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Introduction to Python with Raspberry Pi

Lab Overview In this 11-week introductory course, students learn the Python programming language and how to use Python to program a Raspberry Pi - a tiny and low-cost computer. The class is intended to introduce Python to students with little or no programming experience. The class uses a combination of guided instruction and exercises to teach Python, as well as how to setup and use a Raspberry Pi. The lab fee includes a Raspberry Pi and starter kit for each student, which they will take home at the conclusion of the course. Students should be comfortable with a moderate amount of typing and have an interest in programming and building things! Grades: 6th-8th Schedule: Thursdays, 2:30 - 4 pm (students can take the late bus home) Session 1: 11/14, 11/21, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13 Session 2: 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3, 4/10, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22 Tuition: $28Ϯ per session, includes $76 Raspberry Pi starter kit (starter kit comes with Raspberry Pi, case, SD card, HDMI cable, breadboard, and USB power supply). Students take home the Raspberry Pi and kit at the completion of the course. Enrollment: 8 minimum and 14 maximum Description Python is a popular programming language that is useful for many purposes including being used by Google, the New York Stock Exchange and NASA. It is considered easy to learn because of its very readable syntax, flexibility, and it is very easy to get started because it runs on all major operating systems and has extensive documentation and learning resources. Raspberry Pi is a credit card-sized computer that runs the Linux Operating System. Similar to a traditional computer, it can be used for web browsing, word processing, spreadsheets, and games. The Raspberry Pi was invented in the UK to encourage students to learn programming. It was designed as a low-cost computer that could be easily programmed. In this class, students will learn to setup and use Raspberry Pis to make things. The class starts by introducing basic programming concepts in Python such as assigning variables, working with strings, console output, user input, and controlling programs with conditional statements. Later, we build up to full programs by creating our own functions, using and manipulating lists, and including loops. Then, after students have a basic foundation in Python, we move to the second part of the class, where we apply our knowledge and creativity by introducing Raspberry  Pi’s  and  how we can use them as a platform to write and run Python programs.

© 2013 Ideaventions, LLC

Specifically, we will explore how we can use the input and output capabilities of the Raspberry Pis. This part of the class will begin with learning the components of the Raspberry Pi, how to wire it, and preparing SD cards for the Raspberry Pi. Finally, the students will complete small projects that include creating an electronics circuit and controlling it using Python code and the input/output pins on the Raspberry Pi. At the end of the class, students should have the knowledge to write Python programs and use Python with their Raspberry Pis to make things on their own.

Lab Outline

Part 1. Introduction to Python Week 1: Python Syntax

o Introduction and course overview o Overview of Programming Languages and Python o Data types, assigning variables, comments and the print function o Mathematical operators

Week 2: Strings and Console Output o String literals and string methods o Using the datetime library and formatting

Week 3: Conditional and Control Flow o User input o Boolean operators and comparators o If/Then/Else statements o Project: Practice using conditional statements, input and strings.

Week 4 & 5: Functions o Creating your own functions and the syntax of functions o Using built-in Functions o Project: Practice our knowledge of functions

Week 6: Loops, Lists and Dictionaries o Storing, retrieving and manipulating information using lists and dictionaries o Using  the  “for”  loop o Adding, deleting, and assigning new values o Project: Practice combining our knowledge of lists, loops, conditional statements

and functions Part II. Python meets Raspberry Pi

Week 7 & 8: Getting started with Raspberry Pi and Python o ID the Parts, Wire it up, Creating your SD card o Python Integrated Development Environment (IDE), Creating Programs, Uploading,

Running o Using the Python IDE (IDLE) o Troubleshooting

Week 9: Let there be Buttons and Light!: Raspberry Pi Input and Output o Controlling the Raspberry Pi General-purpose input/output (GPIO) o Building the circuit and interfacing it with the Raspberry Pi o Testing and debugging

Week 10 and 11: Mixing it up!: Making a Raspberry Pi Sound Effects Board o Designing our program

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o Programming our sound effects controller and wiring the circuit o Course review

About  ideaventions™ ideaventions, based in Oakton, Virginia, is an innovative educational organization focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) enrichment programs, research and development of STEM curriculum, and outreach and partnership initiatives to further science and technology education. ideaventions provides informal STEM education to children using small-group lab and workshop experiences. We offer our programs at schools, home school groups and through our Science Center. The ideaventions Science Center is located in Oakton, Virginia and provides 2000 square feet of space, 4 laboratories and a hands-on exhibit area.

ideaventions partners with local schools, governments, museums and organizations to offer enrichment programs featuring STEM curriculum. ideaventions offers our science and technology labs at public and private schools and organizations. We work with PTAs and schools to design science and technology enrichment programs to meet the needs of the organization and the families.