Python - Introduction to Strings

This lesson is designed for 6th Class, according to the Irish Education System.

Python is a popular general-purpose programming language, which works on many different platforms (Windows, Mac, etc). It has a similar syntax to the English language, which makes it easier to learn.

Students are introduced to Jupyter Notebook, an open-source, interactive computational environment which combines code, maths and media in a user-friendly design.

In this lesson, we introduce the concept of strings and learn how to manipulate them.

Installing Jupyter Notebook


In order to use the Jupyter Notebook, we have to download and install Anaconda.

To download Anaconda, go to www.anaconda.com/distribution/.

Select whether your computers operating system is Windows, Mac, or Linux. Click the download button for the latest version of Python. This will begin to download the Anaconda installer.

Open this installer once it has been downloaded, and follow the instructions given here to begin.

Once installed, open the Anaconda navigator and select Jupyter Notebook.

Video: Introduction


This video introduces how we will use Jupyter Notebook, as well as what Python does.

Video: Intro to Strings


This video introduces strings, characters, and the print command.

Video: More Strings Commands


This video carries on from the previous one, introducing more commands such as count, upper/lower, and len.

Lesson Plan


A description of this lesson for teachers.

Includes examples, timings, common student mistakes and misconceptions, and much more.

View Lesson Plan

Student Exercises


Practice exercises for students after watching the videos. Available for download as a Jupyter notebook file, which can be opened and editied in Jupyter Notebook OR as a PDF.

Solutions also provided for teachers.

View Exercises as PDF

Download Exercises as a Jupyter Notebook file

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Help Sheet


A brief recap of each new term and command introduced. Designed to help students when completing exercises. Can be printed two-sided on a single A4 sheet.

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