Computer Science

Welcome to Computer Science! In this class students will use Project Based instruction to explore the basics of programming and computer languages using Swift Playgrounds, and Scratch. This is a one semester course. By the end of this course, students should have a basic understanding of how to arrange code to develop and create a variety of simple programs.

But what if I don't know anything about computers?

This class is accessible to students of all ability levels, from experienced coders, to folks just figuring out keyboards. The most important quality needed for this class is motivation. Because we have students of many ability levels, the project work is mostly self-driven. It is up to the individual to determine how deeply they will develop their programs.

Do I get to play games?

There are some restrictions, but yes. I allow students to explore other programs and games. The catch is, you have to be able to explain what you are trying to learn, and how you will apply it to your projects. I can't monitor everyone, so this is where your motivation & time management abilities come in. I have had some students fail because they spent too long gaming, and not enough time coding.

ATA Poster phrases

Class notes

This is an assignment I

a video we watched of a very frustrating video game. (mild language)

Week 4:

Students who finished their first project were introduced to the Maze project.
We continued to explore new aspects of scratch, particularly the Sensing blocks

Computer Science Maze

Computer Science Racing Game

Week 3:

Students were given their first project (worksheet on the right)
In Scratch, we covered the basics of sprites and backgrounds, as well as event, control, and movement blocks
Friday we continued watching The Pixar Story, learning the early innovations in computer generated films

Link for Scratch Class: http://scratch.mit.edu/classes/245791/register/be32fed52a034653b9be4d3c0429fd54

Week 2:

Students continue personal exploration using Swift Playgrounds
We watched several videos, including "Crash Course Computer Science" learning about the early history of computing.
Thursday, we move on to Scratch (click the link above to start the class)

Week 1: Think like a programmer:

We will begin by having students use the Swift Playgrounds App on iPads
- Gives students a basis in coding similar to Python.
- Introduces students to coding concepts like commands, functions, debugging, and loops

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