6th Grade Learning To Code In Python Lesson Plan Example (Stem/Design/Technology)

Topic: Learning to code in Python

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to write code in the Python coding language and understand the basic concepts of programming.

Materials

• Computer with Python installed
• Text editor (such as Notepad or TextEdit) for writing code
• Reference materials (such as a Python interpreter or a Python tutorial)

Warm-up

• Ask students if they have ever heard of coding or programming.
• Ask them to think of a time when they had to solve a problem or reach a goal, and how they did it.
• Ask them if they can think of a time when they had to use a computer to get a task done, and how they did it.

Direct Instruction

• Introduce the concept of coding and programming, and explain that it is a way for us to tell a computer what to do.
• Explain that the Python programming language is a popular choice for beginners because it is easy to learn and use.
• Show students some basic Python commands, such as print() and if-else statements.
• Demonstrate how to create a simple program, such as a countdown timer or a simple game.

Guided Practice

• Have students work in pairs to complete a simple coding exercise, such as creating a program that displays a message or plays a sound.
• Walk through the solutions with the class, explaining the Python code and its function.

Independent Practice

• Have students work on a project-based coding exercise, such as creating a simple game or interactive story.
• Encourage students to use their creativity and problem-solving skills to implement their code and test their program.

Closure

• Have students share their projects with the class and discuss any challenges they faced and solutions they found.
• Review the key concepts and skills learned during the workshop, including debugging, loops, variables, and functions.

Assessment

• Observe student participation and progress during the workshop, and evaluate their completed projects for understanding of the key concepts and skills learned.