Courses

Course Code: 733181H

Level: H

Credit(s): 1

Semester(s): 2

Course Fee: See note at the bottom of this page

The title is misleading. This is still a portfolio-based course but it will be an Arduino-based/Hardware development and design course. Students will learn how to design, prototype, and create interactive electronic products. Topics covered will include: Electronics, Arduino programming, prototyping, and iterative design. Projects will also be focused on creating solutions for our community. How can we take what we're learning about CS and technology and use it to help the world?

Suggested Prerequisites:

Any Computer Science course other than Exploring Computer Science would count as a prerequisite for this course.

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Course Code: 667101H

Level: H

Credit(s): 1

Semester(s): 2

Course Fee: See note at the bottom of this page

This course provides an introduction to Object-Oriented Programming in Python with a focus on Artificial Intelligence applications. Students will explore AI concepts including machine learning, natural language processing, and neural networks while developing practical programming skills that bridge college-level Programming 1 and Programming 2 courses.

Class sessions combine journaling, collaborative work, and hands-on lab time. Students work independently or in pairs/groups to complete projects that encourage creativity and extension beyond base requirements.

Second Semester Highlight: Students partner with mentors from CME Group on a real-world AI project spanning two months. This culminates in a field trip to CME Group and group presentations showcasing solutions and learning outcomes.

Recommended Prerequisites (any one of the following):AP Computer Science A, Programming 1, AP Computer Science Principles or Media Computation.

Civic Action Through Computer Science

Course Code: TBD

Level: H

Credit(s): 1

Semester(s): 2

Course Fee: See note at the bottom of this page

The focus of the course is on making sense of complex situations through applied problem-solving and interpretation of collected data. To prepare you for your future, “soft skills” will play an important role in the course, including teamwork, collaboration, and perseverance, among other skills. The course will emphasize critical questions for society such as “Who is the data relevant to?” and “How will people and their communities be affected?” by situations. Equity of access to data and decisions is an underlying theme of the course, and you will reflect upon how communities around you are impacted through the lens of data analysis.

Prerequisite Classes & Grades:

Any CS course OR a GPA of 3.75 or higher.

AP Computer Science A

Course Code: 778301A

Level: AP

Credit(s): 1

Semester(s): 2

Course Fee: See note at the bottom of this page

Advanced Placement Computer Science is designed to introduce students to object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem solving and algorithm development. It 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.

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites for this course. It is open to all.

*All AP Courses are expected to have a $100 fee ($25 class fee and $75 exam fee). The exact exam fee for testing in May 2016 will be released by the CollegeBoard in October 2015. This exam fee determines the total price that students will owe for each AP Course/exam. The AP exam fee may be fully or partially reduced for students with free/reduced lunch, per funding by district and state grants. The exact fee will be provided as soon as the district and state release their funding statement.

Exploring Computer Science

Course Code: 668201H

Level: H

Credit(s): 1

Semester(s): 2

Course Fee: See note at the bottom of this page

Exploring Computer Science is designed to introduce students to the breadth of the field of computer science through an exploration of engaging and accessible topics. Concepts include: Human-Computer Interaction, Problem-Solving, Web Development, Robotics, and much more! Rather than focusing the entire course on learning particular software tools or programming languages, the course is designed to focus the conceptual ideas of computing and help students understand why certain tools or languages might be utilized to solve particular problems.

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Media Computation

Course Code: 733161H

Level: H

Credit(s): 1

Semester(s): 2

Course Fee: See note at the bottom of this page

Media Computation is an awesome class that only the coolest of the cool take! This class makes programming fun, by integrating music, animation and image manipulation. You will learn the Python programming language which was used to create Instagram, Reddit, Spotify and Google! In the first semester we focus on learning to program by mixing over 4000 different beats to create our own songs. We end that semester with a HUGE mix off competition which is like the Voice without the singing. Go head to head with all other Media Comp students to claim your victory title of "best song of the year". During second semester learn how to code amazing animations. Build your own characters and learn how to animate them in a scene. There are no prerequisites for this course, just a willingness to learn and do work. This is a great intro course to get you started on your CS journey at Lane Tech.

