Python in Action: Creative Coding Through Games

Taught by Vanderbilt University faculty, this course is designed for high school students who want to learn how to think like a programmer and solve real-world problems with code. We’ll start with the basics—learning how to use variables to store information and writing if-else decisions to make our programs smart. Next, you’ll explore loops that let your code repeat actions, build cool patterns, and then move on to creating your own functions to organize and reuse code like a pro.

After each topic, we’ll bring your code to life with Turtle graphics animations—from drawing shapes to creating colorful designs and mini-animations. As we level up, you’ll also learn how to work with data, process files, and explore libraries that make analyzing information and creating simple visualizations possible. By the end, you won’t just be learning Python—you’ll be creating, exploring, and having fun with it!

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Python Setup and Tools: Learn how to set up Python and use Jupyter Notebook or PyCharm to write, run, and debug code.
2. Data Types (numbers, strings, lists, dictionaries): Work with Python’s building blocks to store and organize information.
3. Control Flow (if-else, if-elif-else): Write programs that make decisions based on conditions, such as a Turtle game called Guess the Path where the turtle moves left or right based on user input.
4. Loops (for and while): Use loops to repeat actions, create patterns, and solve problems step by step, such as in a Turtle game called Pattern Generator that draws polygons, spirals, and other designs.
5. Functions (modular and reusable code): Build your own functions to keep code organized and powerful, like in a Turtle game called Custom Shapes where each function draws a unique object such as a house, tree, or rocket.
6. Intro to Data Science (files, simple visualizations): Read and write files, analyze simple datasets, and create your first graphs using Python libraries.

Tangible Outcomes

Students will form groups and work collaboratively on a project that will culminate in a 30-minute presentation to share their work. Teams will:

• Select a data-driven application problem and solve it using Python.
• Develop the Project: Implement your solution in Python, focusing on data processing and visualization (using Turtle or appropriate Python libraries).
• Prepare the Presentation: Create a Microsoft PowerPoint deck summarizing the problem, your implementation process, and the results.
• Present a 30-minute presentation.
• Submit Materials: After the presentation, submit your slides and project files (including code, data, or a repository link).

Field Trips

Students will tour Vanderbilt’s state-of-the-art Computer Science research labs.

Guest Speakers

Guest lectures from a variety of Vanderbilt academic departments will provide students with exposure to a wide range of perspectives and expertise.

Information subject to change as instructors finalize course content.