Fly with Python - Mission 1: Welcome to CodeSpace

Mission 1: Welcome | Fly with Python
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Mission 1 Lesson Plan

Welcome to CodeSpace

Students explore the CodeSpace learning environment - learning to navigate the interface, collect Toolbox tools, and complete their first mission objectives.

⏱ 20-30 min 🎯 Grades 6-12+ 💻 CodeSpace 🚁 CodeAIR
View Lesson Outline
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Overview

Mission 1 introduces students to the CodeSpace learning environment. Students explore the interface - including the Mission Bar, Objective Panel, text editor, CodeTrek, Toolbox, and Lesson Navigation - and learn how to follow CodeTrek instructions to complete objectives. This mission sets the foundation for every lesson that follows in the Fly with Python course.

🎯 Mission Goal: Students will learn about the CodeSpace learning environment.

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Learning Targets

  • I can navigate CodeSpace.
  • I can identify major parts of the CodeSpace interface: Mission Bar, Objective Panel, text editor, CodeTrek, Toolbox, and Lesson Navigation.
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Key Concepts

  • Follow instructions in the Lesson Panel carefully. There is a lot of important reading!
  • Look for "tool icons" to collect tools in your Toolbox as you go.
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Assessment Opportunities

  • Quiz after Objective 4
  • Add tool to Toolbox (Objective 3)
  • Review questions
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Success Criteria

  • Complete each Objective Goal
  • Complete Mission 1 Assignment
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Digital Resources

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Classroom Materials

  • ▸Laptop/computer with Chrome browser
  • ▸Student account in CodeSpace
  • ▸Fly with Python join code
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Vocabulary

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Objective - The steps in the mission; has a goal to accomplish.
Text editor - Where you type the code.
Debugging - The process of understanding what the computer is actually doing and then changing the code to do what you want it to do.
Toolbox - A place in CodeSpace to keep information you learn about programming concepts so you can use it later when you need the information.
Simulation - A 3D environment that lets you see the robot move and interact in a virtual world.
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Standards

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CSTA Standards - Grades 9-10

3A-IC-27

CSTA Standards - Grades 11-12

3B-AP-20
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Preparing for the Lesson

See Getting Started with CodeSpace for help with the steps below.

  • Claim your license for Fly with Python.
  • Create a class on the teacher dashboard.
  • Generate a join code for the class section to give students.
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Teacher Notes
  • This is the first lesson in all the mission packs. If your students have completed other Firia Labs mission packs, they will already know the information. You can choose to have them complete the mission as a review and refresher, or you can unlock Mission 1 and start on Mission 2.
  • A slide deck is provided that reviews all the parts of CodeSpace, including parts not covered in the mission. You can use the slides in addition to the mission or as a review. The slides go with the assignment.
  • Review questions can be used as a class review, made into a Kahoot!, or used to create an exam in your learning management system.
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Lesson Outline

🗣️Warm-up / Hook

Open with a brief discussion to activate curiosity about the tools students will use throughout the course.

  • Ask: "What do you think a professional programmer's workspace looks like?"
  • Ask: "What do you think you'll need to know before you can write your first program?"
Teaching tip: Keep this brief. The mission itself is the main event. Use the Getting Started in CodeSpace slide deck to give students a visual preview of the interface.
📖Introduce the Mission

Walk students through logging into CodeSpace and opening Fly with Python using the class join code. Point out the key parts of the interface before students start working independently.

  • Mission Bar and how to navigate between missions
  • Objective Panel and how CodeTrek guides them step by step
  • The text editor where they will write all their code
  • The Toolbox: emphasize watching for tool icons to collect as they go
Teaching tip: Stress that there is a lot of reading in the Lesson Panel and it is important. Students who skip the reading often get stuck.
💻Student Work Time

Students work through Mission 1 objectives independently, following CodeTrek guidance.

  1. Students log in and join the class using the provided join code.
  2. Students read through early objectives to orient themselves to the interface.
  3. Students reach Objective 3 and add their first tool to the Toolbox.
  4. Students complete Objective 4 and take the quiz.
  5. As a class, or individually, go through the CodeSpace Review slide deck.
  6. Students complete the Mission 1 Assignment.
Teaching tip: Circulate and watch for students who have skipped past the reading. Redirect them back to the Lesson Panel text before helping with the task.
Teaching tip: If students have completed other Firia Labs mission packs, consider unlocking Mission 1 and starting with Mission 2.
🧑‍🤝‍🧑Class Debrief

Bring the class together to review the key parts of CodeSpace and check for understanding before moving on.

  • Ask a student to point out each interface element on the projector screen.
  • Ask: "What is the Toolbox for? Why is it useful?"
  • Ask: "What would you do if your code isn't doing what you expect?" (introduce Debugging)
✏️Wrap-up & Review

Students complete the Mission 1 Review Questions. You can also use the Mission 1 Kahoot as a class review.

Teaching tip: Remind students to keep an eye on their Toolbox throughout the course. It will become an important reference as missions get more complex.
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