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Middle School Python 1

This Middle School course walks students through the basics of coding with Python alongside other topics such as digital citizenship, the internet, and data.

Semester course · 83 lessons · 4 units

  • Python
  • Voyage
  • Semester
  • 6th grade
  • 7th grade
  • 8th grade

Course Summary

Welcome to the Middle School Python 1 Semester Class! This class is designed to be taught 3 times a week over 16 weeks. The curriculum includes coding exercises and practice on the Skill Struck platform interspersed with classroom collaboration activities, discussion points, supplemental materials, and unplugged activities. Rather than learn coding concepts all at once, this course walks students through the basics of coding alongside other topics such as digital citizenship, the internet, and data. This integrated approach keeps students engaged with diverse learning strategies and fresh topics. Students from 6th grade through high school enjoy this class. Students work individually and as teams to build innovative and collaborative coding solutions.

Course Outline

    1. Introduction Welcome to Python! This lesson gives a great introduction to Python programming and will get you up and coding in no time.
    2. Variables Variables are an important part of programming. Let's find out how we can use them in this lesson.
    3. Input/Output Writing programs that can get input from the user is a valuable skill.
    4. Syntax & Comments This lesson covers basic Python syntax and how to add comments to your code.
    5. Variable Types There are lots of different ways that you can store data in Python. This lesson covers a few of those data types.
    6. Numbers This lesson covers different types of numbers that you can use in Python.
    7. Converting This lesson covers how to convert one data type into another.
    8. Python Concatenation Connecting strings together can be very useful. Let's take a look at how this can be accomplished.
    9. Python Math Math is an important part of programming. This lesson covers how we can use math in Python.
    10. Project: Reading Competition
    11. Modulus This lesson covers using modulus in Python. We will take a look at its usefulness including how to tell if a number is even or odd.
    12. Project: Simple Calculator
    13. Strings Strings in programming are a lot different than strings in real life. Let's see how useful strings are in Python.
    14. String Methods Python provides methods or actions that we can take on our strings. This lesson will teach us some of the basic methods we can use.
    15. String Methods Continued This lesson continues the topic of methods that we can use with strings.
    16. Story Maker
    17. Concatenating Numbers Similar to how we concatenated strings, we can also concatenate numbers to strings and vice versa.
    18. Concatenating Numbers Continued This lesson covers formatting multiple integers and formatting by index.
    19. Project: Team Roster

    1. Decipher
    2. The Digital Divide
    3. Lists Lists are one of the main ways that we organize data in most programming languages. This lesson covers how to use lists in Python.
    4. Python If Statements If statements allow you to decide what code should run depending on some conditions. This lesson will cover the basics on using if statements in Python.
    5. Python Conditionals This lesson covers conditionals and how you can use them to compare data. We will also use if statements to execute code based on the conditionals.
    6. Binary Learn the basics of binary--why it exists and how the computer uses it to communicate information.
    7. Python Else If Statements Else If statements in Python allow you to add multiple if statements at once. The possibilities are endless!
    8. Python For Loops This lesson covers For Loops and how to use them in Python. You will also learn how to access each item in a list using a For Loop.
    9. Personal Data
    10. Project: Mad Libs!
    11. Project: Earnings Calculator
    12. Simulations
    13. Project: Sentence Generator

    1. Computer Innovations Explore how different computer innovations have affected our everyday lives.
    2. Computer Parts and Pieces Learn the different parts that make up a computer!
    3. From Electricity to a Bit Learn how information moves through computer components to generate the programs you enjoy.
    4. Digital Citizenship Learn about digital citizenship and how you can be responsible with your technology.
    5. The Digital Divide
    6. Intro to the Internet Learn what a network is and what parts of our lives interact with networks.
    7. Network Topologies Learn how different layouts of networks can help information move more efficiently
    8. Addressing Learn how addressing works in the internet.
    9. Types of Threat Learn about the different approaches criminals might take cause problems.
    10. Rogue Access Points Learn what access points are and explore how someone might exploit them.
    11. Encryption Learn how encryption helps make things more secure.
    12. Copyright Learn about the different laws surrounding creative works.
    13. AI, Machine Learning, & Automation Learn how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation are affecting your world and potential changes in the future.
    14. Accessibility Learn about how we can make computer programs more accessible.
    15. Troubleshooting Learn some strategies for fixing computer problems.
    16. Error Messages & Debugging
    17. Representing Numbers with Binary Learn how to convert information into binary and back.
    18. Representing Images with Binary Learn how to use binary to represent images
    19. Data Structures Learn about the different ways we use data and the challenges associated with data collection, structure, and interpretation.
    20. Data
    21. Python Functions Functions are a great way to break up long sections of code and can be used multiple times without having to rewrite them.
    22. Python Function Parameters One of the great things about functions is that we can pass parameters to them and the function can handle the rest.
    23. Recursion This lesson will cover recursion, which is the technique of using functions that call themselves.
    24. Python Random Learn how to get random values in Python

