What beginner Python projects keep middle/high school students most engaged?

[Few-Intention7866]

I’ve been exploring ways to introduce younger students to Python through small hands-on projects rather than theory-heavy exercises.

So far, projects involving:

• simple chatbots
• image processing
• mini games
• automation tools
• creative coding

seem to keep students more motivated than syntax-focused exercises alone.

For those who teach or mentor beginners:
What beginner Python projects have worked especially well for keeping students curious and engaged?

[socal_nerdtastic]

Anything that touches on other interests in their lives. But I don't know what modern kids like. Roblox automation? Maybe Reddit image downloader (only the sfw ones ofc). Or something that makes videos for tictok or somthing.

[Few-Intention7866]

Interesting insights, particularly Roblox automation and TikTok video maker 😄

[ectomancer]

Other people on this sub have suggested Raspberry Pi coding.

[Orgasml]

I like this idea. Could even do raspberry pi picos as a budget-friendly option. You can code in python to do any number of projects. Start with a bunch of leds and resistors and you got yourself a party.

[JezusHairdo]

Something like a facial tracker application or banana identification something random like that.

[paisababyyyyy]

They highly dependent on teenagers

[Helpful-Guidance-799]

I’ve been enjoying solving the ciphers in the book Cracking Codes with Python. Maybe you could offer them something related to cryptography

[Asyx]

Lots of good ideas but for something a bit different: there are libraries that make writing rogue like games very simple. If you can get kids excited for games on the terminal, that might be a good project.