Hands-on Activity Python Functions Using Copilot

Learning Objectives

After this activity, students should be able to:

• Identify functions in Python and describe the role of functions in designing software.
• Identify a standard workflow for interacting with Copilot.
• Write effective functions with the assistance of Copilot.

Educational Standards

Each TeachEngineering lesson or activity is correlated to one or more K-12 science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) educational standards.

All 100,000+ K-12 STEM standards covered in TeachEngineering are collected, maintained and packaged by the Achievement Standards Network (ASN), a project of D2L (www.achievementstandards.org).

In the ASN, standards are hierarchically structured: first by source; e.g., by state; within source by type; e.g., science or mathematics; within type by subtype, then by grade, etc.

NGSS: Next Generation Science Standards - Science

Materials List

Each student needs:

• 1 laptop or desktop computer with:
• a GitHub account with Copilot enabled:
• Go to: https://github.com/signup
• Go into your settings in GitHub and enable Copilot. GitHub is free for students.
• Python installed:
• https://www.python.org/downloads/
• Download and install the latest version of Python (3.12.4 at the time of writing).
• Visual Studio Code installed:
• https://code.visualstudio.com/Download  
• Select the main download for your Operating System (e.g., Windows Download or Mac Download).
• 1 Getting Started With Visual Studio Code and Copilot document
• 1 Creating Functions in Python with Copilot Worksheet
• 1 Exit Ticket
• paper and pen for taking notes and recording answers to pre-assessment questions

Worksheets and Attachments

Pre-Req Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of Python's indentation rules and the use of comments. Note: Students do not need to be familiar with other Python syntax yet. However, they should have Visual Studio Code and the latest version of Python installed on their devices.

Introduction/Motivation

Today, we are diving into an exciting activity that blends Python programming with an advanced tool from GitHub called Copilot. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid understanding of how to write effective functions in Python and use Copilot to solve programming tasks more efficiently. But first, let’s set the stage with a real-world scenario.

Now, let us think about the tools we have at our disposal. In the professional world, engineers often rely on advanced tools to tackle complex tasks. One such tool is Copilot, which helps write code more efficiently. However, just like in real life, we must ensure we assign tasks to Copilot that are manageable. Asking it to handle overly large or complex problems can lead to issues—just like trying to solve a massive problem without breaking it into smaller, manageable parts.

Here is a question for you: What do you think makes a task reasonable for Copilot to solve? Why is it important to break down large problems into smaller, manageable parts? (Possible answers could include managing complexity, making debugging easier, and ensuring each part of the code works correctly.)

Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable functions is a critical strategy in both programming and engineering. This approach makes code more readable, easier to test, and more efficient. It is similar to how engineers design systems in the real world. For instance, when designing a car, engineers do not build it all at once. Instead, they focus on smaller components such as the engine, transmission, and electrical system, ensuring that each part works correctly before assembling the whole.

Think about a time when you had a big project or problem to solve. How did you break it into smaller tasks? How did that help you? (Allow students to share experiences, such as organizing an event or working on a group project.)

Today, we will practice writing functions in Python and using Copilot to assist us. Remember, our goal is to learn how to create effective, manageable functions and to understand how Copilot can support this process. Let’s get started!

Procedure

Background

Advanced AI tools, such as Copilot, can enhance coding by allowing programmers to write code using natural language prompts. These tools generate code snippets that perform specific tasks, speeding up the coding process and aiding learning. However, students must understand what constitutes a reasonable task for these tools. Tasks should be clear, specific, and not overly complex.

Problem decomposition is crucial in engineering. Engineers break down complex problems into smaller parts, similar to how functions work in programming. For example, designing a car involves creating and integrating subsystems such as the engine and braking system. Each subsystem must function correctly before integration, paralleling how functions should work well on their own before becoming part of a larger program.

When introducing functions, emphasis should be placed on problem decomposition, which breaks down large problems into smaller tasks. Students should be guided to write clear and specific prompts while using Copilot.

Using the worksheet, you can help students understand functions in Python and effectively use advanced tools, enhancing their programming skills and problem-solving abilities. This approach prepares students for software engineering and equips them with critical thinking skills for various engineering disciplines.

Before the Activity

• Make sure each student has a laptop and access to the internet (to get a GitHub account and download Python and Visual Studio Code).
• Make copies of the Getting Started With Visual Studio Code and Copilot document (1 per student).
• Make copies of the Creating Functions in Python With Copilot Worksheet (1 per student).
• Make copies of the Exit Ticket (1 per student).

