Coding and Data Analysis
Why Programming Is Important.mp4Full disclosure here...the last coding class that I took was Pascal my freshman year of college back in the early 90's. But, with my former students all telling me how important programming knowledge has become in their college coursework, I have decided that it is important for me to include some coding in my class(es). I really have not created anything new here, but simply have packaged the assignments that fit my course and my expectations. I anticipate updating this page frequently as I work through this year. Also, I am looking forward to learning Python with my students. I have spent some time working through the activities, but I feel like I barely know anything when it comes to coding. I have found Trinket which I am hoping will be a great way for my students to share their work with me over the course of the year. This is going to be quite the adventure with my AP Physics students!
In past years, I have used Scratch with my first year students and even used block coding with my Sphero's, but this will be my first attempt at using Python. All of the assignments I have borrowed off of the internet and I have tried to incorporate into an assignment that will cover three marking periods for my AP Physics 2 students. I want them to learn how to code for physics problems and for analyzing large data sets. Learning how to code animations is up to the student and how deep he/she wants to take their work. Thank you to all of the amazing teachers that have put their resources out on the internet for all of us to enjoy!
Here is my first attempt at an assignment. I anticipate changing this throughout the year. You may ask what does this have to do with climate change and Alaska? Well, who do you think makes these wonderful graphs or analyzes the large amount of climate data? I am hopeful that the students will explore the vast amounts of climate data as their final projects. May just need to put an incentive out there for them!