Python curriculum

A Python-first programming course that moves from fundamentals into testing, data structures, algorithms, files, and small applications.

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Beginner programming / AP CSP bridge / intro CS

Python curriculum

A Python-first programming course that moves from fundamentals into testing, data structures, algorithms, files, and small applications.

Pacing

8 units, 16-24 weeks self-paced

Units

8 unit sequence

Practice

32 checked answers

Support

Self-paced or tutor-guided

Outcomes

Write readable Python programs with explicit inputs and outputs.
Use decomposition, tests, and data structures to manage complexity.
Build small command-line and data-driven projects without hidden state.

Unit sequence

Built for independent progress first, then tutor support where the student gets stuck.

01
Programming model and setup
- Use variables, expressions, types, and the REPL.
- Run scripts and read tracebacks.
Practice: Write small pure functions for unit conversion and string formatting.
Original practice checks
Answer in PeerTutor, then use the explanation or bring the miss to a tutor.
4 checked answers
Expressions
What is the value of 7 // 3 in Python?
Tracebacks
A traceback most directly tells you:
the final gradewhere execution failedhow fast code runswhich package to install always
Unit readiness
Which target best matches the Python unit "Programming model and setup"?
Use variables, expressions, types, and the REPL.Handle invalid input deliberately.Use conditionals, loops, and boolean logic.Run scripts and read tracebacks.
Practice artifact
Which practice artifact should you produce for "Programming model and setup" before asking a tutor for help?
Write small pure functions for unit conversion and string formatting.Skip the unit and start a new subject.Memorize vocabulary without checking any examples.Watch videos without writing or solving anything.
02
Control flow
- Use conditionals, loops, and boolean logic.
- Handle invalid input deliberately.
Practice: Build a grade or budget calculator with explicit validation.
Original practice checks
Answer in PeerTutor, then use the explanation or bring the miss to a tutor.
4 checked answers
Control flow
What does bool("") evaluate to in Python?
Validation
Where should input validation happen in this app's architecture?
hidden in domain functionsat the boundary/service edgeinside random globalsafter persisting bad data
Unit readiness
Which target best matches the Python unit "Control flow"?
Run scripts and read tracebacks.Handle invalid input deliberately.Use variables, expressions, types, and the REPL.Use conditionals, loops, and boolean logic.
Practice artifact
Which practice artifact should you produce for "Control flow" before asking a tutor for help?
Build a grade or budget calculator with explicit validation.Memorize vocabulary without checking any examples.Watch videos without writing or solving anything.Skip the unit and start a new subject.
03
Functions and testing
- Design function signatures and return values.
- Write tests for normal and edge cases.
Practice: Refactor a script into pure functions with a small test file.
Original practice checks
Answer in PeerTutor, then use the explanation or bring the miss to a tutor.
4 checked answers
Functions
What does a pure function return for the same inputs every time?
Testing
Which is the strongest edge case for a list-summing function?
a normal list onlyan empty lista commenta different font
Unit readiness
Which target best matches the Python unit "Functions and testing"?
Use variables, expressions, types, and the REPL.Use conditionals, loops, and boolean logic.Run scripts and read tracebacks.Design function signatures and return values.
Practice artifact
Which practice artifact should you produce for "Functions and testing" before asking a tutor for help?
Watch videos without writing or solving anything.Memorize vocabulary without checking any examples.Skip the unit and start a new subject.Refactor a script into pure functions with a small test file.
04
Collections
- Use lists, dictionaries, sets, tuples, and comprehensions.
- Choose structures based on access patterns.
Practice: Parse a roster and compute summaries from dictionaries and lists.
Original practice checks
Answer in PeerTutor, then use the explanation or bring the miss to a tutor.
4 checked answers
Dictionaries
What is the value of {'a': 2}.get('b', 5)?
Data structures
Which structure best represents unique enrolled student ids?
list onlysetstringfloat
Unit readiness
Which target best matches the Python unit "Collections"?