    1. Team Members in Tech
    2. Software Engineer Learn what it means to be a software engineer!
    3. Computer Systems Manager Learn what it means to be a computer systems manager!
    4. Database Administrator Learn what it means to be a database administrator!
    5. Network Analyst Learn what it means to be a network analyst!
    6. Video Game Developer Learn what it means to be a video game developer!
    7. Bioinformatic Scientist Learn what it means to be a bioinformatic scientist
    8. Drone Software Engineer Learn what it means to be a drone software engineer!
    9. Computer Science Teacher Learn what it means to be a computer science teacher!
    10. Virtual Reality Specialist Learn what it means to be a virtual reality specialist!
    11. Hardware Engineer Learn what it means to be a hardware engineer!
    12. Web Developer Learn what it means to be a web developer!
    13. Information Security Analyst Learn what it means to be an information security analyst!
    14. Health Information Technician Learn what it means to be a health information technician!
    15. Data Scientist Learn what it means to be a data scientist!
    16. Software Tester Learn what it means to be a software tester!
    17. App Developer Learn what it means to be an app developer!
    18. Artificial Intelligence Specialist Learn what it means to be an Artificial Intelligence Specialist!
    19. Ethical Hacker Learn what it means to be an ethical hacker!
    20. Web Designer Learn what it means to be a web designer!
    21. Agricultural Engineer Learn what it means to be an agricultural engineer!
    22. Marine Scientist
    23. Food Scientist
    24. Ecologist Learn what it's like to be a ecologist!
    25. Climatologist
    26. Biometrician
    27. Remote Sensing Specialist

Standard Alignment

CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards

  • 2-AP-10
  • 2-AP-11
  • 2-AP-12
  • 2-AP-13
  • 2-AP-15
  • 2-AP-16
  • 2-AP-17
  • 2-AP-18
  • 2-AP-19
  • 2-CS-01
  • 2-CS-02
  • 2-CS-03
  • 2-DA-07
  • 2-DA-08
  • 2-IC-20
  • 2-IC-21
  • 2-IC-22
  • 2-IC-23
  • 2-NI-04
  • 2-NI-05
  • 2-NI-06
  • 3A-AP-13
  • 3A-AP-14
  • 3A-AP-15
  • 3A-AP-16
  • 3A-AP-17
  • 3A-AP-18
  • 3A-AP-19
  • 3A-AP-20
  • 3A-AP-21
  • 3A-AP-22
  • 3A-AP-23
  • 3A-CS-01
  • 3A-CS-02
  • 3A-CS-03
  • 3A-DA-09
  • 3A-DA-10
  • 3A-DA-11
  • 3A-DA-12
  • 3A-IC-24
  • 3A-IC-25
  • 3A-IC-26
  • 3A-IC-27
  • 3A-IC-28
  • 3A-IC-29
  • 3A-IC-30
  • 3A-NI-04
  • 3A-NI-05
  • 3A-NI-06
  • 3A-NI-07
  • 3A-NI-08
  • 3B-AP-08
  • 3B-AP-09
  • 3B-AP-10
  • 3B-AP-11
  • 3B-AP-12
  • 3B-AP-13
  • 3B-AP-14
  • 3B-AP-15
  • 3B-AP-16
  • 3B-AP-17
  • 3B-AP-18
  • 3B-AP-19
  • 3B-AP-20
  • 3B-AP-21
  • 3B-AP-22
  • 3B-AP-23
  • 3B-AP-24
  • 3B-CS-01
  • 3B-CS-02
  • 3B-DA-05
  • 3B-DA-06
  • 3B-DA-07
  • 3B-IC-25
  • 3B-IC-26
  • 3B-IC-27
  • 3B-IC-28
  • 3B-NI-03
  • 3B-NI-04

