KS3 Python 4 Numbers and maths

This lesson, titled “Numbers and Maths,” is the fourth installment in the Year 9 Python series. It transitions from basic data entry to using Python as a functional tool for solving mathematical problems and automating calculations.Core Learning Objectives The Three Pillars of Data: Students solidify their understanding of the three primary data types used in calculations: Strings (text), Integers (whole numbers), and Floats (decimal numbers).Mathematical Symbols: The lesson introduces the specific syntax required for Python arithmetic, including addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), and division (/).Input Conversion (Casting): Students practice the essential skill of converting user input from a string into a number type (Integer or Float) to enable mathematical processing.Dynamic Output: The session teaches how to combine text and calculated results within a single print() statement to create user-friendly programs.Lesson Structure Starter Activity: A “Data Type Challenge” where students must identify whether specific values (e.g., “15.5”, 42, or “Hello”) are Strings, Integers, or Floats. Practical Programming Tasks:The Age Calculator: A program that calculates how many years a user has left until they reach 100.The Rectangle Tool: A script that requests the width and height of a rectangle and outputs both the Area and the Perimeter.Extension Challenge: Students are tasked with creating a “Circle Calculator” that finds the area of a circle, requiring them to use floating-point numbers and the formula $Area = \pi r^2$.