Objective:
• Help students understand the differences between data, information, knowledge, and
wisdom.
• Introduce basic concepts of variables and data structures (like lists, dictionaries).
• Use simple, relatable examples to explain how Python can be used to handle and work with
these concepts in real-world scenarios.
Course Structure:
Introduction: Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom (15 minutes)
What is Data?
• Data are raw facts or figures, without context. It is unprocessed information and usually lacks
meaning by itself.
• Example: Numbers or text like "5," "apple," or "22."
Python Example:
In Python, data might be just a number or a string of text:
age = 10 # data
color = "blue" # data
What is Information?
• Information is processed data that has context and meaning. When data is organized or
structured, it becomes information.
• Example: "There are 5 apples in the basket."
Python Example:
We can combine data to make it more meaningful:
number_of_apples = 5 # data
basket = "basket" # data
message = f"There are {number_of_apples} apples in the {basket}." # information
print(message)
What is Knowledge?
• Knowledge is information that is understood and processed. It is what happens when we
apply information to make sense of something.
• Example: Knowing that "apples are fruits" or "5 apples are enough for a snack."
Python Example:
We can define knowledge as a learned fact that helps us solve a problem or understand something:
apple_color = "red" # knowledge from information
# Now we know an apple is usually red, so we can make decisions based on this.
What is Wisdom?
• Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge in a practical, thoughtful way. It’s understanding
when and how to use knowledge correctly.
• Example: Knowing when to pick apples at the right time for a recipe.
Python Example:
Using a decision structure in Python to decide when to pick apples:
apple_ripeness = "ripe" # knowledge
if apple_ripeness == "ripe":
print("Pick the apple now!")
else:
print("Wait for the apple to ripen.")
Understanding Variables and Data Structures (20 minutes)
What are Variables?
• Variables are containers that hold data. In Python, variables are used to store data that can be
accessed later.
Python Example:
fruit = "apple" # variable holding data
price = 5 # variable holding data
What are Data Structures?
• Data structures are ways to organize and store data so that it can be used efficiently.
o List: A collection of ordered items (data).
o Dictionary: A collection of key-value pairs.
Lists in Python (10 minutes)
• A list is a data structure in Python that holds multiple items in a specific order.
Example:
fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"] # List of fruits
print(fruits[0]) # Prints 'apple' (first item in the list)
Real-World Example:
• Imagine a list of students in a class. Each student’s name is an item in the list.
students = ["Alice", "Bob", "Charlie"]
print(students[1]) # Prints 'Bob', who is the second student in the list
Dictionaries in Python (10 minutes)
• A dictionary is a data structure that holds key-value pairs, making it easy to map one piece of
data to another.
Example:
student = {"name": "Alice", "age": 12, "grade": "7th"} # Dictionary
print(student["name"]) # Prints 'Alice'
Real-World Example:
• Think of a dictionary as a student’s profile where each key is an attribute (name, age, grade)
and the value is the corresponding data.
student_profile = {"name": "Charlie", "age": 13, "favorite_subject": "Math"}
print(student_profile["favorite_subject"]) # Prints 'Math'
Using Variables and Data Structures in Real-World Scenarios (15 minutes)
Scenario 1: Shopping Cart (List)
• A shopping cart can be represented as a list of items.
shopping_cart = ["apple", "banana", "chocolate"]
print(f"You have {len(shopping_cart)} items in your cart.")
• Real-World Question: How many items are in your cart?
• Python Answer: The len() function helps count the number of items in the list.
Scenario 2: Student Grades (Dictionary)
• Store student names and their grades in a dictionary, and find out who passed the test.
grades = {"Alice": 85, "Bob": 92, "Charlie": 78}
if grades["Bob"] > 80:
print("Bob passed the test!")
else:
print("Bob needs more practice.")
• Real-World Question: Who passed the test?
• Python Answer: By looking at the grades in the dictionary, we can easily check who passed.
Wrap-up & Q&A (5 minutes)
Summary:
• Data: Raw facts, like numbers and text.
• Information: Data processed to give it context.
• Knowledge: Information understood and applied.
• Wisdom: The ability to use knowledge in practical situations.
Q&A:
• Open the floor for any questions students have about how Python is used in real-world
scenarios.
Key Concepts Covered:
1. Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom: Understanding these concepts and their
differences.
2. Variables: Storing data in Python.
3. Data Structures (Lists, Dictionaries): Organizing and working with collections of data.
4. Real-World Scenarios: Using Python to solve problems involving shopping, grades, and more.
By the end of this course, students will have a foundational understanding of how to use variables and
data structures in Python to handle data and solve problems in everyday situations.
