📚 Course Overview:
- Course Duration: 12 weeks (1-2 sessions per week)
- Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Target Audience: Students aged 8–14
- Requirement: Basic familiarity with computers; no prior coding experience needed
- Format: Online or in-person
This is our 12-week comprehensive curriculum for “Code Explorers: Fun & Easy Coding for Kids | From Scratch to Python”, designed for our K–12 learners. This curriculum uses Scratch, Code.org, Python, and Replit to help students gradually shift from visual block programming to text-based coding with a strong foundation.
Week 1: Introduction to Coding & Digital Literacy
- Platform: Code.org
- Focus: What is coding, why it’s important, and basic digital citizenship
- Activities: Hour of Code games, basic drag-and-drop logic puzzles
- Assignment: Complete 2 Hour of Code tutorials
- Quiz: Intro to coding terms (e.g., algorithm, sequence)
Week 2: Exploring Scratch Basics
- Platform: Scratch
- Focus: Sprites, backdrops, and basic movement
- Activities: Create a simple animation
- Assignment: Build a scene with at least two interactive sprites
- Quiz: Identify Scratch blocks and functions
Week 3: Scratch – Events and Loops
- Platform: Scratch
- Focus: Event-driven programming and loops
- Activities: Make a character dance or move on click
- Assignment: Create an interactive animation with loops
- Quiz: Match block types to their functions
Week 4: Scratch – Conditional Logic & Variables
- Platform: Scratch
- Focus: “If-then” logic and basic variables
- Activities: Create a score-based mini-game
- Assignment: Build a quiz app with scoring
- Project: Mini-game with start/restart and scoring system
Week 5: Scratch Final Project & Showcase
- Platform: Scratch
- Focus: Combine skills into a final project
- Activities: Plan and develop a mini project
- Assignment: Scratch Game/Story (3+ sprites, score, logic)
- Showcase: Present project to class or family
Week 6: Transition to Code.org Text Blocks
- Platform: Code.org (Course C or D depending on age)
- Focus: Moving from blocks to text hints
- Activities: Intro to JavaScript-style pseudocode
- Assignment: Complete Course D puzzles (or equivalent)
- Quiz: Syntax basics & functions
Week 7: Python Fundamentals – Hello World & Print Statements
- Platform: Replit
- Focus: Setting up, printing messages, comments
- Activities: Write first Python script
- Assignment: Print 3 fun facts about yourself
- Quiz: Label parts of a Python program
Week 8: Python – Variables, Input, and Output
- Platform: Replit
- Focus: Using input() and variables
- Activities: Create a personalized greeting
- Assignment: Build a name and age guessing game
- Quiz: Fill-in-the-blank Python statements
Week 9: Python – If Statements and Conditions
- Platform: Replit
- Focus: Conditional logic with “if”, “elif”, “else”
- Activities: Create a simple age checker
- Assignment: Build a “Guess the Number” game
- Project: Choose your own adventure (text-based)
Week 10: Python – Loops & Functions
- Platform: Replit
- Focus: While loops and defining functions
- Activities: Loop countdown or counter
- Assignment: Build a calculator
- Quiz: Loop identification and function writing
Week 11: Python Mini Project Week
- Platform: Replit
- Focus: Combine concepts: variables, input, loops, functions
- Activities: Design project outline
- Project: Choose one — calculator, quiz game, or story generator
- Review: Peer feedback sessions
Week 12: Final Showcase & Reflection
- Platform: Scratch & Replit
- Focus: Student presentation and feedback
- Activities: Present projects in a live or recorded showcase
- Assignment: Write a reflection journal on their coding journey
- Certificate: Completion certificate and digital badge awarded
💡 Tools Required:
- Internet-connected device (laptop or tablet)
- Scratch account (free)
- Code.org student account (free)
- Replit student account (free)
- Google Docs/Slides for planning & reflection
✨ What You’ll Learn:
- Basic coding principles (sequence, loops, conditionals)
- Transitioning from visual to text-based programming
- Understanding syntax in Python
- Planning and building projects from scratch
🧠 Skills Gained:
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Logical reasoning
- Creativity and storytelling
- Basic debugging techniques