Hudson · born 2015 · age 11 · ≈ 6th grade

Computer Science
3-Month Plan

The bridge year: from blocks to typed code, a real look under the hood (logic gates → CPU → networks), first Python, and AI you both build and learn to use thoughtfully.

GOAL 01 · HOW IT WORKS

The machine, demystified

Understand how a computer computes — from logic gates to the CPU to the internet — and start writing real Python.

GOAL 02 · AI & THE FUTURE

Use the new tools well

Build machine-learning projects, understand how chatbots predict, and learn to use AI tools well (and skeptically).

0 / 13 done

Roughly one card per week, ~12 weeks. Order matters within a month; months build on each other. Tick a task when it's truly understood, not just finished.

Month 1

Under the hood

How computers actually compute
Week 1

Bits & representation

Week 2

Logic gates

  • FUNDAMENTALS
    Build from NAND
    Start at the top of nandgame and work down: build the basic gates first, then keep going until you wire them into an adder. Levels unlock in order — there's no skipping ahead.
    nandgame ↗
  • FUNDAMENTALS
    Crash Course CS
    Watch two specific episodes: 'Boolean Logic & Logic Gates' (#3) and 'The Central Processing Unit' (#7).
    #3 Logic Gates ↗#7 The CPU ↗
Week 3

Scratch, leveled up

  • FUNDAMENTALS
    Clones & lists
    Build a multi-level game using clones, lists, and broadcasts. Start from the 'Pong' tutorial, then extend it; the tutorials page has block-by-block help.
    Pong tutorial ↗All tutorials ↗
Week 4

Physical computing (no kit)

  • FUNDAMENTALS
    micro:bit simulator
    Program a virtual micro:bit — buttons, sensors, LED display — all in the browser. Follow the guided 'Flashing Heart' tutorial first, then pick another from the projects page.
    Flashing Heart tutorial ↗More projects ↗
Month 2

Into typed code

First Python
Week 5

Why text code?

  • FUNDAMENTALS
    First Python
    Start futurecoder's interactive course — print, variables, running real code. Prefer turtle graphics? Try Hour of Python's visual intro.
    futurecoder ↗Hour of Python ↗
Week 6

Input & strings

  • FUNDAMENTALS
    Talk to the user
    In futurecoder, continue to the strings and input topics — take input, join strings, make the program respond.
    futurecoder: continue ↗
Week 7

Loops & choices

  • FUNDAMENTALS
    Number guess
    Reach futurecoder's 'for loops' and 'if statements' chapters, then build a guess-the-number game.
    futurecoder: loops & if ↗
Week 8

Functions + mini project

  • FUNDAMENTALS
    Text adventure
    Write a short choose-your-path game using functions in a free in-browser Python editor — no install needed.
    Trinket Python editor ↗
Month 3

Net, data & AI

Build it and use it well
Week 9

The web & the cloud

Week 10

Machine learning, hands-on

Week 11

How chatbots work + using AI

  • AI & TOOLS
    Predict & prompt
    Work through Elements of AI Chapter 1 ('What is AI?') to see how AI predicts; then practice clear prompts and checking answers for mistakes.
    Elements of AI: Ch.1 ↗
Week 12

Capstone