Ideas for first Y7 Lessons

Bit of a brain dump about where I was thinking of going with my Y7 lesson planning for Python/Microbit. My year 7s have done some Python already (Caesar cyphers, simple loops, Turtle graphics spirals) but wouldn't assume prior knowledge.

• Try to be non-platform specific.
• Avoid REPL, at least at first - 2 reasons for this:

1. I started my Y7s on Python shell/command line, then moved to IDLE editor, some are STILL confused by the difference months later.
2. REPL on Windows requires drivers which may or may not be installable due to local IT support issues etc. I want to keep it simple.

• Lesson 1: LO to learn basics of Mu editor. Introduce device with v simple project a bit like http://www.suppertime.co.uk/blogmywiki/2016/02/simple-microbit-python-demo/ but without sound - scrolling text 'Hello I am MicroBit, I belong to Sam' - customise their own name. Trigger text and built-in images by buttons A & B, touch buttons and shake. Get chn to experiment with different pre-defined images and events. Also teaches while True loop, draw parallel with 'forever' block in Scratch. Possible activity sheet here: http://www.suppertime.co.uk/blogmywiki/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Y7-Microbit-Lesson-1.pdf

• Lesson 2: something with graphics - animations, using pre-defined images at first - e.g. faces whose expressions change depending on button pushes or shakes. Extn: define own images, own animations.

• Lesson 3: something game-like, possibly dice or Magic 8-Ball type game > or give them choice? Either could teach variables, random numbers, trigger by shake, lists, defining own graphics, more complex loops.

• Lesson 4: build a graphical game, possibly something based on http://www.suppertime.co.uk/blogmywiki/2016/02/tilty/ - may be a simple draw program to start with, then add game elements. Extn: add more levels, make game more challenging, improve game play.