From Variables to Vision: A Week of Python and AI

This week at our Python and AI Camp, students dove into coding through daily learning filled with fun, hands-on activities. Each day was structured to build foundational programming knowledge while gradually introducing artificial intelligence concepts in a playful and approachable way.

Here’s what we explored each day:

• Day 1

  • Python: Variables, data types, user input

  • AI: Classification and training a simple model

• Day 2

  • Python: Conditionals

  • AI: Decision trees and how AI makes choices

• Day 3

  • Python: Loops and lists

• Day 4

  • Python: Functions and GUI game building with Pygame

• Day 5

  • AI Day: Computer vision, image representation, neural networks, model training, and a student-led hackathon

Our learning activities were designed to engage students in building strong mental models. For example, to learn about lists, students recreated a popular bottle matching game. To understand functions, they played a zany “Crazy Drink Recipe” game—where the recipe was hidden and students had to guess the correct ingredients based on how the function (recipe) responded.

The learning environment was cozy and individualized. Campers had plenty of freedom to choose their workspaces—some coded at tables, others on couches, and many enjoyed sharing ideas with peers in their chosen spots.

Beyond the classroom, we made time to explore and build community. We took field trips to a kitchen and a local market to buy ice cream. Between coding sessions, kids played “Who Is the Spy” and “Mafia” to relax and connect. On Friday, we wrapped up with a big barbecue party where everyone pitched in to help prepare, cook, and celebrate an exciting week of learning and friendship.

This camp wasn’t just about Python and AI—it was about growing confidence, creativity, and collaboration through coding adventures and summer fun.

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Please see our campers' review in their own words:

Hello! My name is Isabella; I am a to-be 7th grader and this summer I attended a coding camp. My teacher was Ms. Zhou, and these are some of the things I learned. First, this class is for a whole week and 3 hours every day. It is perfect for anybody new to python and coding. We started off this camp with learning about the structure of python files, print and input, and variables. On day two we learned about conditionals and loops. Day three was spent on coding lists and for loops. Then, on day 4, we learned about functions and coded our very first GUI game. The game was really fun, and we got to use everything we learned. On the last day, we had a barbeque and a hackathon, which is where we got to code something or play some coding games.

Overall, I really liked this camp as I did not have much knowledge in coding at first. I learned very much over the week and got to code my own game. The homework allows you to practice what you learned in class and apply your knowledge. Ms. Zhou then thoroughly checks it the next day and helps debug and explain your mistakes. It is a stress-free zone which allows you to make new friends and learn how to code. Ms. Zhou is a great teacher with ample knowledge for coding that is very patient and will help lead your child through the basics. This camp is best for 5th to 9th graders and is held in the summer. For any beginners that are interested to try coding, or kids with more experience that would love to help others that have just started, contact drzhou@drzhouaiacademy.com for more information. Thanks for reading-Isabella

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Hi, my name is Ethan and I am 14 years old. I live in Seattle, and over the summer, I

attended this coding camp hosted by Dr. Zhou. Over the course of the camp, I learned

the fundamentals of python, as well as different ways to code fun games using python.

This camp is perfect for anyone who wants to start learning Python, and it really

ensures that you have a good base for the rest of your coding journey. The camp is 5

days long and is 3 hours every day. Over the first two days, we learned a lot about the

different variable types and conditionals and while-loops. Then, we learned about for-

loops as well as lists. Lastly, on the last day, in which the class was 7 hours long and we

had a hackathon and a barbecue, which were both really fun.

This class was really fun because of the freedom. We first had a lecture where we were

also introduced to different websites such as Teachable Machine, and did different

exercises involving the code we were learning that day. After this 2 hour class time, we

had around 1 hour to go wherever we wanted inside the condo and do our homework,

which involved using your problem solving skills to complete different tasks using

Python, such as organizing a list that the user inputs. Aside from this, we also visited

several places such as Kitchen & Market for ice cream during the third day for a break.

Lastly, on the final day, we ate lunch in the classroom, which we made on the balcony

with a grill. Students were encouraged to contribute to the barbecue, whether it was

grilling the hot dogs or baking the chicken wings. Overall, this class was a great blend of

fun and coding as well as providing a lot of hands on experience such as when we

coded a game of matching colors as well as playing it in person.