Programming in python:
Our STEM class was tasked with completing an online programming course in Python. The course was 13 hours long and we completed it over a few weeks. Here are some of the key terms we learned in the class:
Terms:
Variable - stores piece of data and gives it a specific name (ex: python = 5 "the variable 'python' now stores the number 5")
Boolean - a data type that can only have two values (ex: a = True, b = False)
White Space - used to structure code and properly indent with four spaces
Comments - messages in the code that are not read by the computer, only for humans to see, encased by quotations ("This is a comment"). A comment that stretches over more than one line needs three quotations on either side. ( " " " Insert comment here. " " " )
Functions - one of the most basic methods in code, entered into the code by defining it (ex: def new_function: )
Editor - the area where you write your code
Console - where the code results and/or error messages are shown
Exponents - the exponent sign (^) is not used, instead (**) is
Division - %
Modulo - returns the remainder from a division (ex: 3 % 2 will return 1)
Strings - another useful data type that con contain letters, numbers, and symbols (ex: brian = "Hello life!")
Apostrophes - these break the strings, so in Python code, we use a backslash to fix this (ex: There\'s a snake in my boot. )
Variable - stores piece of data and gives it a specific name (ex: python = 5 "the variable 'python' now stores the number 5")
Boolean - a data type that can only have two values (ex: a = True, b = False)
White Space - used to structure code and properly indent with four spaces
Comments - messages in the code that are not read by the computer, only for humans to see, encased by quotations ("This is a comment"). A comment that stretches over more than one line needs three quotations on either side. ( " " " Insert comment here. " " " )
Functions - one of the most basic methods in code, entered into the code by defining it (ex: def new_function: )
Editor - the area where you write your code
Console - where the code results and/or error messages are shown
Exponents - the exponent sign (^) is not used, instead (**) is
Division - %
Modulo - returns the remainder from a division (ex: 3 % 2 will return 1)
Strings - another useful data type that con contain letters, numbers, and symbols (ex: brian = "Hello life!")
Apostrophes - these break the strings, so in Python code, we use a backslash to fix this (ex: There\'s a snake in my boot. )
Reflection:
I learned a lot in this unit. I learned some life skills as well. I learned how to be patient. I am not a very patient person and get easily frustrated. Throughout the unit, i watched my frustration level and tried to remain calm throughout the whole class. Unfortunately, I am still fine tuning this skill.
I hope that I will be able to use my coding skills later on in my life. I think that my new knowledge will help me discover new things and pave the way for me to learn other programming languages. This summer I would like to work on learning another language.
I hope that I will be able to use my coding skills later on in my life. I think that my new knowledge will help me discover new things and pave the way for me to learn other programming languages. This summer I would like to work on learning another language.
Electronics:
We spent a couple weeks of classes learning how to wire circuit with bulbs, resistors, and alligator clip wires. Then, we moved onto using a breadboard, potentiometers, smaller wires, 555 timers, and capacitors. Using our knowledge on circuits, we then learned how to solder circuit boards with the help of our teacher, Mr. Williams.
Our final assignment for this unit was to make a LED blink on and off by using a 555 timer. Our group easily tackled this problem by utilizing the skills we learned in the previous class periods. With only a few simple errors, we were one of the first groups to finish making the light blink.
Overall, I learned a lot from this unit. I now have a clearer view on how simple electronics work in everyday life. I was even able to rewire our garage door remote that had been stepped on. I felt very proud of myself after I got it working again. Being able to use these skills later in life is going to be a great asset!
Our final assignment for this unit was to make a LED blink on and off by using a 555 timer. Our group easily tackled this problem by utilizing the skills we learned in the previous class periods. With only a few simple errors, we were one of the first groups to finish making the light blink.
Overall, I learned a lot from this unit. I now have a clearer view on how simple electronics work in everyday life. I was even able to rewire our garage door remote that had been stepped on. I felt very proud of myself after I got it working again. Being able to use these skills later in life is going to be a great asset!