# Introduction to Programming and Artificial Intelligence with Python - Curriculum For Junior Secondary Schools

Why This Curriculum?

1. Age-Appropriate and Engaging

• Tailored for students aged 10-13, making complex topics approachable.
• Projects like games and graphics keep students motivated and interested.

2. Hands-On, Project-Based Learning

• Each lesson includes practical projects that reinforce theoretical knowledge.
• Immediate application of concepts helps students understand programming and AI effectively.

3. Progressive Skill Development

• Structured to gradually introduce more advanced topics.
• Builds a strong foundation in Python before advancing to AI concepts like decision-making and adaptive behavior.

4. Creative and Innovative Learning

• Encourages students to explore their creativity through customized projects.
• Allows students to develop unique solutions and expand on what they learn.

5. Focus on Future-Ready Skills

• Provides early exposure to Python and AI, which are valuable skills in the evolving tech landscape.
• Emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking, essential for future academic and career success.

6. Flexibility for Diverse Learners

• Curriculum can be adapted to different learning speeds and styles.
• Accessible to students with varying levels of prior programming knowledge.

7. Real-World Applications

• Demonstrates practical use cases for programming and AI in games, decision-making, and visual patterns.
• Enhances understanding of how technology influences everyday life.

These strengths make the curriculum an engaging, practical, and forward-thinking approach to teaching Python and AI to junior secondary school students.

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JSS1 – Introduction to Python and Basic AI Concepts

First Term: Python Basics + Intro to AI

Learning Outcome Objectives:

• Understand Python basics and simple AI concepts.

Weekly Lessons:

• Week 1: Introduction to Programming and Python

  • Project: Create a basic "Hello, World!" program.

• Week 2: Variables, Data Types, and Simple I/O

  • Project: Build a simple calculator.

• Week 3: Conditional Statements

  • Project: Develop a quiz game with if-else conditions.

• Week 4: Loops

  • Project: Create a number guessing game using loops.

• Week 5: Functions

  • Project: Write functions for a temperature converter.

• Week 6: Basic AI with Conditional Statements

  • Project: Create a text-based game with basic AI.

• Week 7: Showcase: Present AI Projects

  • Project: Present your text-based game or calculator project.

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Second Term: Data Structures + AI Projects

Learning Outcome Objectives:

• Understand Python lists and dictionaries; use them in simple AI tasks.

Weekly Lessons:

• Week 1: Lists

  • Project: Create a to-do list program.

• Week 2: Dictionaries

  • Project: Build a contact book.

• Week 3: Combining Lists and Dictionaries

  • Project: Develop a simple AI that uses lists/dictionaries to make decisions.

• Week 4: AI in Games

  • Project: Create a basic AI-driven text-based game.

• Week 5: AI Project Development

  • Project: Build a more complex text-based game with advanced AI logic.

• Week 6: Refining AI Projects

  • Project: Enhance your AI game or project.

• Week 7: Showcase: Present AI-Driven Games

  • Project: Present your enhanced AI project.

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Third Term: Turtle Graphics + Visual AI

Learning Outcome Objectives:

• Use Turtle graphics to create visual patterns with simple AI.

Weekly Lessons:

• Week 1: Introduction to Turtle Graphics

  • Project: Draw basic shapes using Turtle.

• Week 2: AI-Controlled Turtle Movements

  • Project: Develop a program with Turtle controlled by simple AI.

• Week 3: Creating Patterns with Turtle

  • Project: Create patterns using loops.

• Week 4: Random Movements in Turtle

  • Project: Add randomness to Turtle movements.

• Week 5: Turtle Art with AI

  • Project: Design art with AI decision-making.

• Week 6: Turtle AI Project

  • Project: Build a comprehensive Turtle project with AI.

• Week 7: Showcase: Present Turtle AI Projects

  • Project: Present your Turtle AI project.

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JSS2 – Game Development with Pygame Zero and AI

First Term: Pygame Zero Basics + AI

Learning Outcome Objectives:

• Learn Pygame Zero basics and implement simple AI in games.

Weekly Lessons:

• Week 1: Introduction to Pygame Zero

  • Project: Create a basic Pygame Zero project.

• Week 2: Moving Characters with AI

  • Project: Develop a game with AI-controlled character movement.

• Week 3: Random Movements

  • Project: Implement random movements for characters.

