Lesson 0: Unit Introduction

The goal of this unit is to introduce students to Python’s turtle graphics library and help them understand how programs can control a virtual pen to draw on the screen. Students will learn how to use key commands such as forward(), right(), penup(), pendown(), and color() to create shapes like lines, squares, and stars. Through step-by-step practice, they will shift from purely logical thinking to visual, geometric thinking, discovering how code can be both creative and artistic.

The key focus of this unit is to develop the concept of “program-driven motion” — understanding how changes in direction and coordinates produce visible movement. Students will also learn to use loops to automate repetitive shapes, connecting mathematical concepts such as angles and symmetry to programming. The main challenge lies in managing angles and directions, especially when drawing stars, where precision and pattern recognition are required.

By the end of this unit, students will not only see their code come to life through graphics but also understand the deeper connections between programming logic, geometry, and interactive creativity. The mini project My Drawing Board reinforces this understanding by introducing event-driven programming, allowing students to control the turtle with mouse input — their first step toward interactive coding experiences.