I am an adult learning Python for basic

1. Tonight's 10-minute micro-goal

Goal: In 10 minutes, run a `try / except ValueError` block that asks for a number, prints the number doubled if input is valid, and prints a friendly message if it isn't — and you can explain in one sentence what `except` is catching.

Success check:

• You can paste the output from typing `abc` into the input.
• You can say, out loud, "the `except` only runs when `int()` raises a `ValueError`" — without looking at notes.

---

2. Complete demo

I'll use a different sample (office supply count, not age) so the pattern is clear and not tied to your example.

```python
try:
boxes = int(input("How many boxes of paper arrived today? "))
print("That is", boxes * 2, "reams when split across two desks.")
except ValueError:
print("That wasn't a whole number. Please type digits only, e.g. 12.")
```

un it three times to see all paths:

How to read this code in one pass:

• `try:` — Python, "try the next block, but don't crash if it fails in the specific way I named."
• `int(input(...))` — the line that *can* crash with `ValueError` when the user types letters or symbols.
• `except ValueError:` — only catches *that* one error type. A `KeyboardInterrupt` (Ctrl+C) or a `NameError` would still crash. This is what makes `except` safe to teach first.
• The two `print()` lines are the two branches — successful parse vs. friendly fallback.

---

3. Your micro-task

Copy this, change one thing, paste it back with your output:

```python
try:
chairs = int(input("How many chairs in the meeting room? "))
print("Tables needed:", chairs // 4)
except ValueError:
print("Please type a whole number, e.g. 20.")
```

Your turn:

1. un it with input `abc` → paste the exact line it printed.
2. un it with input `21` → paste the exact line it printed.
3. Tell me: which line *would* have crashed if the `except` block wasn't there?

Then stop and wait — I'll read your output, name the step if anything's off, and we'll go from there.