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CO2 Trends with Python

By Paul Prescod 2 hours
Level
Grades 9-12
Subjects
Science and Technology,
Mathematics
components
  • Programming
  • Technology and Society
  • Data
Tools & Languages
Trinket,
Python

Key Coding Concepts

  • Algorithms
  • Conditional Statements
  • Functions
  • Sequences

Terminology

Library

A bundle of reusable code that allows a programmer to achieve something that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. In this case, easy graphics programming.

Function

A list of statements that can be invoked repeatedly in a program, perhaps changing its behaviour on the basis of “parameters” that are passed in.

In this lesson, learners will use Python and the Pygal graphing library to visualize data about one of the most important issues facing our country: greenhouse gas emissions and their relation to climate change.

  • Familiarize yourself with Trinket:
    https://vimeo.com/107443021
  • Go through the activity yourself (linked under ‘Lesson’)
  • Optionally: Let the students log into Trinket using Google Accounts, Clever or Edmodo to save their programs easily

Tutorial
Watch a run through and tutorial of our “C02 Trends with Python” lesson plan, using Trinket:

If your learners are new to Python, begin with this Python Code-Along: “Intro to Computer Science”
http://bit.ly/teenslc-python-code-along

Show learners how to navigate Trinket, as done in the video above. Demonstrate how to edit and run code. Show learners how to navigate within the course using the arrow keys (top, right).

Guide learners along through the Trinket lesson, or have learners progress at their own pace.

Main activity available at: http://bit.ly/trinket-data-vis-python
(also linked in the slides)

See “Advanced (Optional) Topics” section of Trinket course for Python extensions.

Reflect on what we learned from this data:

  • What stood out?
  • What is something new that we learned?
  • What questions do we still have?

Brainstorm how your class can take action. What can we do to help (A) spread awareness, or (B) help solve this issue?

Make a plan for how to access students’ work in Trinket. You could sign up for Trinket Connect (https://trinket.io/schools) to collect projects, have students email you class links, or gather project links in a shared Google doc or blog.

Data visualization, line graphs, bar graphs, mapping data, environmental studies, cause and effect, carbon emissions, Canadian cities

Pygal Documentation
http://www.pygal.org/en/stable/

Smoke Stacks image by Pixabay from Pexels.com
https://www.pexels.com/photo/smoke-stacks-against-blue-sky-257775/

Teach lessons that are tied to your existing curriculum! https://bit.ly/CLClessons

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    Although learning how to build digital projects is a key part of Computer Science education, students should also learn a wider set of skills and competencies that will help them to harness the power of digital technologies as both creators and consumers. A comprehensive approach to K-12 Computer Science education includes learning about the following five focus areas:

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