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Stage 01 of 04 · Explorer

First Python

First real lines of code, gently.

Coding

Ages
10 – 13
Duration
8 weeks
Prereq
C2 Scratch helps but is not required.

What students learn

A gentle Python introduction for younger students. Variables, types, simple input/output, loops, conditionals, lists — nothing more. By the end students write a 30–60 line program that does something fun: a quiz, a math game, a story generator.

Python is the language used in real software at Google, NASA, and YouTube. Students learn to type code instead of dragging blocks — same ideas (loops, conditionals, variables), different surface. They get the satisfaction of running real Python and seeing it work.

Module-by-module

  1. Print and play

    First program, REPL, basic syntax. Print your name 10 ways.

  2. Numbers and strings

    Math operators, string concatenation, input(). Calculator that asks for numbers.

  3. If / else

    Conditionals, comparison operators. Number guessing game.

  4. Loops

    For and while. Multiplication table printer.

  5. Lists

    Make, read, append. To-do list CLI.

  6. Random & libraries

    import random, random.choice. Mad-libs story generator.

  7. Mini-project, part 1

    Pick a small idea. Working v1.

  8. Mini-project, part 2

    Polish and demo. Live show for family.

What they make

A 30–60 line Python program — mini-quiz, math practice tool, story generator, or similar.

Walk away with

Comfort with text-based programming. The mental model of variables/loops/conditionals in code, not just blocks. The ability to read a short Python script and predict what it does.

Free resources we recommend

  1. Python for Everybody

    The gentlest serious Python intro on the internet. CC-licensed textbook + free videos.

    Dr. Charles Severance, University of Michigan tenured professor.

    Videos + CC-BY textbook + exercises

  2. Harvard CS50P

    Harvard’s introduction to programming with Python. Pace is brisk but week 1–3 fit Explorer.

    Harvard University; David J. Malan / CS50 team.

    Lecture videos + problem sets

  3. Code.org Express

    For families whose schools already use Code.org; gentle on-ramp.

    Code.org US 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

    Self-paced interactive

Honorable mentions

Next step

C9 Python for Builders, when ready to go deeper.

Back to the course catalog