Use variables, expressions, types, and the REPL.Use conditionals, loops, and boolean logic.Choose structures based on access patterns.Run scripts and read tracebacks.
Practice artifact
Which practice artifact should you produce for "Collections" before asking a tutor for help?
Watch videos without writing or solving anything.Memorize vocabulary without checking any examples.Parse a roster and compute summaries from dictionaries and lists.Skip the unit and start a new subject.
05
Algorithms and complexity
- Implement searching, sorting, and recursion basics.
- Reason about runtime at a high level.
Practice: Compare two solutions on correctness and operation counts.
Original practice checks
Answer in PeerTutor, then use the explanation or bring the miss to a tutor.
4 checked answers
Complexity
What is the typical Big-O lookup time for a Python dict by key?
Search
Binary search requires the input to be:
randomsortedencryptedall strings
Unit readiness
Which target best matches the Python unit "Algorithms and complexity"?
Run scripts and read tracebacks.Use variables, expressions, types, and the REPL.Implement searching, sorting, and recursion basics.Use conditionals, loops, and boolean logic.
Practice artifact
Which practice artifact should you produce for "Algorithms and complexity" before asking a tutor for help?
Memorize vocabulary without checking any examples.Skip the unit and start a new subject.Compare two solutions on correctness and operation counts.Watch videos without writing or solving anything.
06
Files, modules, and errors
- Read/write files and organize code into modules.
- Use exceptions at boundaries.
Practice: Build a CSV importer that returns clean data or explicit errors.
Original practice checks
Answer in PeerTutor, then use the explanation or bring the miss to a tutor.
4 checked answers
Files
Which mode opens a file for reading text in Python?
Exceptions
Exceptions should be used primarily at:
known boundary failuresevery arithmetic stepvariable namingCSS layout only
Unit readiness
Which target best matches the Python unit "Files, modules, and errors"?
Use variables, expressions, types, and the REPL.Use conditionals, loops, and boolean logic.Run scripts and read tracebacks.Use exceptions at boundaries.
Practice artifact
Which practice artifact should you produce for "Files, modules, and errors" before asking a tutor for help?
Build a CSV importer that returns clean data or explicit errors.Skip the unit and start a new subject.Watch videos without writing or solving anything.Memorize vocabulary without checking any examples.
07
Objects and state
- Use classes when state and behavior belong together.
- Avoid accidental mutation.
Practice: Model a small deterministic game or scheduler with state transitions.
Original practice checks
Answer in PeerTutor, then use the explanation or bring the miss to a tutor.
4 checked answers
Objects
In a class method, what conventional parameter refers to the instance?
State transitions
A deterministic game model should update state by:
mutating globals from anywherestate + input -> new statesleeping for timingreading random inside every method
Unit readiness
Which target best matches the Python unit "Objects and state"?
Use classes when state and behavior belong together.Use variables, expressions, types, and the REPL.Use conditionals, loops, and boolean logic.Run scripts and read tracebacks.
Practice artifact
Which practice artifact should you produce for "Objects and state" before asking a tutor for help?
Model a small deterministic game or scheduler with state transitions.Skip the unit and start a new subject.Watch videos without writing or solving anything.Memorize vocabulary without checking any examples.
08
Capstone
- Build a data, automation, or study-tool project.
- Document usage and tests.
Practice: Ship a small project with a README, test cases, and sample input/output.
Original practice checks
Answer in PeerTutor, then use the explanation or bring the miss to a tutor.
4 checked answers
Capstone
What file should explain how to run and test a project?
Project readiness
Which artifact best proves a project works?
a vague promisesample input/output plus testsonly a logoa hidden manual step
Unit readiness
Which target best matches the Python unit "Capstone"?
Use conditionals, loops, and boolean logic.Run scripts and read tracebacks.Document usage and tests.Use variables, expressions, types, and the REPL.
Practice artifact
Which practice artifact should you produce for "Capstone" before asking a tutor for help?
Watch videos without writing or solving anything.Ship a small project with a README, test cases, and sample input/output.Skip the unit and start a new subject.Memorize vocabulary without checking any examples.