• Week 4: Decision-Making in Games

  • Project: Create a game where AI makes decisions based on player actions.

• Week 5: Simple Game with AI

  • Project: Build a basic game with AI features.

• Week 6: AI Game Project

  • Project: Develop a more complex game with advanced AI.

• Week 7: Showcase: Present AI Game Projects

  • Project: Present your Pygame Zero game.

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Second Term: File I/O and AI Learning

Learning Outcome Objectives:

• Use file I/O and implement basic AI learning techniques.

Weekly Lessons:

• Week 1: Basics of File I/O

  • Project: Create a program to save and load data.

• Week 2: Saving AI State

  • Project: Develop a game that saves and loads AI state.

• Week 3: AI Learning from Data

  • Project: Create an AI that adapts based on data.

• Week 4: Adaptive AI Game

  • Project: Build a game where AI learns and improves.

• Week 5: Refining Adaptive AI

  • Project: Enhance your adaptive AI game.

• Week 6: Final AI Project

  • Project: Complete an advanced AI-driven game.

• Week 7: Showcase: Present Adaptive AI Game Projects

  • Project: Present your adaptive AI game.

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Third Term: Advanced AI Concepts with Pygame Zero

Learning Outcome Objectives:

• Implement advanced AI strategies in games.

Weekly Lessons:

• Week 1: Pathfinding

  • Project: Implement pathfinding in a simple game.

• Week 2: Decision Trees

  • Project: Develop a game with AI using decision trees.

• Week 3: Multiple AI Characters

  • Project: Create a game with multiple AI characters.

• Week 4: Multiplayer AI

  • Project: Build a game with AI opponents for multiplayer settings.

• Week 5: Strategic AI Game

  • Project: Develop a game with strategic AI.

• Week 6: Final AI Project Development

  • Project: Refine and complete your strategic AI game.

• Week 7: Showcase: Present Strategic AI Game Projects

  • Project: Present your strategic AI game.

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JSS3 – Advanced Python and AI

First Term: Advanced Python Programming

Learning Outcome Objectives:

• Deepen Python programming skills for AI projects.

Weekly Lessons:

• Week 1: Advanced Data Structures

  • Project: Build a program using sets and tuples.

• Week 2: Error Handling

  • Project: Develop a program with error handling.

• Week 3: Python Modules

  • Project: Create a modular Python project.

• Week 4: Advanced File I/O

  • Project: Implement complex file operations.

• Week 5: Advanced Python Project

  • Project: Develop an advanced Python application.

• Week 6: Final Project Development

  • Project: Refine your advanced Python project.

• Week 7: Showcase: Present Advanced Python Projects

  • Project: Present your Python project.

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Second Term: AI Strategies and Game Development

Learning Outcome Objectives:

• Implement advanced AI strategies and enhance game AI.

Weekly Lessons:

• Week 1: Advanced AI Techniques

  • Project: Create a program with advanced AI techniques.

• Week 2: Dynamic AI Games

  • Project: Develop a game with AI that adapts to dynamic environments.

• Week 3: Complex Game Mechanics

  • Project: Build a game with complex AI interactions.

• Week 4: AI Optimization

  • Project: Improve AI performance in your game.

• Week 5: AI-Enhanced Game Project

  • Project: Develop a sophisticated AI-driven game.

• Week 6: Final AI Project

  • Project: Complete and refine your AI game.

• Week 7: Showcase: Present AI Game Projects

  • Project: Present your AI-enhanced game.

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Third Term: Advanced Pygame Features + AI

Learning Outcome Objectives:

• Use advanced Pygame features to develop complex AI games.

Weekly Lessons:

• Week 1: Advanced Pygame Techniques

  • Project: Add animations and sound to a Pygame Zero project.

• Week 2: Combining Features with AI

  • Project: Enhance AI behavior with advanced Pygame features.

• Week 3: Multiple AI Characters

  • Project: Create a game with multiple AI characters.

• Week 4: Multiplayer AI

  • Project: Build a multiplayer game with adaptive AI.

• Week 5: Advanced AI Game Project

  • Project: Develop a complex game with advanced features and AI.

• Week 6: Final Game Development

  • Project: Refine and complete your advanced game.

• Week 7: Showcase: Present Advanced Pygame AI Projects

  • Project: Present your advanced Pygame AI game.