S(wkn5umqhjeaylrrb4544xldd))/Areas/Default/Views/Page/Templates/Fall2016Mobile/images/1x1.png){kind=spacer}
Python for Young Humans (or how to beat being stuck in the house with the older humans for the next few weeks)
Dear Young Humans,
Are you stuck in your house with the older beings in your family? Do you need space from them? Do you need a good excuse to get them to leave you alone for hours at a time? Do you wish to learn how to control computer systems with a view of taking over the world? Then you want to learn Python.
Being young at heart, we at New Zealand Python User Group (NZPUG) have put together a list of some of the best Python courses and resources for people who are between 5 and 18 years old. You don't even need to know about programming: these resources are for everyone and do not require programming experience. Some are free and some require a small payment. What is important is that there is a way to learn for everyone, no matter how you like to do it.
Give yourself a chance to take over the world! Get the older humans off your back! Learn Python!
Your friends at NZPUG
Let's start by getting you some Python
The Python Software Foundation (PSF) is the organisation that looks after Python worldwide. The PSF is the safest and most trustworthy place for you to get a copy of Python that is and fully up-to-date and right for you device. You can get Python for Windows, MacOS, Linux/UNIX, iOS, and others except ChromeOS (Chromebook).
If you wish to install Python on a Chromebook, please follow the instructions in this article (you will also be doing it from a secure and trustworthy organisation – Conda in this case).
All of the tutorials below start by teaching you how to install Python correctly in your device.
Resources recommended by the Python Software Foundation (some even have more courses at the end).
Build a "Pypet" Learn programming fundamentals in Python while building a Tamagotchi style "Pypet" by Tatiana Tylosky.
Guido van Robot A teaching tool in which students write simple programs using a Python-like language to control a simulated robot. Field-tested at Yorktown High School, the project includes a lesson plan.
Python for Kids (book) by Jason R Briggs. Book with sample code and puzzles.
PythonTurtle A learning environment for Python suitable for beginners and children, inspired by Logo. Geared mainly towards children, but known to be successful with adults as well.
Young Coders tutorial This is the full text of the tutorial taught annually at PyCon (North America), with examples and exercises throughout. This tutorial starts with basic skills and builds to working with complex logic and games. Appropriate for ages 10 and up, including adult beginners.
Resources recommended by the members of NZPUG and the Python community
- So You Want to Learn Python: Python Tutorial For Kids! [many thanks to Tom Clark @tom_clark for the recommendation]
- The Beginner's Guide to Python Turtle "If you’re a beginner to Python, then this tutorial will help you as you take your first steps into the world of programming with the help of the Python turtle library!" [many thanks to Everett Toews @etoews for the recommendation!]
- Intro to Programming (Python) "An introductory course using the programming language Python for people with no programming experience." From Grok Learning in Australia. Their courses (of which this is only one) are aligned to the Australian school curriculum. GL courses are setup to work in a school environment but they have a home schooling option, which is the one you will want, all nicely explained here. [many thanks to Christopher Neugebauer @chrisjrn for the recommendation!]
- Extension! (once you've got the basics): check how easy is to make fun things Games with PyGame Zero [many thanks to Eliot @bigben for the recommendation]