Computer Science Discoveries

• Description. Computer Science Discoveries (CS Discoveries) is an introductory semester-long computer science course that empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun.

• Grade Levels. 9–12

• Duration. Full year

• Credits. 5

• Suggested Entry Criteria. None

Back to Top

Honors Computer Science Principles

• Description. Honors Computer Science Principles provides students the opportunity to use programming, computational thinking, and data analytics to create digital artifacts and documents representing design and analysis in areas including the Internet, algorithms. Students will also explore the impact that these have on science, business, and society. And finally, students will use computational tools and techniques including abstraction, modeling, and simulation to collaborate in solving problems that connect computation to their lives.

• Grade Levels. 9–12

• Duration. Full year

• Credits. 5

• Suggested Entry Criteria. Open to students that either complete Computer Science Discoveries or equivalent

Back to Top

Computer Science Principles (AP)

• Description. AP Computer Science Principles provides students the opportunity to use programming, computational thinking, and data analytics to create digital artifacts and documents representing design and analysis in areas including the Internet, algorithms. Students will also explore the impact that these have on science, business, and society. And finally, students will use computational tools and techniques including abstraction, modeling, and simulation to collaborate in solving problems that connect computation to their lives.

• Grade Levels. 10–12

• Duration. Full year

• Credits. 5

• Suggested Entry Criteria. Open to students that either complete Computer Science Discoveries or equivalent

Back to Top

Computer Science A (AP)

• Description. The Advanced Placement Program (AP) offers a course and exam in introductory computer science. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem solving and algorithm development, and is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester college-level course in computer science. It also includes the study of data structures, design, and abstraction. The goals of the AP Computer Science A course is comparable to those in the introductory course for computer science majors offered in college and university computer science departments.

• Grade Levels. 10–12

• Duration. Full year

• Credits. 5

• Suggested Entry Criteria. Successful completion of Computer Science Principles

Back to Top

Advanced Robotics (Honors)

• Description. Build your own robots! Program them to do creative and useful tasks! We will be using Lego EV3 kits and extending them with the Python programming language to develop advanced solutions for robotic tasks. This class goes beyond the standard Lego development environment to really delve into what robots can do for us and how to get them to do it with a modern and growing computer language. This course is designed for students who have no previous programming experience to advanced students who have programmed robots and want to advance their knowledge of computer science through independent projects. Computers and online tools will be provided for all students, but the environment that we will be using is available for use at home as well.

• Grade Levels. 10–12

• Duration. Semester

• Credits. 2.5

• Suggested Entry Criteria. Open to students that either complete Computer Science Principles or have experience with the basics of computer programming

Back to Top

Artificial Intelligence with Python (Honors)

• This course will be offered again during the 2021-2022 school year.

• Description. Learn one of the computer languages voted most fun to learn and use. It’s also one of the languages that many college computer science departments are using in their introductory course. We will learn the basics of this scripting language, explore artificial intelligence and have time to explore other high level concepts as driven by student projects. Students will work independently and in groups to create their projects. Computers and online tools will be provided for all students, but the environment that we will be using is available for use at home as well.

• Grade Levels. 10–12

• Duration. Semester

• Credits. 2.5

• Suggested Entry Criteria. Open to students that either complete Computer Science Principles or have experience with the basics of computer programming

Back to Top

JavaScript and Web Development (Honors)

• This course will be offered again during the 2021-2022 school year.

• Description. Learn to make websites come alive with interactive components. This course will focus on individual students creating interactive websites. Create your own in-browser games, simulations and informational websites. The course will introduce the students to a broad range of computer science topics including: html, css, and JavaScript. We will develop full websites and JavaScript enabled elements within them. Class is designed to let students combine their interests in computer science and other endeavors to create projects that expand both. Computers and online tools will be provided for all students, but the environment that we will be using is available for use at home as well.

