Python Camp
Do you use Google, YouTube or Dropbox? Did you know they are programmed using Python? Python can be seen almost everywhere. Its design philosophy is readability and simplicity. Because of its ease, general purpose application and being open-sourced, many systems are coded in Python. It is a high-level programming language that can make websites, applications, videogames, microchips and more.
Python is a modern programming language that is growing in popularity faster than any other. Unlike many languages that don’t care about spaces and indents in your code, Python uses this “whitespace” to help keep things organized. The functions in Python are very English-like and it has a huge repository of libraries you can install to handle practically any task.
Students will gain the ability to install Python, create scripts with commands used in real world computer science, parse files and play with strings (lists of letters). They will also grasp core ideas of shell computing and navigating/modifying the operating system via the command line interface (lower level means of communication with computer systems).
Kids will be equipped with skills they can take anywhere! Returning Makers who have taken a coding class with us before are welcome. Note this course contains lots of reading and technical typing.
Kids learn core skills that get applied in projects to integrate their learning and make it fun. Some of the core skills learned and sample projects made include:
- Project: Choose Your Own Adventure Game
- What is Python?
- Creating variables
- Taking user input
- If statements and booleans
- Doing math with Python
- Lists
- Loops
- Conditions
- Project: Coin Flipping Simulator
- Using other people’s code
- Adding a “delay” variable
- Adding outcomes
- Adding delays
- Adding a counter
- Making a background
- Turtles
- Project: Rock, paper, scissors tournament
- Functions
- Sequence Datatypes
Skills Learned
MakerKids Mindset for Coding: Resilience
Coding requires a lot of trial and error. Programmers spend most of their time figuring out why the code they thing should be working, keeps failing. The resilience to dig into error messages, run countless tests, address numerous bugs, and often starting from scratch with a different approach, is what eventually leads to rewarding success. This resilience can be used in many areas of life and is a valued skill worth having.
Basic Requirements:
- A laptop or desktop
- Internet connection
- Headset with microphone and headphones (or computer with microphone and speakers)
- Keyboard and a mouse
- Chrome browser
- Webcam (optional)
For more information, visit our FAQ page.
Why Parents and Children Love MakerKids
Expert Facilitators
With a passion for youth and technology, our Maker Mentors recognize the uniqueness of your child and fosters their creative side and joy for STEM. Maker Mentors are trained to have students focus on the why and discover the logic behind the code instead of following a prescriptive set of instructions.
Engaging Curriculum
Weekly programs are built for all interests and experience levels. See the excitement in your child as they watch their work come to life. All classes include mini-lessons on internet safety and computer literacy so your child is better prepared to navigate the digital world.
Social Connections
With a 5 to 1 child to staff ratio and a focus on collaborative problem solving our classes are designed for your child to actively participate. Parents are amazed at how fast their child opens up socially, as they connect and build friendships with like-minded children.
Testimonial
“Our kids also enjoy learning a new coding language and I’ve watched my younger one who started off being a bit shy and unwilling to share online to make new friends and became one of the most talkative ones in class.”
– Debbie Fung
Success Story
Max, age 11
- After starting our program, Max taught a coding class at his school. Over a 10 week period, Max taught 60 different students after school, starting from grade 2.
- Max was a top four finalist for Best Game at his school’s street fair. He was even visited by the school district Vice President!
Meet An Instructor
Meet Ariel, One of Our Maker-Mentors
Certified Teacher with a Background in Early Childhood Education
Hello, my name is Ariel! I have worked for the YMCA, volunteered for day camps and had a number of placements in other learning spaces such as TDSB classrooms and the Boys and Girls Club. I completed my undergrad at Ryerson University where I studied Early Childhood Education. I most recently earned my Bachelors of Education at University of Ontario Institute of Technology where I graduated with the highest distinction. More simply put, I love learning.
Specialties: Teaching children with unique skills and abilities, meeting diverse learning needs and optimism!