Prerequisites:

Sophomore and up. No prerequisite courses.

Android App Design (Listed as Software App I)

Course Code: TBD

Level: H

Credit(s): 1

Semester(s): 2

Course Fee: See note at the bottom of this page

This course introduces students to the evolving forms, uses, and design of games. The classroom activities will be highly collaborative and project-based, and you don’t need to have any experience with gaming or be part of any gaming community to sign up. Just bring your creativity and an interest in learning about, discussing, and creating games! Topics covered include fundamentals of game design, narrative game design, digital game design, and social impacts of gaming. Students will explore these topics as they design and create both digital and non-digital games. No matter what we’re working on, assignments will focus on understanding and applying principles of game design through an iterative design process (prototyping, playtesting, evaluating, revising).

Microarchitecture and Logic Design

Course Code: 733241H

Level: H

Credit(s): 1

Semester(s): 2

Course Fee: See note at the bottom of this page

Microarchitecture and Logic Design is a really cool course that is rarely offered at the high school level anywhere in the country. It is a Computer Engineering course that teaches you how computers work in the first place. Think of it like gaining a new superpower where you understand how and why your phone, laptop, car, plane, microwave, watch and everything else digital works. How is it that humans figured out a way to make electronics think and calculate, make decisions and process information? Although the title sounds like it's about tiny buildings, it's about the architecture of circuits and digital structures that think and make decisions. Colleges are consistently impressed when students show that they have taken a course like this in high school, especially if you're considering a major involving Computer Science or Engineering. We've even had multiple students be able to test out of this class in college. The course is heavily project based and students have ample time to work on projects in class. All software used for the course is free and can be used on Mac, PC, Chromebook or Linux. If you want to check out more on the curriculum, you can do so at nand2tetris.org. Our course at Lane generally covers the first 6-7 of the 12 units. 

Suggested Prerequisites:

Must be concurrently taking or have already completed another CS course other than Exploring Computing Science. Soph and up (or pre-approval from Mr. Solin)

LTMakers I (Listed as H. Human Comp Inter I)

Course Code: 778801H

Level: H

Credit(s): 1

Semester(s): 2

Course Fee: See note at the bottom of this page

ICL is a class that focuses on the use of the LTMaker Lab, a 4000sqft crazy-cool space like nothing seen before in a high school. Lasers! 3D Printers! 3D Carvers! Wuuuuut?! The aim of the LTMaker Lab and the ICL class within it is to provide the necessary equipment and resources, commonly referred to as a makerspace / maker lab / innovation lab, to teach students how to design, prototype, and engineer their own innovative products and solutions to complex problems. Students are essentially taking their ideas and making them a reality...where their dreams can actually come true. Chicago Public Libraries notes that, “Makerspaces are growing in popularity across the globe and are supported by a vibrant maker culture, a technology-based extension of the DIY (do-it-yourself) movement. Today, makerspaces are found at universities, museums and, increasingly, public libraries.” Here at Lane Tech, we are one of the pioneers that brought high schools into this list. Lane Tech believes in being advocates for open hardware, open source software, and making the world a better place by empowering people to create their own high-quality products. Everyone can be a designer and manufacturer. In ICL, students learn how to solve complex problems, and create and innovate...not just consume. Stop by the ICL (Room 134) to see the space and the students projects in the window. You can also follow the lab on Twitter at @LTMakers and see more about the course at ltmakers.org. 

Prerequisites:

Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in any other CS course.

