Course Description

This course offers a fun, structured introduction to Python, one of the most widely used programming languages in the world today that powers everything from web applications and data science to automation and game development. This is a great class for students who love solving puzzles, creating projects, and exploring how technology works. Students who enjoy math, games, art, science, or building things will find many ways to use Python creatively. 

Students will learn core concepts such as variables, data types, loops, functions, and basic data structures, then apply them to creative projects using Turtle graphics and PyGame. Each lesson combines clear instruction with hands-on coding, helping students develop problem-solving, logical thinking, and creative skills. The course concludes with a mini hackathon where students showcase their abilities. 

No prior programming experience required. Students are encouraged to bring a laptop to class. The Robinson Center will provide loaner laptops for students who need one. Please note that tablets are not permitted for this course.

Essential Questions

  • How can we use programming and core computer science concepts to design solutions that are useful, meaningful, and impactful in the real world?
  • How do programmers build reliable and scalable systems?
  • How does learning programming in one language (such as Python) help us understand broader computational thinking and prepare us to adapt, learn, and contribute to future technologies and global challenges?

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1 Setup and first programs. Students get Python running and write and execute their first programs. 
Week 2 Making decisions. Students take input from the user and control what a program does using if, elif, and else alongside comparison and boolean logic. 
Week 3 Repetition. Students use for and while loops to replace repeated code and to process a sequence of values, and learn to recognize when a task calls for a loop.
Week 4 Functions. Students define their own functions with parameters and return values, and refactor earlier programs to reuse code rather than repeat it.
Week 5 Data Structures. Lists and tuples.
Week 6 Data Structures. Dictionaries and sets.
Week 7 Strings, files, and handling errors. 
Week 8 Project planning. 
Week 9              Capstone build and presentation. 

Instructor

Other Details

Cost

  • $337.50
    • 9 classes, 50 minute class

Location

Date & Time

  • Saturdays, September 26 - November 21st 2026
  • 10:00am - 10:50am

Refund and Transfer Deadlines

  • Full refund: Two weeks before classes start
  • 50% refund: One week before classes start
  • No refund: Less than one week before classes start