Python is a popular programming language used for a wide range of applications. It is also the language of choice for data science, web development, and machine learning, making it an ideal language for high school students to learn. Previously, we discussed how to learn Python from scratch as a high school student. In this post, we will discuss Python project ideas to build upon your learning.
Python Project Ideas for High School-ers
Co-authored by Tanmoy Ray
1. Hangman Game
The Hangman game is a classic word-guessing game that can be implemented in Python. In this project, you will use Python’s input() and print() functions to get user input and display the game’s output. Here’s an example code snippet for the Hangman game:```python
import random
# List of words to choose from
words = ["apple", "banana", "cherry", "orange", "kiwi", "strawberry"]
# Choose a random word from the list
word = random.choice(words)
# Create a variable to store the guessed letters
guessed_letters = []
# Loop until the player has guessed all the letters
while True:
# Ask the player for a letter
letter = input("Guess a letter: ")
# Check if the letter has already been guessed
if letter in guessed_letters:
print("You already guessed that letter.")
continue
# Add the letter to the guessed letters list
guessed_letters.append(letter)
# Check if the letter is in the word
if letter in word:
print("Correct!")
else:
print("Incorrect.")
# Check if the player has guessed all the letters in the word
complete_word = True
for letter in word:
if letter not in guessed_letters:
complete_word = False
break
if complete_word:
print("You won!")
break
```
2. Calculator
A calculator is a basic program that can be implemented using Python. This project will help you learn how to use Python’s arithmetic operators and functions. Here’s an example code snippet for a simple calculator:
```python
# Define arithmetic functions
def add(a, b):
return a + b
def subtract(a, b):
return a - b
def multiply(a, b):
return a * b
def divide(a, b):
return a / b
# Get user inputs
num1 = float(input("Enter first number: "))
op = input("Enter operator (+, -, *, /): ")
num2 = float(input("Enter second number: "))
# Perform the arithmetic operation
if op == "+":
result = add(num1, num2)
elif op == "-":
result = subtract(num1, num2)
elif op == "*":
result = multiply(num1, num2)
elif op == "/":
result = divide(num1, num2)
else:
print("Invalid operator.")
# Print the result
print(num1, op, num2, "=", result)
```
3. Tic-Tac-Toe Game
The Tic-Tac-Toe game is a two-player game that can be implemented in Python. In this project, you will use Python’s functions to create a game board and check for a winner. Here’s an example code snippet for the Tic-Tac-Toe game:
```python
# Define the game board
board = ["-", "-", "-",
"-", "-", "-",
"-", "-", "-"]
# Print the game board
def print_board():
print(board[0] + " | " + board[1] + " | " + board[2])
print(board[3] + " | " + board[4] + " | " + board[5])
print(board[6] + " | " + board[7] + " | " + board[8])
# Check for a winner
def check_for_winner():
# Check rows
if board[0] == board[1] and board[1] == board[2] and board[0] != "-":
return True
if board[3] == board[4] and board[4] == board[5] and board[3] != "-":
return True
if board[6] == board[7] and board[7] == board[8] and board[6] != "-":
return True
# Check columns
if board[0] == board[3] and board[3] == board[6] and board[0] != "-":
return True
if board[1] == board[4] and board[4] == board[7] and board[1] != "-":
return True
if board[2] == board[5] and board[5] == board[8] and board[2] != "-":
return True
# Check diagonals
if board[0] == board[4] and board[4] == board[8] and board[0] != "-":
return True
if board[2] == board[4] and board[4] == board[6] and board[2] != "-":
return True
return False
# Start the game
def play_game():
# Set the starting player
player = "X"
# Loop until there is a winner or a tie
while True:
# Print the game board
print_board()
# Ask the player for a position
position = int(input("Enter a position (1-9): ")) - 1
# Check if the position is valid
if position < 0 or position > 8:
print("Invalid position.")
continue
if board[position] != "-":
print("Position already taken.")
continue
# Mark the position with the player's symbol
board[position] = player
# Check for a winner
if check_for_winner():
print_board()
print(player + " wins!")
break
# Check for a tie
if not "-" in board:
print_board()
print("Tie game!")
break
# Switch players
if player == "X":
player = "O"
else:
player = "X"
```
4. Number Guessing
This is one of the most simple python projects yet an exciting one. You can even call it a mini-game. This project is particularly useful for beginners.
You need to make a program in which the computer randomly chooses a number between 1 to 10, 1 to 100, or any range. Then give users a hint to guess the number. Every time the user guesses wrong, he gets another clue, and his score gets reduced. The clue can be multiples, divisible, greater or smaller, or a combination of all.
You will also need functions to compare the inputted number with the guessed number, compute the difference between the two, and check whether an actual number was inputted or not in this python project. The main aim of this coding project idea from the Python projects list is to introduce beginners to coding basics.
5. Dice Rolling Simulator
As the name of the program suggests, we will be imitating rolling dice. This is one of the interesting python projects and will generate a random number for each dice the program runs, and the users can use the dice repeatedly for as long as he wants. When the user rolls the dice, the program will generate a random number between 1 and 6 (as on a standard dice).
The number will then be displayed to the user. It will also ask users if they would like to roll the dice again. The program should also include a function that can randomly grab a number between 1 to 6 and print it. This beginner-level python project allows you to explore programming fundamentals and different coding concepts.
Additional Resources for Python Project Ideas
In conclusion, these projects are great for high school students looking to advance their Python programming skills. With these examples, you can get started with basic projects and soon learn advanced programming techniques.