Elementary Programming Hackathon

Welcome to the Elementary Programming Hackathon! This is your chance to apply what you’ve learned, collaborate with classmates, and create something fun and meaningful. Let’s see how creative you can get with Python!

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Event Details

• Themes:
  • Automate Your World: Build Python scripts to automate small tasks (e.g., file organization, data cleaning, or reminders).
  • Game On: Create simple text-based games (e.g., trivia, number guessing, or basic RPGs).
  • Data Exploration: Use Python to analyze and visualize a dataset.
  • Everyday Tools: Build small utilities like to-do lists, or calculators.
• Date: December 16th
• Time: 2pm
• Location: Jepson Hall G03
• Duration: 3 hours
• Team Size: 3 students per team

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Objectives

• Reinforce Python concepts like loops, lists, dictionaries, strings, file I/O, and basic classes.
• Work collaboratively to design, develop, and present a project.
• Build confidence in your programming abilities while having fun!

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Hackathon Structure

1. Kickoff (30 minutes)

• Introduction to the theme and rules
• Team formation (if not already done)
• Brainstorming session
• Eat lunch

2. Development (2 hours)

• Teams work on their projects.
• Mentors are available to answer questions or help troubleshoot.

3. Demonstrations (30 minutes)

• Each team presents a 5-minute demo of their project.
• Teams explain their idea, approach, and code.

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Project Guidelines

1. Scope: Your project should be achievable within the time limit and align with the theme.
2. Topics Covered: Use concepts learned in class:
   • Loops, lists, dictionaries, strings, file I/O, and basic classes.
3. Tools:
   • Use Thonny Python IDE
   • Optional libraries: random, math, matplotlib, ` etc.
4. Teamwork:
   • Assign roles (e.g., coder, tester) to collaborate effectively.
5. Deliverables:
   • A working project demo.
   • Brief explanation of your code and approach.

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Grading Rubric

| Category | Weight | Description |
|———————–|————|———————————————————————————|
| Functionality | 40% | Does the project work as intended? Are there bugs? |
| Creativity | 30% | How original or interesting is the project idea? |
| Code Readability | 20% | Is the code well-structured, organized, and commented? |
| Demonstration | 10% | Is the team’s explanation clear? Does the demo effectively showcase the project? |

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Example Project Ideas

• Password Generator: A tool to create secure passwords.
• Expense Tracker: Record and categorize expenses with simple analytics.
• Flashcard App: A text-based study aid.
• Guess the Word Game: Like Hangman but simpler!

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Tips for Success

• Start with a clear, simple idea and add complexity as time permits.
• Use pseudocode to outline your logic before diving into coding.
• Communicate with your team and divide tasks effectively.
• Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re stuck!

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Ready to Hack?

Bring your creativity, teamwork, and Python skills. Let’s make something amazing together. Good luck, and happy hacking!