Introduction
Over the past years, we have been committed to fostering a passion for coding among middle and high school students. Through carefully curated programs and initiatives, we have dedicated ourselves to providing an enriching and accessible learning experience in the realm of computer programming. Our commitment to equipping young minds with essential coding skills has been contributing to the development of a new generation of tech enthusiasts.
In previous years, students have learned Python and Turtle programming languages and also gained knowledge on how to set up a home security camera utilizing Python in conjunction with Raspberry Pi.
Join us on this transformative journey as we continue to empower students with the knowledge and tools to navigate the dynamic world of coding.
Scroll below to find some past projects and testimonials from our students.
ANPA Summer Camp 2024
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Materials Required for Middle Schoolers
The Python classes will be conducted virtually, with class materials and homework assignments uploaded to Google Classroom. To ensure uniformity among all students, it is necessary for them to install Visual Studio (VS) Code editor on their laptop or desktop computers. Therefore, the minimum requirement for middle school students to join the classes is access to a laptop or desktop computer with an internet connection. Chromebooks are not suitable for running VS Code, so students must arrange for laptops or desktops before the classes begin.
Materials Required for High Schoolers
In addition to basic Python classes, high school students engage in projects involving the Raspberry Pi device. A Raspberry Pi is a small computer capable of interfacing and communicating with various sensors. The primary goal of using Raspberry Pi sensors is to introduce the concept of controlling devices and acquiring data using Python code to high school students. This experience can foster confidence in using various scientific equipment in the laboratory and writing Python code to communicate with devices in an experimental setup. While the purchase of Raspberry Pi devices and sensor kits may incur additional costs, students gain the confidence to participate in and lead robotics clubs at their schools.
Instructors
Dr. Purushottam Sigdel
Silicon Architecture Engineer, Intel Corporation, CA
Dr. Gajadhar Joshi
Postdoctoral Appointee, Sandia National Laboratory, NM
Dr. Ganga P. Sharma
Asst. Prof. of Physics, Fairmont State University, WV
Dr. Ekraj Dahal
Process Engineer, Intel Corporation, OR
Testimonials
During the summer of 2021, I enrolled my son, Samagra, with the intention of introducing him to the coding world. By the end of the program, Samagra had acquired proficiency in reading and writing Python code, enabling him to perform fundamental programming tasks. This class also served as a solid foundation for his high school curriculum, where Python was a required subject. Notably, he successfully engineered a Motion Detector Camera using Raspberry Pi, demonstrating his ability to capture and store videos on our local hard drive. In summary the course offered exceptional value, considering the relatively modest enrollment fee.
I enrolled my 6th grader in summer Python classes in 2023. Before starting, I got him a Python for Kids book from Amazon to practice coding. Progress was slow until the Summer Coding Camp 2023, where his skills quickly improved. Within two weeks, he mastered Python syntax for loops, functions, and graphical data representation. After Turtle Graphics classes, he could create various designs (including flag of Nepal) using Python code. Since then, he’s been self-learning Tkinter, a Python GUI, with ease. His independence in coding gives me confidence in his preparation for future education across disciplines in middle and high school.
Summer – 2023
ANPA has been conducting summer learning opportunities for juniors especially focusing on enhancing the computing skills of middle and high schoolers. In 2023 “Summer Python Coding Camp for Juniors 2023” was successfully completed. The program was started on June 17th and ended on July 23rd. In this program, 34 total students have participated (with 24 middle and 10 high schoolers). The classes were conducted two hours on each day on Saturday and Sunday. The program is coordinated by the Executive Committee member Dr. Gajadhar Joshi. The instructors panel comprised of Dr. Purushottam Sigdel, Dr. Umesh Silwal, Dr. Gajadhar Joshi, and Mr. Abitpal Gyawali.
The python course was designed to teach basic python coding skills in the first part and project-based python in the second part. In the basic python classes students have learned the basic data structures, creation of various types of data loops, plotting of graphs etc. In the project-based classes, the middle school students were engaged with the projects on Turtle Graphics program, a very popular python program for beginners. Where they demonstrated drawing of various graphics using python codes. Just in few days of classes, the middle schoolers have demonstrated the use of python loops to draw Nepali and American flags.
The high school students were engaged on the Raspberry Pi based projects, where they have learned the application of python program for data acquisition from different sensors and inter-facing of different devices. They have used almost 37 different sensors came in the “Freenove Ultimate Kit for Raspberry Pi” and the raspberry pi camera. They demonstrated the interfacing of motion sensor kit and raspberry pi camera module to make security camera.
Here are some of the pictures drawn by middle school students in their Turtle project work. Students have written own code to draw these graphics just after understanding basic python classes.
Some Images built by our Middle Schoolers using Python & Turtle
Summer – 2022
ANPA organized a successful Python and Imaging Processing summer camp in 2022 for middle schoolers, led by ANPA Executive member Dr. Tikaram Neupane. The program aimed to nurture Nepali expertise within the community, fostering career development and connecting with the Nepalese diaspora in the USA. Tailored for students entering grades 6 to 9 in Fall 2022, the four-week camp occurred on weekends (June 11th – July 10th), attracting 27 students nationwide. It covered fundamental python concepts, coding skills, and project-based courses on text analysis and image processing. This initiative effectively engaged young minds during the summer, equipping them with valuable skills for their academic journey ahead.
Summer – 2021
ANPA, in collaboration with NRNA, introduced Python and Raspberry Pi classes for high schoolers during the summer of 2021. Coordinated by Dr. Tikaram Neupane, ANPA’s executive member and outreach coordinator, this unique program aims to contribute resources to foster career development among the younger generation and engage with the Nepalese community in the USA. Tailored for high school students entering Grade 9 to University Freshman in Fall 2021, the nine-week course commenced on June 19th and concluded on August 14th. With limited seats available, the program included two sections, each accommodating 25 students. It covered the programming environment, Python basics, and hands-on projects such as Security Camera with Raspberry, Face Mask Detection, and Weather Data Fetching. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of Python coding skills through practical, project-based learning.