Beginner Coding Curriculum

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1. Introduction to Coding and Python Basics

• Objective: 
  • Introduce students to basic coding concepts using Python.
• Topics Covered:
  • What is coding? Understanding how computers follow instructions.
  • Introduction to Python: Syntax, variables, and data types (strings, integers, booleans).
  • How to write and run a simple Python program.
• Hands-On Project: Create a Simple Calculator
  • Students will write a Python program to create a basic calculator that can add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
  • Explore user input, variable assignment, and simple arithmetic operations.

2. Java Basics – Syntax and Structure

• Objective: 
  • Introduce students to Java’s syntax and structure.
• Topics Covered:
  • What is Java? Understanding object-oriented programming.
  • Java syntax vs. Python syntax.
  • Writing and compiling Java programs, understanding main() method and print statements.
• Hands-On Project: Hello World Program in Java
  • Students will write and run their first Java program: a simple "Hello World" script.
  • Learn about basic Java syntax, comments, and the role of the main() method.

3. Python Loops and Conditional Statements

• Objective: 
  • Learn how to use loops and conditional statements in Python.
• Topics Covered:
  • if, elif, and else statements for decision-making.
  • Introduction to loops: for and while.
  • How to iterate over lists and repeat actions with loops.
• Hands-On Project: Guess the Number Game
  • Students will create a simple number guessing game where the computer picks a random number, and the player has to guess it.
  • Use conditionals to provide feedback on whether the guess is too high or too low.

4. Java Conditionals and Loops

• Objective: 
  • Understand conditionals and loops in Java.
• Topics Covered:
  • if, else if, and else statements in Java.
  • How to write loops (for, while) in Java.
  • Using Java's built-in functions to iterate over arrays and lists.
• Hands-On Project: Basic Quiz Game
  • Students will create a quiz game with 5 questions. They will use conditionals to check if the answers are correct and keep track of the score.
  • Implement loops to repeat the quiz until the player wants to stop.

5. Python Functions and Lists

• Objective: 
  • Understand how to create and use functions in Python, and work with lists.
• Topics Covered:
  • Introduction to functions: How to define and call functions.
  • Parameters and return values.
  • Lists and basic list operations: adding, removing, and iterating over list elements.
• Hands-On Project: Create a To-Do List Program
  • Students will build a to-do list application where they can add, remove, and display tasks.
  • Use functions to structure the program and make it modular.

6. Java Arrays and Methods

• Objective: 
  • Learn how to work with arrays and methods in Java.
• Topics Covered:
  • Introduction to arrays: Creating, initializing, and manipulating arrays.
  • Writing methods in Java and using them to organize code.
  • Passing arguments to methods and returning values.
• Hands-On Project: Rock, Paper, Scissors Game
  • Students will create a simple Rock, Paper, Scissors game where the user plays against the computer.
  • Use methods to manage game logic and arrays to store the possible choices.

Assessment and Learning Reflection:

• At the end of each class, students will reflect on what they’ve learned and discuss any challenges they faced.
• Students can choose either Python or Java for their final project. Ideas include creating a basic game (e.g., Tic-Tac-Toe) or a more advanced calculator.