Computer Programming

Course Code: 733141H

Level: H

Credit(s): 1

Semester(s): 2

Course Fee: See note at the bottom of this page

Computer Programming is an honors course designed for all levels of students ranging from those who have no experience in Computer Science, those who are interested in programming but may not be interested in pursuing Computer Science as a major and those who would like a jump start on the APCS- A course. We begin with the use of a block-based development environment, pencil code, to explore topics before transitioning into Java to teach fundamental programming and problem-solving skills.

Prerequisites:

Sophomore and up. No prerequisite courses.

AP Computer Science Principles

Course Code: 668201A

Level: AP

Credit(s): 1

Semester(s): 2

Course Fee: See note at the bottom of this page

AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) is a full-year, rigorous, entry-level course that introduces high school students to the foundations of modern computing. The course covers a broad range of topics that make up computing such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing.

The course is designed around the AP Computer Science Principles Framework and prepares students to take the AP exam and to complete the AP Performance Tasks. In each unit, students use engaging, interactive tools to explore concepts and to produce creative computing artifacts. The course involves extensive group work and requires that students have the maturity and self-discipline to work without supervision and to reflect on their experiences.

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites for this course. It is open to all.

*All AP Courses are expected to have a $100 fee ($25 class fee and $75 exam fee).

The exact exam fee for testing in May 2016 will be released by the CollegeBoard in October 2015. This exam fee determines the total price that students will owe for each AP Course/exam. The AP exam fee may be fully or partially reduced for students with free/reduced lunch, per funding by district and state grants. The exact fee will be provided as soon as the district and state release their funding statement.

Web Development

Course Code: 778601H

Level: H

Credit(s): 1

Semester(s): 2

Course Fee: See note at the bottom of this page

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of modern web design and development. Students will learn how to create, style, and enhance websites using industry-standard tools and technologies. Beginning with HTML, students will build the structure of web pages, then use CSS to apply styling, layout, and design principles. The course progresses into responsive design techniques with Bootstrap, allowing students to create professional, mobile-friendly websites.

Students will then explore JavaScript to add interactivity, dynamic features, and problem-solving logic to their projects. An introduction to jQuery will give students experience with simplified scripting techniques and commonly used web development practices.

Throughout the year, students will apply their skills through hands-on projects, individual and group assignments, and portfolio development. By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in web technologies and the ability to design and develop fully functional, visually appealing, and user-friendly websites.

Prerequisites: None (basic computer literacy recommended)

Intro to Robotics

Course Code: 397101H

Level: H

Credit(s): 1

Semester(s): 2

Course Fee: See note at the bottom of this page

This hands-on course introduces students to the interdisciplinary world of robotics through practical engineering and design challenges. In the first semester, students build a foundation in electronics and programming, learning to work with circuits, sensors, microcontrollers, and coding to bring robotic systems to life. The second semester shifts focus to mechanical engineering and design, where students explore mechanisms, structural design, and 3D modeling to create and prototype functional robotic components.

Throughout the year, students apply problem-solving skills and the engineering design process to tackle real-world challenges. By the end of the course, students will have gained experience in both the "brains" and "body" of robotics—combining electrical systems with mechanical design to build complete, working projects. Perfect for students interested in engineering, technology, and hands-on making.

Prerequisites: None

Cybersecurity

Course Code: 668321H / 668322H

Level: H

Credit(s): 1

Semester(s): 2

Course Fee: See note at the bottom of this page

This course is intended for Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors.  The activities, topics and assignments in this course can be completed with or without prior coding knowledge.  The prerequisite to this course is Exploring Computer Science. This is a year long course designed to teach you about the principles and fundamentals of cyber security. Some of the topics we will be covering are: Ethics and policy in cyber security, Security principles, history of cyber security, physical security, classic cryptography, web security and malicious software/malware. Students will engage in variety of projects and assignments that will test their abilities. Students will be held to a high standard regarding the quality of work and personal behavior in class.

COURSE FEE

There is a $50 course fee for CS courses, however it is only applied once. The fee is $50 total for the year no matter how many CS courses you are enrolled in that year.