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Link to this page: bit.ly/pyturt

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Welcome and Introduction

Your Teacher

I am Dave Briccetti (bri-’cheddy). I am a professional computer programmer who enjoys teaching programming to kids. I teach at three private schools, at the Lafayette Library occasionally, and I have individuals and small groups come to my house in Lafayette for lessons. (More)

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Computer Programming

Computer programs are instructions for getting a computer to perform a task, such as these:

  • Send a text message
  • Play a game
  • Manage a calendar
  • Drive a car
  • Fly a spacecraft

Types of Computers

Programs run on computers of different sizes and types:

  • mainframes
  • desktops
  • laptops
  • tablets
  • smartphones
  • Arduino and Raspberry Pi

Languages

Programs are written using programming languages. Some popular ones are:

  • Java
  • JavaScript
  • C++
  • Python
  • Scala

About This Course

Python

Python is a popular programming language, used by many, including Google and NASA.

Class Format

Our classes consist of:

  • Instruction (Lectures)
  • Exercises, where you practice what you’ve just learned, with specific goals
  • Creative project work, where you apply what you’ve learned in your own way
  • Show and tell, where we share our interesting creations

I usually keep lectures to just a few minutes. During this time I need your focus and full attention. During exercises and creative work, I encourage you to interact with your classmates. Get up, walk around and see what others are doing. Sit where you want, rearranging any time. Just make sure RoomHelper 3000 (see below) knows where you are.

Parents

Many of your parents are likely excited about you learning programming at school. They will be curious about what we are doing. Please point them to this page, so they can follow along with us. Show them at home what you are learning in class. Explaining your programs to others can increase your understanding.

When You Finish

When you complete assigned work, there’s always more to do. You can

  • Help others
  • Read the reference and learn about more features
  • Experiment, and make your own original creations

Let’s Get Started

Here’s a program to start with.

Run it. What things can you change?

Turns

rt(), lt()

Making a Square, the Long Way

from turtle import *

fd(50)
rt(90)
fd(50)
rt(90)
fd(50)
rt(90)
fd(50)
rt(90)

Python Functions

Loops and nested loops

You can repeat code by making a loop:

for n in range(10): loops 10 times, taking n from 0 to 9

for x in range(-200, 201, 100): loops 5 times, taking x from -200 to 200 in steps of 100

Making a Square a Better Way, Using a Loop

from turtle import *

for n in range(4):
  fd(50)
  rt(360 / 4)

Examples

Grid of Circles

This program makes a grid of circles

Blades

A pattern of blades

Interactive Graphics with Keyboard Input

Let’s start with this sample.

Randomness

You can use random numbers to affect your turtle graphics. Here’s a starting point.

Challenge: Make more things random

Make these things random:

  • pen size
  • line length

Bonus:

  • Make the color random