Contents in Detail
a cknowledgments xix
introduction
What is Coding and Why is it Good for Your Kids? xxi
Why Should Kids Learn to Code?............................... .xxii
Coding Is Fun......................................... .xxii
Coding Is a Valuable Job Skill............................ .xxii
Where Can Kids Learn to Code?............................... .xxiii
How to Use This Book......................................... .xxiv
Explore!.............................................. .xxiv
Do It Together!........................................ .xxv
Online Resources....................................... .xxv
Coding = Solving Problems..................................... .xxvi
1
Python Basics: Get to Know Your environment 1
Getting Started with Python...................................... 3
- Download Python....................................... 4
- Install Python.......................................... 5
- Test Python with a Program.............................. 5
Writing Programs in Python...................................... 6
Running Programs in Python...................................... 6
What You Learned.............................................. 7
Programming Challenges......................................... 8
#1: Mad Libs............................................. 8
#2: More Mad Libs!........................................ 9
2
turtle Graphics: Drawing with Python 11
Our First Turtle Program........................................ 12
How It Works............................................ 13
What Happens........................................... 14
Turtle on a Roll................................................ 16
Turtle Roundup................................................ 17
Adding a Touch of Color......................................... 19
A Four-Color Spiral....................................... 20
Changing Background Colors............................... 23
One Variable to Rule Them All................................... 25