Needham Community Education

Students will embark on an exciting journey into the world of programming using Python, a versatile and widely-used programming language. This class is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of programming through hands-on experience with Finch robots, programmable devices that offer a tangible way to interact with code.

Students will work through a series of challenges and robot competitions as they learn how to code.  Course Objectives Include:

1. Introduction to Python: Students will learn the basic syntax and structure of the Python programming language, including variables, data types, loops, and conditional statements.
2. Robotics Fundamentals: Students will gain an understanding of robotics concepts such as sensors, actuators, and control systems, as well as the role of programming in robotics.
3. Programming Logic: Through practical exercises and projects, students will develop problem-solving skills and learn to break down complex tasks into manageable steps.
4. Hands-on Experience: Using Finch robots, students will apply their programming knowledge to real-world scenarios, engaging in activities that involve movement, sensing, and interaction with the environment.
5. Creative Expression: Students will have opportunities to unleash their creativity by designing and implementing their own programs, experimenting with different behaviors and functionalities for the robots.

Note: the robots are already built, this course focuses on programming and controlling a robot, not building a robot.