PD Index « PD4CS - Python programming, common student misconceptions, student projects

PD4CS Index

The three units covering a range of concepts related to computer science teaching and the CSE course are listed below. For each topic in a unit we provide a brief description of the lessons covered. Each lession links to the corresponding PD materal. The PD index links to the same material presented on the PD Material tab. [The icon

means there are video(s) included in the post.] A list of recommended student-facing material available here.

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▸ Unit 1: BASIC PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS AND CONSTRUCTS

Variables The role and use of variables in programs Explaining variables in programs to your students Assigning values to variables How to name the variables in your program Helping students understand the flow of execution Common misconceptions and challenges students face when using variables in Python and how to help students overcome them	Conditionals An overview on how conditional statements control the flow of execution How to form, evaluate, and use Boolean expressions A class project in which students need to use conditionals to implement the Monty Hall game. Using Boolean expressions in conditional statements Concepts and features a more advanced student may use
Data Structures Introduction to data structures Strings in Python Lists and tuples in Python Organizing data in an array Common misconceptions and challenges students face when using data structures and how to help students overcome them An overview of other common data structures including stacks, queues, trees, sets and graphs Examples of using of Data Structures in other PD Material topics	Loops Why do programming languages need loops? Examples of repeat, repeat-until, and forever loops in Scratch Eight examples of for-loops and while-loops in Python and comparing for- and while-loop constructs Examples of for-loops in Python Examples of while-loops in Python Examples of using for-loops and while-loops solving same problems When a loop contains a loop: examples of nested loop constructions and why they are needed Common misconceptions and challenges students face when writing loops and how to help students overcome them A collection of Python resources that include loop related material and example programs
Functions What everybody writing a function in Python needs to know Basics about using functions in Python Details and guidelines for defining functions in Python. What not to do when writing functions. A team class project in which every team writes one function Common misconceptions and challenges students face when writing functions and how to help students overcome them Downloading all Python functions used in the examples

▸ Unit 2: MORE ADVANCED PROGRAMMING TOPICS

Debugging Code we write has bugs. Guidelines for writing good code and how to find commonly made mistakes. Why is it called a bug? Common compile-time and run-time errors How to debug a program when no output or the wrong output is generated Six short code segments without compile-time or run-time errors generating the wrong output General guidelines and tools for debugging Python programs.	Algorithms What is an algorithm and algorithmic thinking in your life Seven classic problems to solve with your students (no programming needed) Problems that have no algorithm Downloading Python programs for algorithms with an implementation
Recursion Recursion means “defining something in terms of itself”. How is it used in computer science? Examples of recursive definitions Examples of classic recursive algorithms A brief discussion on when and when not to use recursion Common misconceptions and challenges students face when writing recursive functions and how to help students overcome them Downloading Python programs for problems with an implementation	Classes and Objects Classes are used to define real-life objects. A brief introduction to object-oriented programming How to define classes, instance variables, and class variables in Python Reviewing classes and objects your students may already have used in programs The Appliance Store team project revisited using classes and objects Common misconceptions and challenges students face when using classes and objects and how to help students overcome them
Modules and Packages The basics about using modules and packages in Python The Python import statement pulls module and package definitions into the program. An overview on the different ways to do it. Modules and Packages – Python Examples

▸ Unit 3: SELECTED OTHER TOPICS IN CS PRINCIPLES COURSE

Internet Introduction to HTML, CSS, Javascript and PHP An introduction about how the Internet works An introduction to HTML An introduction to Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) Introduction to a client-side scripting language adding dynamic and interactive elements to web pages Introduction to a popular server-side scripting language making web pages dynamic and interactive Common misconceptions and challenges students face when writing HTML, CSS, Javascript, and PHP	Git and GitHub Introduction to GIT, a version control system, and GITHUB, a site for sharing source code Using the team project to illustrate the use of GIT and GITHUB as an individual Using the team project to illustrate the use of GIT and GITHUB in a collaboration Tutorials, training material, and videos on using Git and Github effectively
Information Security An introduction to the field of information security Using ciphers and cryptography to encode and decode messages An introduction to malware An introduction to network and web security Information Security – Privacy Overview Information Security – Privacy, Social Media, and Governments Class activities and projects about information security	Simulation and Modeling The role of computer simulation and modeling in science and engineering Two classic examples: flipping coins and rolling dice Using NetLogo for Simulation and Modeling: three examples Writing a Python simulation for the Monty Hall game An brief introduction to the Monte Carlo Method
Big Data All About Data Data Visualization What is a data scientist? A Class Project: Visualizing Baby Names	Assessment How do you know your students understand the concepts you have been teaching? Formative and summative assessment tailored to teaching programming and algorithmic thinking Multiple choice, short answers, open ended: How to best use them in a programming class.
Undergraduate Computing Degrees An overview of the different undergraduate computing degrees and programs Comparing different types of college programs Details about various computing degrees External resources for more information