• Grade Levels. 10–12

• Duration. Semester

• Credits. 2.5

• Suggested Entry Criteria. Open to students that either complete Computer Science Principles or have experience with the basics of computer programming

Back to Top

Video Game Development (Honors)

• Description. Learn to program and have fun doing it. We will use the Java programming language to develop video games and simulations. This course will feature a number of independent projects and is appropriate for students just starting to learn how to program and for students who already have experience and want to hone their skills on projects of their choice. Students will work independently and in groups to create their projects. Computers and online tools will be provided for all students, but the environment that we will be using is available for use at home as well.

• Grade Levels. 10–12

• Duration. Semester

• Credits. 2.5

• Suggested Entry Criteria. Open to students that either complete Computer Science Principles or have experience with the basics of computer programming

Back to Top

Independent Study in Computer Science

• Description. This course focuses on applying advanced concepts learned during the AP course to fun and interesting student driven projects. With a broad range of potential projects from websites, apps, and games, to simulations and robotics, students will be able to pursue aspects of Computer Science that they find most interesting. The students will have the opportunity to work with other teachers and community members to help discover the needs and goals of software that can be used in the broader community.

• Duration. Semester

• Credits. 2.5

• Grade Level. 12

• Suggested Entry Criteria. Successful completion of AP Computer Science A

Back to Top

About C.A.D.D.

• This course will offer students an opportunity to explore the world of architectural, civil, mechanical, Industrial and drafting and design. The students will use the following software: AutoCAD Suite, SolidWorks, Home Designer Architectural, Sketch-Up A, PowerPoint, PhotoShop, Sketchpad, Excel, Access, as well as other applications in order to develop a solid background in engineering drawing, C.A.D.D. technology, and architectural, civil, mechanical and Industrial design. The students will also use the following hardware: MakerBot 3D printer for printing 3 dimensional objects and HP Plotter for large drawings and color printer. This course is recommended for students interested in pursuing a career in civil or mechanical engineering, drafting technology, or architectural design. This is a class that can go in many different directions – all depending on the choice of the student with guidance from the instructor. While C.A.D.D. is focused around digital drafting and design aspects (i.e., visual or creative projects involving a computer), there are also many additional features as well. In this project-based curriculum, students work in an area of their own interest, generating works of their own inspiration. Within the class the flexibility exists to assign projects ranging in difficulty on the student's ambition and ability. Whether simply designing the blueprints of a house, modifying a preexisting plan, or creating a digitally enhanced pamphlet, students are the designers and researchers of their project. As students advance through the year, they learn how to take on greater challenges, including real jobs. Overall, C.A.D.D. is a great class for anyone. Students work hands-on creating computer-oriented projects that generate final products sparked by their own interests.

• C.A.D.D. is offered as a heterogeneous course in the Mathematics Department for all students grades 9–12. However, these electives do not satisfy mathematics distribution graduation requirements. The course may be taken at either the Curriculum A or Honors level through more challenging research and project work. Students must declare the level of their course by the designated deadline. Some colleges, such as Middlesex Community College, may accept the class for college credit.

Back to Top

C.A.D.D. 1

• Duration. Full year

• Credits. 5

• Grade Levels. 9–12

• Suggested Entry Criteria. None

Back to Top

C.A.D.D. 2.1 & 2.2

• Duration. Semester

• Credits. 2.5

• Grade Levels. 10–12

• Suggested Entry Criteria. C.A.D.D. 1 is a prerequisite for C.A.D.D. 2.1. C.A.D.D. 2.1 is a prerequisite for C.A.D.D. 2.2.

Back to Top

C.A.D.D. 3.1 & 3.2

• Duration. Semester

• Credits. 2.5

• Grade Levels. 11–12

• Suggested Entry Criteria. C.A.D.D. 3.1 is a prerequisite for C.A.D.D. 3.2.

Back to Top

C.A.D.D. 4.1 & 4.2

• Duration. Semester

• Credits. 2.5

• Grade Levels. 12

• Suggested Entry Criteria. C.A.D.D. 4.1 is a prerequisite for C.A.D.D. 4.2.

Back to Top

Intro to 3D Printing

• Duration. Semester

• Credits. 2.5

• Grade Levels. ???

• Suggested Entry Criteria. ????

Back to Top