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Variables, Data Types & Input - Instructor Checklist

Pre-Day Preparation

  • Review yesterday's progress and questions
  • Prepare code examples for variables, data types, and input
  • Ensure Java and IDE are working
  • Prepare simple calculator challenge

Morning Session

Hour 1: Review & Warm-Up

  • Recap Day 1 (15 min)

    • Discuss homework: What are variables?
    • Review yesterday's programs
    • Address any setup issues

  • Introduction to Variables (30 min)

    • Explain what variables are and why we use them
    • Show variable declaration and initialization
    • Practice with int, double, boolean, char, String

  • Naming Conventions (15 min)

    • Variable names: camelCase
    • Constants: UPPER_CASE
    • Good vs bad examples

Hour 2: User Input & Data Types

  • Scanner Class (30 min)

    • Introduce Scanner for user input
    • Practice reading numbers and text
    • Handle common input mistakes

  • Type Conversion (15 min)

    • Show casting between int and double
    • Discuss why type matters

  • Mini-Exercises (15 min)

    • Prompt user for name and age
    • Print a personalized greeting

Meeting Participation

  • Before Meeting
    • Brief intern on today's meeting focus (data in real projects)
  • During Meeting
    • Encourage note-taking on how data is handled
  • After Meeting
    • Debrief and answer questions

Afternoon Session

Hour 1: Practice & Challenges

  • Simple Calculator Program (45 min)

    • Guide intern to build a calculator for +, -, *, /
    • Practice reading two numbers and an operation
    • Print the result

  • Troubleshooting (15 min)

    • Handle input errors (non-numeric input)
    • Discuss error messages

Hour 2: Exploration & Documentation

  • Explore Java Docs (30 min)

    • Look up Scanner and System.out.println
    • Practice reading documentation

  • Q&A and Wrap-Up (30 min)

    • Review what was learned
    • Preview Day 3: Conditionals
    • Assign optional homework: Research if/else in Java

Assessment Checkpoints

Technical Understanding

  • Can declare and use variables of different types
  • Can get user input with Scanner
  • Can perform simple calculations

Engagement Level

  • Participated in exercises
  • Asked questions about data types/input
  • Took notes during meeting

Areas Needing Attention

  • Note any confusion about types or input
  • Identify preferred learning style

Materials Needed

  • Computer with Java and IDE
  • Printed handout for reference
  • Calculator challenge instructions

Time Flexibility Notes

  • If ahead: Add more input types (double, boolean), try more operations
  • If behind: Focus on int/String input, basic calculator only

Success Criteria for Day 2

  • Can declare/use variables
  • Can read user input
  • Built a working calculator
  • Maintained positive engagement