Your first Python program
Write and run a program that prints messages, and read your first error.
Planned. This module is part of the plan and is not written yet.
Why it matters
Every program on the Lantern's computers, including the lessons you are using now, started with someone typing a first line of code and fixing a first error.
Draft outline · in review- For
- Level 7–9 · JSS 1 to JSS 3 (BECE)
- Inside
- 5 lessons and a test · about 60 minutes
- Topic
- Python basics · foundation, 1 of 4
Inside the module.
5 lessons in order, about 60 minutes in all, then a short test. Learners go at their own pace; the minutes are a guide, not a timetable.
Draft outline · in review
Lesson 1: What a program is
From blocks to typed instructions: Python reads your lines from top to bottom.
Explain10 min, from minute 0
Lesson 2: Hello from Python
Write print("Hello"), run it and see the output.
Worked example10 min, from minute 10
Lesson 3: Messages of your own
Print a greeting, your village's name and a short poem.
Practice15 min, from minute 20
Lesson 4: Reading an error
Break a working program on purpose and read what Python tells you.
Investigate15 min, from minute 35
Lesson 5: Check your skills
Write, run and fix short programs.
Review10 min, from minute 50
End-of-module test
Write and run programs that print given messages, and fix short programs with simple mistakes.
Mastered at 85% or more. Retake it until you pass; nothing is lost, and each try gives feedback.
Already know it? A Challenge Test (planned) clears the whole module: 90% overall, no objective below 75%.
Last stageafter about 60 min
Practicalities
Draft outline · in reviewBuilt to run offline
Planned to run on the Lantern's own computer, with no internet needed.
Languages
Planned first in English; every module aims to reach all of the Lantern's languages.
Try a question.
One question from the module, as a learner would meet it. Have a go, then open the worked solution a step at a time.
Draft outline · in review
This program gives an error. What is wrong, and how do you fix it? print("Good morning"
Work it out on paper first, then show the answer and mark it yourself.
Particulars
Where it sits
What a learner can do after it
- Write and run a program that prints messages.
- Read an error message and fix a simple mistake.
Needs first
We suggest first (never a lock)
Unlocks
Level
Level 7–9 · JSS 1 to JSS 3 (BECE)
Level mappings are approximate. A qualified teacher or lecturer in each country must check them before they appear in the app.
Difficulty for its level
1 of 4 · Foundation
Time
About 60 minutes
Alignments
- Aligned to PCEPintroduces · in reviewPCEP: computer programming and Python fundamentals (descriptive ref)
Alignment in review until a qualified teacher or lecturer checks it. No exam body, university or vendor endorses us; learners still sit the real exam.
Challenge Test
Planned: a Challenge Test to prove you know it and skip it. Pass at 90% overall, with no objective below 75%.
University courses it previews
Computer Science, Software Engineering
On these pathways
The route here.
Everything this module builds on, drawn as a route from its foundations. Solid lanes must be mastered first, or cleared by a Challenge Test; dashed lanes are suggestions that never lock anything.
- CO-BLK-SEQ-01Instructions in orderCoding · Primary 1 to Primary 4 (Level 1–4) · Planned
- CO-BLK-LOP-01Repeat blocksCoding · Primary 3 to Primary 5 (Level 3–5) · Sample lesson in the demo Needs Instructions in order (required).Try the sample lesson: Repeat blocks
- DS-CMP-TYP-01The home rowDigital skills · Primary 3 to Primary 6 (Level 3–6) · Planned · recommended
- CO-BLK-LOP-02Patterns with loopsCoding · Primary 4 to Primary 6 (Level 4–6) · Planned Needs Repeat blocks (required).
- CO-PRG-PYB-01Your first Python programCoding · JSS 1 to JSS 3 (BECE) (Level 7–9) · Planned · the destination Needs Patterns with loops (required), The home row (recommended).
Help light the room where this is learned.
Every route on this map starts in a classroom with 24 stations, a tutor that works offline and a facilitator upstairs. Four are planned and waiting for light.