30300    App Creators

0.5 credit - 1 semester

Grades: 9-12

Using MIT’s powerful App Inventor 2 software, this course will introduce basic computer science concepts while creating awesome apps for use on mobile devices. Students will be able to create their own custom apps that talk, play games, get information from the Internet.  The final project will involve creating a custom app.  All apps created in class are real, functioning apps that can be downloaded and installed onto any Android device.

Priority Standards:

• Create a product for intended audiences or purposes.

• Solve problems using technology

• Communicate how/why computational artifacts work.

30330    Computers in Society

0.5 credit - 1 semester

Grades: 9-12

Students will learn skills to expand their knowledge in basic technology and its application in academics and the workforce. This course will focus on developing 21st Century technology skills by incorporating real-world situations requiring professional documents. Through the use of integrated projects, Microsoft Office, Google applications, and various design programs, we will focus on building a student’s essential technology skills. Students who desire improvement in basic software application skills will benefit from this course and be better prepared for additional computer courses in high school, college and/or their professional careers. 

Priority Standards:

• Create a product for intended audiences or purposes.

• Solve problems using technology

• Communicate how/why computational artifacts work.

30342   Introduction to Computer Programming 1 - Fall Only

0.5 credit - 1 semester, Fall Semester

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Concurrently enrolled or having completed Geometry OR Instructor Approval

*Intro to Computer Programming 1 is NOT NCAA-approved. 

This introductory course starts by defining computing and learning the basic parts of a computer by imagining the purchase a $1500 computer system.   Most of the course is spent learning the Scratch programming language to code your own video games, stories, videos, and more.  Mini units on the fundamentals of coding will also be covered such as: Debugging, Conditionals, Loops, and Coding Techniques. 

Priority Standards:

• Create a product for intended audiences or purposes.

• Solve problems using technology

• Communicate how/why computational artifacts work.

30343   Introduction to Computer Programming 2 - Spring Only

0.5 credit - 1 semester, Spring Semester

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Intro to Computer Programming 1

*Intro to Computer Programming 2 is NOT NCAA-approved. 

Students will develop programs and algorithm using line by line coding.  Students will also learn about big data and research a large data set using advanced features on a spreadsheet.  The robotics unit will require groups to build and program Lego Mindstorm robots to complete a variety of tasks including the driverless car challenge, dancing robot, and rescue robot. 

Priority Standards:

• Create a product for intended audiences or purposes.

• Solve problems using technology

• Communicate how/why computational artifacts work.

30346/30347  AP Computer Science Principles

** LAUDE COURSE **

1.0 Credit - 2 Semesters

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Intro. to Programming 1 & 2, or App Creators

*AP Computer Science Principles is NOT NCAA-approved. 

This year-long Advanced Placement Course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts.  Whether it’s 3-D animation, engineering, music, app development, medicine, visual design, robotics, or political analysis, computer science is the engine that powers the technology, productivity, and innovation that drive the world. Students will spend first-semester learning the fundamentals of programming using JavaScript and create powerful apps. If a student wishes to take the AP CSP Exam, the cost per the College Board is $96.

Priority Standards:

• Create a product for intended audiences or purposes.

• Solve problems using technology

• Communicate how/why computational artifacts work.

• Analyze and interpret content presented in diverse formats.

30348/30349 AP Computer Science A

** LAUDE COURSE **

1.0 Credit - 2 Semesters

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Recommended completion of AP-CSP or Teacher Recommendation

*AP Computer Science A is NOT NCAA-approved. 

AP-CSA is equivalent to a first-semester, college-level course in computer science.  The course introduces students to computer science with fundamental topics that include problem-solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions and the ethical and social implications of computing.  This course emphasizes both object-oriented and imperative problem solving and design using the Java language.   These techniques represent proven approaches for developing solutions that can scale up from small, simple problems to large, complex problems.   Java is a professional strength language and is currently the most popular computer programming environment in the world due to its portability between different computing devices. If a student wishes to take the AP CSA, the cost per the College Board is $96. 

Priority Standards:

• Solve problems using technology

• Communicate how/why computational artifacts work.

• Employ object oriented programming skills.