Introduction to Python Programming: Variables, Data Types, and Functions

Subject: Information Technology
Class: SS1
Term: First Term
Week: 10
Age: 14-16 years
Topic: Introduction to Python I
Sub-topic: Meaning, Data Types, String and String Concatenation, Variables and Assignment, Functions (Input and Output)
Duration: 80 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Describe Python as a programming language.
2. Identify and explain data types in Python.
3. Understand and apply string concatenation.
4. Demonstrate the use of variables and the assignment operator.
5. Understand and use functions for input and output in Python.

Keywords

• Python
• Data Types
• String Concatenation
• Variables
• Assignment
• Functions
• Input
• Output

Set Induction

Begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever used a program or website. Then, introduce Python by explaining that it is a programming language used to create such programs. Share an example of a simple Python program, like printing “Hello, World!” on the screen, and ask them to think about what happens behind the scenes when the program runs.

Entry Behavior

Students may already have some exposure to basic programming concepts or computer usage. This lesson will introduce them to Python and its syntax, building on this prior knowledge by focusing on variables, data types, and functions.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Computers with Python installed or access to an online Python interpreter such as Repl.it or Google Colab.
• Projector or whiteboard to display code examples and explanations.
• Websites for further learning:
  • W3Schools Python
  • Python Official Docs

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students may have encountered mathematical operations, logic, or basic problem-solving skills, which are foundational for learning programming. This lesson will introduce the essential elements of Python to build their programming capabilities.

Embedded Core Skills

• Computational Thinking: Understanding how to break down problems into smaller tasks and using Python to solve them.
• Problem Solving: Writing simple Python programs to perform specific tasks.
• Digital Literacy: Gaining confidence in using Python for creating real-world applications.

Learning Materials

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• SS1 Information Technology textbooks
• Python interpreter or online platform access

Reference Books

• Lagos State Unified Schemes of Work for Senior Secondary Schools
• Python Programming Textbooks
• Python Documentation: Python Official Documentation

Instructional Materials

• Visual aids to display Python code examples.
• Python code snippets for practicing basic operations.

Content Outline

1. What is Python?
   • Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language known for its simplicity and readability.
   • Python is used in a wide range of applications, from web development to data analysis and artificial intelligence.
   • Example of Python code:
     python

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     print("Hello, World!")

2. Data Types in Python
   • Python supports several types of data:
     • Integers (int): Whole numbers, e.g., 5, -3.
     • Floating-point numbers (float): Numbers with decimal points, e.g., 3.14, -7.5.
     • Strings (str): Sequences of characters, e.g., "Hello", "Python".
     • Booleans (bool): Represents True or False.
   • Example:
     python

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     age = 20 # Integer
pi = 3.14 # Float
name = "Alice" # String
is_active = True # Boolean

3. String and String Concatenation
   • A string is a sequence of characters enclosed in quotes.
   • String concatenation is the process of combining two or more strings to form a single string.
   • Example:
     python

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     first_name = "John"
last_name = "Doe"
full_name = first_name + " " + last_name # Concatenation
print(full_name) # Output: John Doe

4. Variables and Assignment
   • Variables store data values in Python.
   • Variables are assigned values using the = operator.
   • Example:
     python

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     number = 10 # Assigns 10 to the variable 'number'
name = "Python" # Assigns "Python" to the variable 'name'

5. Functions (Input and Output)
   • Functions are blocks of code that can be reused to perform specific tasks.
   • Input: The input() function takes data from the user.
   • Output: The print() function displays data on the screen.
   • Example:
     python

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     name = input("Enter your name: ") # Input from the user
print("Hello, " + name) # Output the greeting


Objective Questions

1. What does the input() function do in Python?
   a) It outputs data to the screen
   b) It accepts data from the user
   c) It creates variables
   d) It terminates the program
2. Which of the following is a valid data type in Python?
   a) Integer b) Real Number c) String d) All of the above
3. What does the + operator do when used with strings in Python?
   a) Adds two numbers together
   b) Concatenates (joins) two strings
   c) Subtracts one string from another
   d) Divides two strings
4. Which of these is a correct way to declare a variable in Python?
   a) int age = 20
   b) 20 = age
   c) age = 20
   d) int 20 = age
5. What will the following Python code output?
   python

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   name = "John"
print(name)


   a) Error b) name c) John d) John

6. Which of the following is the correct syntax for defining a string variable in Python?
   a) name = John
   b) name = "John"
   c) name = 'John'
   d) Both b and c
7. What will the following Python code output?
   python

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   first_name = "Alice"
last_name = "Smith"
print(first_name + " " + last_name)


   a) AliceSmith b) Alice Smith c) Alice Smith d) Error

8. Which function is used to display output in Python?
   a) input()
   b) output()
   c) print()
   d) display()
9. Which of the following is an example of a floating-point number in Python?
   a) 10
   b) 3.14
   c) "Hello"
   d) True
10. Which of the following is an invalid Python variable name?
    a) age
    b) name_1
    c) 2nd_name
    d) _name

Class Activity Discussion

1. What is the purpose of using variables in Python?
2. How can we combine two strings to form a full sentence in Python?
3. Why is Python considered a beginner-friendly programming language?
4. What are some real-life applications where Python is used?
5. **What would happen if we tried to assign a value to a variable without using the assignment operator =?
6. What are some other Python functions for input and output besides print() and input()?
7. Can we store multiple types of data in a single variable? Why or why not?
8. What is the difference between = (assignment operator) and == (equality operator)?
9. Why is string concatenation important when working with text in Python?
10. How can Python handle errors that occur during program execution?

Evaluation Questions

1. Define the term Python.
2. What data types are available in Python?
3. Write a Python program that asks for the user’s age and prints a message saying “You are [age] years old”.
4. How would you concatenate the strings “Hello” and “World” in Python?
5. Explain the purpose of the input() function.
6. What is the role of a variable in Python programming?
7. What output does the following Python code produce?
   python

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   name = "Python"
print("Welcome to " + name)

8. Compare and contrast variables and data types in Python.
9. What would be the result of the following code if the user inputs “10”?
   python

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   number = input("Enter a number: ")
print(number + 5)

10. Explain the difference between input() and print() functions in Python.

Conclusion

To wrap up the lesson, emphasize the importance of understanding basic programming concepts like data types, string manipulation, and input/output functions. Discuss how Python is a versatile tool for both beginners and experienced programmers, encouraging students to practice coding exercises on their own.

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