Files and links will be posted on Google Classroom. I will email you a code (or you can email me at bradley.knockel@aps.edu for the code)!
Reminders and other communication will be posted on Remind. To get access to our Remind, a code will be posted on Google Classroom. You can enter the code directly into your account via the Remind app or website.
Except for the first day, when we will meet in my classroom (room 208), class will meet in Tech 6 (TE-6), a computer lab, the most northwest class on campus: https://sandia.aps.edu/map
Many of your assignments will be done through Project STEM, https://projectstem.org/, or sometimes through Replit, https://replit.com/languages/python3. You can sign into both using your APS Google account. For Project STEM, once reach your Student Dashboard, you will enter our section token found on Google Classroom. Project STEM contains much our content in the form of slides and videos, and you may choose to work ahead.
The standard level (SL) course has 4 topics and 1 option:
System Fundamentals (business stuff)
Computer Organization (hardware)
Networks
Computation Thinking (programming!)
Option C: Web Science
Welcome to IB Computer Science: Standard Level!
We have many goals in this course: IB assessments, computational thinking, and IB goals.
In the spring, we will work on the Internal Assessment (IA). This will be a computer project where you design a solution to a real problem for a client. This will count for 30% of your IB CS score (which is different from your course grade here at Sandia). It will count as a test grade for my class's grade.
In May, you will take the External Assessment (EA). This is like your final exam for IB, and it comes in the form of two parts called papers. Paper 1 covers 4 topics and is 45% of your IB CS score. In Paper 1, section A has many short questions and should take 30 minutes, and section B has 3 structured questions that should take 60 minutes. Paper 2 is over Option C: Web Science, and is 25% of your IB CS score. We might do Option A (databases) because it's a good option and it aligns well with the modifications to the course that IB will start next school year. Option D: Object-Oriented Programming also aligns well, but then we would have to learn Java, which is much more complicated than Python (next year, IB will use Python for Object-Oriented Programming). Instead we'll do Option C (web design), because it's fun and helps with IAs and Topic 3 (networks). The test seems to require as much memorization as problem solving, so we'll be sure to look at some practice exams!
Now that I have gotten you a bit nervous (hopefully not too nervous!), let's put the test out of our minds and think about computer science.
My real goal is for everyone to learn computational thinking, which is basically being able to understand how a computer "thinks". I want us to be able to use computers to successfully solve problems in the real world, and computational thinking is the first step to this. However, to do this, we will first spend much time learning what a computer is and what it can do. With computation thinking, we can develop any computer system and/or code by just doing research and thinking.
For me, the best part of computer science is learning a language like HTML5, Python 3, MySQL, etc. to actually do something. We will use a fantastic programming language called Python, and you may choose to use anything such as MIT App Inventor 2 for your IA, but the language itself is not important for this class. Languages come and go. The language is a means to an end, and keep in mind that learning another programming language is much easier if you already know one or two.
The IB program's main goals are to make students well-rounded, intellectual, globally-minded, and community-involved.
Analytic, scientific thinking is certainly crucial to being well-rounded and intellectual. Computer science will give you a new more careful way of thinking to add to your toolbox. I will give theory of knowledge (ToK) questions to bridge your detailed knowledge of computer science to a more general understanding of computing in the world. We will also practice writing about technical topics, which is an important skill!
Computer science is an international endeavor! Researchers from all around the world are making all the cool important technologies that surround us. Also, have you heard of the international network called the Internet?
As for getting involved in the community, I suppose that helping any of your fellow students out is a great place to start.
In the future, I would love to bump into former IB students and have interesting conversations with them about the world!
To fully participate, you must bring the following materials regularly to class!
Bring your CS folder or notebook or binder! At the end of each unit, a complete set of notes, work, etc. are expected to be in your folder or notebook or binder. I have noticed a strong correlation between an organized, complete folder or notebook or binder and being a successful student, so why not put a small amount of effort into being organized now for large payoff later?
Bring earbuds (or headphones). This will allow you to listen to videos without distracting others.
Our optional physical textbook, Core Computer Science by Dimitriou, is obtained at the bookroom.
Coding is hard because it takes a lot of practice! My primary expectation is that you will meet the challenge. I strongly believe that you can understand and do coding.
Respect each other regardless of differences. We will have fun, but never at another's expense.
No cellphones (unless first given permission). If you are expecting an important call or text, the mature behavior is to communicate that to me before class!
No cheating on assignments or tests. First offense is typically a warning, though I reserve the right to give a zero. Next offense is notifying parents (or administration if parents cannot be reached). By the way, the appearance of cheating is enough to be considered cheating, so be mindful of your gaze, head attire, where you place your test on table, phone location, backpack location, etc.
Orderly usage of hall pass. One student at a time and not when I'm speaking to the entire class. Take the hall pass and sign in and out of class. Also, sign in if tardy.
Distracting class is rude to your fellow students. Disruptive behavior tells me that you are trying to communicate to me that you are confused or need more of my attention!
Thank you for helping make our class enjoyable and effective!
The course grade for each semester will be calculated by (1) adding all of your test grades, your lab grade, and your Project STEM grade then (2) dividing by the number of grades. That is, it is an average.
For example, if there are 2 tests and a final exam, you will have 5 grades that will be averaged: test 1, test 2, final exam, Project STEM, and "labs" (assignments including vocab assignments and reviews). Add up the 5 grades, then divide by 5. For the second semester, the IA will count as a test.
Which of these grades is the most important? Is it the test grades? Sort of. I actually think the Project STEM and lab grades are the most important. Without fully participating in class, how can you do well on the tests?
If you miss class, ask a classmate what we did. If you have questions, please communicate with me to see what else you need to do. Falling behind is not wise because catching up is much more difficult than doing timely work. If you do not have homework done when you return and you were in class when the homework was assigned, I reserve the right to give you half or no credit.
If you miss a test, you have 1 week to make it up. This is so that I can return tests to all your fellow students. Also, we do not want you to fall behind!
You will not be allowed a calculator or note sheet on tests because these are not allowed an the IB CS External Assessment. However, I recommend that you write a page of notes as if you could use it on the test! As you study, put the things that you don't think you can remember on the page, then study the page. In fact, I might require that you make this page in addition to a visual depiction of all the material that will be on the test. You will learn a lot as you carefully decide what to put on your note sheet (and decide where to put it).
Grading scale...
A (90% or above): advanced proficient
B (80% to 89.9%): proficient
C (70% to 79.9%): nearing proficient
D (60% to 69.9%): not proficient
F (below 60%): incomplete
Communicating with me regarding your grade is welcome! However, doing this at the end of the semester is far too late, regardless of pleading and excuses.
Your classmates are a resource! Ask your group questions during class. Call/text each other if you cannot figure something out or if you missed class! Getting connected is an important part of caring about your success! Working together is encouraged, but be sure that your goal is to understand the material rather than just copying the answer.
I am a resource! At any time, during or after class, ask a question! I am sure that many other people are confused about whatever question you have, so ask it. I will happily provide tutoring after school (or maybe during lunch), so just talk with me! I can also help you with study skills if you are feeling stressed.
The Internet is a resource! Just Google anything, and you can find YouTube videos and other help. Check out Khan Academy! If you find something useful on the Internet, please share it with me and the class!