State standards documents

Document Standards Grades
National
2022 Skill Struck Standards Alignment + Correlation Guide CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards · 2022 K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Alabama
Alabama Course of Study Digital Literacy and CS Standards + Skill Struck Alignment Alabama Course of Study Digital Literacy and CS Standards K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Arizona
Arizona Computer Science Standards + Skill Struck Alignment Arizona Computer Science Standards K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Arkansas
Arkansas Computer Science and Computing Standards Middle School Introduction to Coding Standards + Skill Struck Alignment Arkansas Computer Science and Computing Standards Middle School Introduction to Coding Standards · 2023 6-8
California
California K-12 CS Standards + Skill Struck Alignment California K-12 CS Standards K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Georgia
Georgia Standards of Excellence for K-8 Computer Science + Skill Struck Alignment Georgia Standards of Excellence for K-8 Computer Science K-2, 3-5, 6-8
Idaho
Idaho Content Standards Computer Science + Skill Struck Alignment Idaho Content Standards Computer Science · 2023 K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Illinois
Illinois Computer Science Standards + Skill Struck Alignment Illinois Computer Science Standards · 2022 K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Indiana
Indiana K-12 Computer Science Standards + Skill Struck Alignment Indiana K-12 Computer Science Standards · 2023 K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Iowa
Iowa Computer Science Standards + Skill Struck Alignment Iowa Computer Science Standards K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Kansas
Kansas CS Standards P-12 + Skill Struck Alignment Kansas CS Standards P-12 · 2023 K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Kentucky
Kentucky Academic Standards for Computer Science + Skill Struck Alignment Kentucky Academic Standards for Computer Science · 2023 K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Maryland
Maryland K-12 CS Standards + Skill Struck Alignment Maryland K-12 CS Standards · 2023 K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science Standards + Skill Struck Alignment Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science Standards · 2023 K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Michigan
Michigan K-12 Standards Computer Science + Skill Struck Alignment Michigan K-12 Standards Computer Science · 2023 K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Mississippi
Mississippi College and Career Readiness standards for Computer Science + Skill Struck Alignment Mississippi College and Career Readiness standards for Computer Science · 2022 K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Missouri
Missouri K-12 Computer Science Performance Standards + Skill Struck Alignment Missouri K-12 Computer Science Performance Standards · 2023 K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Nebraska
Nebraska K-12 Technology Standards + Skill Struck Alignment Nebraska K-12 Technology Standards · 2023 K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Nevada
Nevada Academic Content Standards for CS + Skill Struck Alignment Nevada Academic Content Standards for CS K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Nevada Academic Content Standards for Integrated Technology + Skill Struck Alignment Nevada Academic Content Standards for Integrated Technology K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
New Jersey
New Jersey Computer Science and Design Thinking Standards + Skill Struck Alignment New Jersey Computer Science and Design Thinking Standards · 2020 K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
New York
New York Computer Science and Digital Fluency Learning Standards K-12 + Skill Struck Alignment New York Computer Science and Digital Fluency Learning Standards K-12 K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
North Carolina
North Carolina K-12 CS Standards + Skill Struck Alignment North Carolina K-12 CS Standards K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Ohio
Ohio's Learning Standards Computer Science + Skill Struck Alignment Ohio's Learning Standards Computer Science · 2023 K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Academic Standards for Computer Science + Skill Struck Alignment Oklahoma Academic Standards for Computer Science K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Rhode Island
Rhode Island's K-12 CS Education Standards + Skill Struck Alignment Rhode Island's K-12 CS Education Standards K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
South Carolina
South Carolina Computer Science and Digital Literacy Standards + Skill Struck Alignment South Carolina Computer Science and Digital Literacy Standards · 2023 K-2, 3-5, 6-8
Tennessee
Tennessee K-12 Computer Science State Standards + Skill Struck Alignment Tennessee K-12 Computer Science State Standards · 2023 K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Texas
TEKs Technology Applications K-8 Standards + Skill Struck Alignment TEKs Technology Applications K-8 Standards K-2, 3-5, 6-8
Utah
Utah 6-12 CS Standards + Skill Struck Alignment Utah 6-12 CS Standards · 2019 6-8, 9-12
Virginia
Virginia K-12 CS Standards + Skill Struck Alignment Virginia K-12 CS Standards · 2023 K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Washington
Washington K-12 CS State Learning Standards + Skill Struck Alignment Washington K-12 CS State Learning Standards K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Standards for Computer Science + Skill Struck Alignment Wisconsin Standards for Computer Science · 2023 K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Wyoming
Wyoming Computer Science Content Standards + Skill Struck Alignment Wyoming Computer Science Content Standards · 2020 K-2, 3-5, 6-8

Course Project

In this course, students will complete challenges that help solidify concepts as they use skills in a variety of ways. In order to complete tasks, students will creatively apply what they've learned by using different approaches to reach a goal. This experience closely follows challenges they would face in a technical interview, allowing them to practice.