During the Activity

Introduction

1. Have students use paper and pen to answer the following questions:

• What do you think a function in programming allows us to do?
• Why do you think functions are important?
• Think of a way you use functions in your daily life. Describe what that looks like.
• What makes an AI tool for coding “good”? Why?
• As computer scientists engineer new tools to assist in programming, what do you think the role of these tools should be? Should we rely only on AI tools, or should we write our own code as well?

2. Facilitate a class discussion based on the students' answers to the questions above. Guide the discussion to explore their thoughts and deepen their understanding. (See the Pre-Activity Assessment section below for potential answers to the presented questions.)

Activity Setup

1. Hand out one Getting Started With Visual Studio Code and Copilot document to each student.
2. Give students time to read the document.
3. Give students time to download Copilot, Visual Studio Code, and Python. Assist as needed.
4. Give students time to follow through the “Introduction to Copilot and Visual Studio Code” section of the Getting Started With Visual Studio Code and Copilot document. Assist as needed.

Python Activity

5. Give each student one Creating Functions in Python With Copilot Worksheet. (Note: This will guide them through the activity and provide assessment questions they will need to answer as they progress through it.)
6. With students, read the Introduction section of the Creating Functions in Python With Copilot Worksheet.
7. Give students time to work through Exercises 1-5.
8. As students finish, have them compare code snippets with a classmate.
9. When everyone is finished (or mostly finished), walk the entire class through each line of code, explaining what it does. Have students take notes.
10. Optional: Have students work at their own pace to complete the remainder of the activities.

    

Reflection

11. Have students complete the Reflection section of their Creating Functions in Python With Copilot Worksheet.
12. Hand out one Exit Ticket to each student.
13. Give students time to answer the Exit Ticket questions.

Vocabulary/Definitions

artificial intelligence (AI): The simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think, learn, and problem-solve like humans.

compiler: A software program that translates source code written in a high-level programming language into machine code or an intermediate code, allowing the computer to execute the program.

Copilot: A software assistant, powered by AI, which helps users by providing real-time suggestions, automating tasks, and enhancing productivity in various applications.

function: A reusable block of code designed to perform a specific task.

problem decomposition: A systematic approach used to break down a complex problem or task into smaller, more manageable parts.

Python: A high-level, interpreted programming language known for its readability, simplicity, and versatility, used for a wide range of applications from web development to data analysis and artificial intelligence.

Assessment

Pre-Activity Assessment

Introduction questions and class discussion: Ask students to write answers to the following questions and encourage a class discussion so they can share their thoughts.

• What do you think a function in programming allows us to do?
• Answer: A function performs a specific task, making it reusable and helping to keep the code organized.
• Why do you think functions are important?
• Answer: Functions improve code readability, reduce redundancy, and make it easier to debug and maintain the code.
• Think of a way you use functions in your daily life. Describe what that looks like.
• Answer: Making a sandwich can be seen as a function: get bread, add ingredients, and assemble.
• What makes an AI tool for coding “good”? Why?
• Answer: A good AI tool should provide accurate, relevant suggestions and help improve coding efficiency.
• As computer scientists engineer new tools to assist in programming, what do you think the role of these tools should be? Should we rely only on AI tools, or should we write our own code as well?
• Answer: AI tools should assist but not replace human coding. We should use them to enhance our productivity while still developing our own coding skills.

Activity Embedded (Formative) Assessment

Worksheet: Have students work individually on the Creating Functions in Python With Copilot Worksheet. After they finish, have them compare code snippets with a classmate.

Post-Activity (Summative) Assessment

Reflection question: Have students answer the following in the Creating Functions in Python With Copilot Worksheet:

Think about a time when you had a big project or problem to solve. How did you break it down into smaller tasks? How did that help you? Write a short paragraph explaining your experience and how it relates to what you learned today.

Exit Tickets: Collect Exit Tickets from students at the end of the activity.

Activity Scaling

For upper levels: Have students compare the efficiency and accuracy of writing Python functions with and without Copilot. Instructions:

• Divide the class into two groups. Group A will write a set of Python functions using Copilot, while Group B will write the same functions without any AI assistance (they can use pseudocode).
• Provide both groups with a list of tasks, such as:
• Writing a function to calculate the factorial of a number.
• Writing a function to check whether a string is a palindrome.
• Writing a function to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of two numbers.
• Evaluate the efficiency and accuracy of the functions written by both groups.

Copyright

Contributors

Supporting Program

Acknowledgements

This curriculum was developed through the Michigan State University College of Engineering NSF RET program under grant number CNS-1854985 under National Science Foundation. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policies of the NSF, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.