BANANA TALES: TEACHER NOTES
Computer Science Education Week
overview
Teach students Python as they help a baby monkey catch bananas. This is an hour-long coding course designed for 6th-8th graders. The goal of the game is to get the banana to the monkey by clearing a path and overcoming obstacles along the way. Every few challenges, new animals are introduced to help create a path for the banana to get to the monkey. After students write their code, they will click on the banana to get it moving. Hints and tips are included along the way!
Get the full teacher notes
To host an hour of code with Banana Tales, you don't need any prior coding experience. All you need to do is read the following detailed teacher notes below, which explain everything from A to Z!
specifications
- Ages 11-13
- Web-based
- No installation required
- Internet connection required
- Headphones recommended
- Up-to-date verstions of Firefox, Chrome, Explorer or Safari
ABOUT BANANA TALES
THE HOUR-LONG VERSION
21 levels
In an hour, students will progress through 21 fun coding challenges
6th - 8th GRADE
Banana Tales is perfect for middle schoolers.
LEARN PYTHON
Students will learn Python, a widely-used programming language
easy to follow
The platform is intuitive and instructions are easy to follow
how to host an hour of code
STEP 1: PREP
Go through as many coding challenges as you can to get familiar with the program. We also recommend reading the Banana Tales full teacher notes before.
STEP 2: PRINT
Print out certificates for your students to take home. Students who have their own email can request a certificate at the end of the hour of code.
STEP 3: WRITE
Write www.codemonkey.com/hour-of-code/banana-tales on the board so students know where to begin.
STEP 5: DISCUSS
Discuss the following topics:
- Computer Science: the art of blending human ideas and digital tools to create
- Program: a set of instructions for your computer to follow.
- Commands: what you use to build a program
STEP 6: START
Instruct students to go to the link and click on ‘Start Playing’ to get started.
STEP 7: GO BEYOND!
Continue the fun with the full Banana Tales course.
Read more below:
FAQ
Banana Tales uses the programming language of Python. Python is a widely-used coding language that is intuitive and easy to use. Python’s libraries of ready-made code, English-like mechanisms and various uses make it a clear choice for computer programmers.
The activity starts off with very simple tasks in order to gradually teach students different aspects of coding in Python. For more information, read the full Banana Tales teacher notes here.
Yes, you can print out certificates for your students to take home. Students who have their own email address can request a certificate at the end of the hour of code. If not, you can print certificates out here.
Ask them to help classmates who are having trouble or start a new activity here.
Encourage them to carefully read the instructions and double check their code if something is not working. They can also ask a friend for help.
Looking for more content?
Go Beyond an Hour!
free trial
