Home›Lesson Plans›Computer Science›Programming · Grade 9

Python Basics

Ninth graders write their first lines of Python — print() shows text, a # starts a comment, and Python is case-sensitive, so Print and print are not the same. They run a short program, then modify and extend it.

Grade 9Python Basics55 minutes1 class periodCSTA / ISTEExplicit teaching4 StandardsCSTA
Start the Lesson
Assign or share this lesson
Share to Google Classroom Share to Microsoft Teams

Copy link works with Canvas, Schoology, Moodle and any other LMS — paste it in as a resource or assignment.

Lesson at a Glance

Everything you need before the bell rings

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to…

  • ✓Use print() to output text.
  • ✓Add comments with #.
  • ✓Respect case sensitivity.
  • ✓Run a short program.
Essential Question

What are the first rules you need to write and run Python?

0
Lesson Phases
0
Vocabulary Terms
0
Standards Aligned
0
Interactive Task
Check It · Interactive

Python Basics Check

Project each item and have students answer about writing Python.

🐍 Understand the basics of writing PythonTry it
Answer each question about Python basics.
The Lesson · Use → Modify → Create (a coding progression with Unplugged practice)

55 minutes, five moves

Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.

1

Hook — Hello, World

6 min

What is the smallest program that actually does something?

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Show a print line.
  • Ask what each part does.
  • Set the goal.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Read.
  • Guess.
  • Get ready.
2

Use — Python Basics

13 min

Students run code.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Send students to Python Basics Check.
  • Note print(), #, case sensitivity.
  • Run a print line.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Answer.
  • Note it.
  • Run it.
3

Modify — Change the Output

14 min

Students modify.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Change the text inside print().
  • Add a comment above it.
  • Add a second print line.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Change.
  • Comment.
  • Add.
4

Create — Make Your Own

15 min

Students create.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Write a 3-line greeting program.
  • Comment what each line does.
  • Run it and fix any typo.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Write.
  • Comment.
  • Run.
5

Reflect — Reflect

7 min

Students close.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Say what print() does.
  • Say what # does.
  • Complete the exit ticket.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Say it.
  • Say.
  • Complete the exit ticket.
Standards Alignment

Built to the standards you report on

Aligned to the CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards and the ISTE Standards for Students.

CSTA
3A-AP-15

Iteratively develop programs using control structures.

CSTA
3A-AP-17

Decompose problems into smaller components.

CSTA
3A-AP-21

Evaluate and refine computational artifacts.

ISTE
5 Computational Thinker

Build and test solutions in code.

Differentiation

One lesson, every learner

Multilingual Learners

ELL / EMERGING READERS
  • Annotate a sample program.
  • Say code aloud in English.
  • Pair-program.

Support & Access

IEP / 504
  • One print line to start.
  • Copy then change text.
  • Checklist for typos.

Stretch & Extend

GIFTED / EARLY FINISHERS
  • Use variables in print().
  • Combine text with +.
  • Add user input().
Materials

What to gather

  • 📽️Screen / board
  • 🐍Python / editor
  • 💻Python Basics Check
  • 📃Sample program
  • 📓Notebooks
  • 🎫Exit-ticket slips
Vocabulary

Key terms — hover for a quick definition

print()a command that displays outputstringtext, written in quotescommenta # line Python ignoressyntaxthe rules for writing valid codecase-sensitivecapitals matter (Print not print)runto execute a programoutputwhat a program showseditora tool for writing code
Evaluate

Exit Ticket

Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.

QUESTION 1
How do you display text in Python?
With print().
QUESTION 2
What does a # line do?
It is a comment the computer ignores.
QUESTION 3
Why does case sensitivity matter?
Print and print are different; one works, one errors.

Reflect: Python basics.

Have students write and run a 3-line program with a comment. A printable Python basics worksheet is in the Computer Science library.

Study · Flashcards

Study the key terms

Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.

🃏 Python Basics (Grade 9)Flip
Card 1
Term
Tap to flip →
Meaning
0

Nice work!

Practice · Quiz

Check your understanding

A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.

📝 Python Basics (Grade 9)Quiz
Score: 0
1 / 6
Question 1
0%

Nice work!

Practice · Worksheet

Printable worksheet

A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.

🖨️ Python Basics (Grade 9)Print
Name: ________________________
Date: ____________

Part A · Write the word that matches each meaning

Word bank: case-sensitive, comment, editor, output, print(), run, string, syntax
  1. a tool for writing code
  2. text, written in quotes
  3. to execute a program
  4. what a program shows
  5. capitals matter (Print not print)
  6. a # line Python ignores
  7. a command that displays output
  8. the rules for writing valid code

Part B · Show what you learned

  1. How do you display text in Python?
  2. What does a # line do?
  3. Why does case sensitivity matter?
Answer key — Part A: 1) editor · 2) string · 3) run · 4) output · 5) case-sensitive · 6) comment · 7) print() · 8) syntax
Part B: 1) With print(). 2) It is a comment the computer ignores. 3) Print and print are different; one works, one errors.