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SmashCode I

Course Description

SmashCode #1 introduces students to the exciting world of coding via the Python Turtle Graphics programming library. Students will learn the foundations of computer science and the basics of programming, with an emphasis on helping students develop logical thinking and problem solving skills. SmashCode #1 will also provide a smooth transition into SmashCode #2 and is highly recommended for students considering a computer science related field.

Grade Level(s):  9th-12th Grades

Related Priority Standards (State &/or National): Missouri Computer Science Performance Standards

  • 9‐10.AP.V.01 Create problem solutions that utilize primitive variables (e.g., strings, ints, booleans, doubles)
  • 9-10.AP.C.01 Apply the concepts of specific control structures (e.g., sequence, conditionals, repetition, procedures) considering program efficiencies such as readability, performance and memory usage.
  • 11-12.AP.M.01 Construct solutions to problems using student-created components (e.g., procedures, modules, objects).
  • 11-12AP.PD.05 Develop and use a series of test cases to verify that a program performs according to its design specifications.

Essential Questions

  • How can we use computer programming to model and solve real world situations and problems?
  • What makes a good program?
  • How can computing and the use of computational tools foster creative expression?
  • What does it mean to be literate in the 21st century? 

Enduring Understandings/Big Ideas

  • Computing enables people to use creative development processes to create computational artifacts for creative expressions or to solve a problem.
  • Programs can be developed for creative expression, to satisfy personal curiosity, to create new knowledge, or to solve problems (to help people, organizations, or society).
  • People write programs to execute algorithms.
  • Programming is facilitated by appropriate abstractions.
  • Programs are developed, maintained, and used by people for different purposes.
  • ​Programming uses mathematical and logical concepts.

Course-Level Scope & Sequence (Units &/or Skills)

  • Intro to Programming with Turtle Graphics
  • Basic Python and Console Interaction

Course Resources & Materials: CodeHS Intro to Computer Science in Python 3