Programming 102: From Code to Real-World Projects (Python)

Key Objectives:

• Level up from script writing to building real-world projects using core CS concepts: Students move beyond small exercises to solving meaningful problems using code, applying data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming to break complex ideas into clear, logical steps and create larger, more functional projects.

• Learn the basics of project planning and teamwork: Students work in teams to plan their project using defined roles, timelines, and task breakdowns, developing real-world project management habits.

• Build a portfolio of meaningful work: Students create polished, presentable projects that demonstrate their technical skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, forming the foundation of a personal coding portfolio for future academic or career opportunities.

• Use AI tools responsibly and gain exposure to relevant AI technologies: Students explore and gain hands-on exposure to relevant AI tools and technologies while learning how to use them responsibly to support creativity and learning, maintaining full ownership of testing, decision-making, and original work.

• Explain how their code works and reflect on their learning: Students practice clearly presenting their projects, explaining design choices, and reflecting on challenges, iterations, and growth as problem solvers.

Unit 1 (week 1-4): Python Data Structures

Organize Your Info Like a Pro

Learn how to use Python data structures like lists, dictionaries, sets and graphs to sort and store information.

You’ll be able to:

• Store and group data the smart way

• Pick the right structure for the job

Tools:

GitHub: Students will learn how to use GitHub to organize projects

Streamlit: Students will build web app using Streamlit

OpenAI API: Students will get exposed to OpenAI APIs

Project: Mini-netflix

Past student project: https://mini-netflix.streamlit.app/

Unit 2 (week 5-8): Problem Solving and Algorithms

Think Like a Coder

Take on fun coding challenges and learn how to break problems into steps. You’ll practice sorting, graph searching, and trying out recursion—a neat trick where functions call themselves!

You’ll be able to:

• Break down big problems into code

• Use sorting, graph searching and recursion

• Tell which code is faster or better

Tools:

GitHub: Students will learn how to use GitHub to organize projects

Streamlit: Students will build web app using Streamlit

Vibe coding: Student will experience vibe coding to build interactive games

Projects:

https://roadtrip-planner-demo.streamlit.app/

Unit 3 (week 9-11): Making Your Own Python Objects

Build Your Own Tools with OOP

Use Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) to design your own Python objects—like game characters, flashcards, or pets—with their own names and actions.

You’ll be able to:

• Create and customize Python classes

• Add behaviors to your objects (like .bark() or .move())

• Build systems like a pet simulator or quiz engine

Unit 4 (week 12-14): Passion Project

Code Your Dream Project—With a Little Help from AI

Students will design and complete an original data-driven project based on a topic that matters to them. They will choose an existing dataset or create their own, then develop meaningful questions they want to explore and answer.

From there, students will plan and execute their project by:

• Determining how to organize their data using appropriate data structures

• Selecting and applying algorithms to analyze and solve their chosen problems

• Designing and building an interactive interface to present their findings to users

This project emphasizes student ownership, real-world problem solving, and the full development cycle — from idea and planning to implementation and presentation.

We’ll talk about how to use AI responsibly:

What AI can help with:

• Coming up with ideas

• Writing or explaining small pieces of code

• Helping you debug or fix errors

• Giving examples to learn from

What you are responsible for:

• Making sure the code actually does what you want

• Testing everything yourself

• Giving credit if you use AI suggestions

• Making sure the project is fair, safe, and respectful

You’ll be able to:

• Plan and build a Python project with your team

• Use AI to help, not replace, your thinking

• Talk about what parts came from AI and what you did on your own

• Present and explain your project clearly and confidently

In this hands-on course, students learn how to use Python to organize data, solve problems, and build creative projects. Starting with simple scripts, they’ll explore lists, dictionaries, and loops—then level up to algorithms, object-oriented programming, and team projects. Along the way, students will use AI tools like ChatGPT to support their work while learning how to use them responsibly. By the end of the course, students will present a full project that shows off their skills in coding, planning, and teamwork.