, 2024 to start on or before December 31, 2024. This course is not accepting enrollments starting after December 31, 2024.

Enter the exciting world of programming using Python! You’ll gain a basic understanding of object-oriented programming and enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving skills as you learn to design, code, and debug Python programs. Challenging assignments will propel you to master important programming concepts such as variables, operators, and control flow constructs. Use your creativity and imagination to draw different shapes on the screen and work with Turtle Graphics in addition to discovering how to reuse code with functions and read and write to files. While no prior programming experience is required, some exposure to programming languages may help you succeed with the highly challenging material. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to apply the basic principles you’ve mastered here to learn other programming languages.

Recommended length of enrollment: 3 months

Time Commitment: 5-7 hours of independent work per week.

Course Overview

What we'll do

We’ll complete 10 instructional units. Each unit includes lessons, videos, forum discussions with optional challenge problems, interactive activities, a quiz, and programming assignments. There is also a unit for the midterm project, and one for final project and final exam. This course does not have live classes, but you can schedule an individual meeting with your instructor as needed.

What we’ll learn

How to write code that utilizes built-in functions to create drawings, get input from the user, evaluate numerical data, and process data
How to construct and solve mathematical equations in Python, controlling the order of operations using parentheses
How to differentiate between several types of variables and use them to store information, perform calculations, and create graphics
How to create and use strings and how dictionaries are different from lists
How to create and use functions to organize programs into reusable chunks of code
How to use conditional statements to control a program’s flow
How to use loops to perform repetitive tasks
How to create flowcharts to design, plan, and write pseudocode for your programs
How to create and manipulate lists and dictionaries to store collections of data
About several advanced topics in Python programming including modules and object-oriented programming
How to use Python to save data to files and to retrieve saved data for later use

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Identify and accurately utilize numbers, variables, and strings to write syntactically correct Python code
Identify and accurately utilize control structures: functions, loops, and conditional statements to write efficient and reusable code
Identify and accurately utilize data structures: lists and dictionaries to store and process datasets in programs
Identify and accurately integrate pre-existing Python libraries and modules into their own code for efficiency
Utilize problem solving strategies to design, implement, evaluate, and debug full Python programs
Write programs that accurately implement both commented stub code and flowcharts as pseudocode

How we'll measure learning

Instructors evaluate student work using marking guides and rubrics and provide detailed constructive feedback on programming assignments and projects. Interactive activities, quizzes and exams are automatically graded and feedback provided by the learning management system. This course is partially aligned to K-12 Computer Science Framework standards.

This course is

graded.

Apply any time and get started in 2 weeks*

*Select courses have registration deadlines. Please see individual course descriptions for details.

Classes

Enrollment and tuition are time-based—students may enroll in a course by selecting an open class below. Students will progress at their own pace, with guidance from instructors who strive to meet individual needs. Note: You will need to have an active CTY Account to complete registration through MyCTY.

This course is not open for enrollment at this time.

Testing and Prerequisites

	Math	Verbal
Required Level	CTY-Level	Not required

Check your eligibility using existing test scores If you do not have existing test scores:

Students must achieve qualifying scores on an advanced assessment to be eligible for CTY programs. If you don’t have qualifying scores, you have several different testing options. We’ll help you find the right option for your situation.

Course Prerequisites

Introduction to Python for Middle School Students requires:

1 prerequisite

Students enrolling in this course should be comfortable with:

Using a computer, keyboard, email, and browser
Managing files
Attaching files
Compressing/decompressing files

Cost and Financial Aid

Tuition
- Varies
Application fee
- Nonrefundable Application Fee - $15 (Waived for financial aid applicants)
- Nonrefundable International Fee - $20 (outside US only)

Financial Aid

We have concluded our financial aid application review process for Academic Year 2023-2024 Online Programs (Courses with start dates July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024). Our application for Academic Year 2024-2025 Online Programs is expected to open in January. We encourage those who may need assistance in the future to apply for aid as early as possible.

Learn More

Course Materials

Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].

(Optional) Book Title: Python for Kids: A Playful Introduction to Programming
Author: Jason R. Briggs
ISBN: 978-1593274078

Software: You will need to install the latest version of Python for free. Instructions are provided in the course.

Technical Requirements

This course requires a computer with high-speed Internet access and an up-to-date web browser such as Chrome or Firefox. You must be able to communicate with the instructor via email. Visit the Technical Requirements and Support page for more details.

This course uses a virtual classroom for instructor-student communication. The classroom works on standard computers with the Zoom desktop client, and on tablets or handhelds that support the Zoom Mobile app. Recorded meetings can only be viewed on a computer with the Zoom desktop client installed. The Zoom desktop client and Zoom Mobile App are both free to download.

Most course lectures may be viewed on mobile devices, but some assignments and quizzes must be completed on a desktop or laptop computer.

Chromebooks are not recommended due to required downloading of specialized software.

This course uses Respondus LockDown Browser proctoring software for designated assessments. LockDown Browser is a client application that is installed to a local computer. Visit the Respondus website for system requirements.

Terms & Conditions

You may have the option to post your work on public third-party sites (e.g., YouTube). 

Virtual class meetings may be recorded for students to review.

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