Pre-Requisite requirements: None
Grade: 9-12
Materials required: Bring with you daily; Pen and Pencil, Chromebook
Lab Fee: $10 (this covers lab/project consumables)
Course Description
With emphasis on computational thinking and collaboration, this year-long course provides an excellent entry point for students to begin or continue the PLTW Computer Science PreK-12 experience. Computer Science Essentials will expose students to a diverse set of computational thinking concepts, fundamentals, and tools, allowing them to gain understanding and build confidence.
In Computer Science Essentials, students will use visual, block-based programming and seamlessly transition to text-based programming with languages such as Python® to create apps and develop websites, and learn how to make computers work together to put their design into practice. They’ll apply computational thinking practices, build their vocabulary, and collaborate just as computing professionals do to create products that address topics and problems important to them.
Computer Science Essentials helps students create a strong foundation to advance to Computer Science Principles, Computer Science A, and beyond.
Instruction Overview / Student Expectations:
PLTW “Courses” – All course materials will be delivered through PLTW’s system called “Courses”. Students will receive their login information on the first day of the course. The Computer Science Essentials course will be available the first day of the new school year, and instructions will be provided on how to navigate and access content from home.
Common Assessments – Common Assessments will be given throughout the year and will be specific to a learning objective. Retakes of common assessments are allowed but following the guidelines described in the “Make-Up Work” component of this syllabus
Individual Scores will use the following breakdown;
Mastered 4 = 100%
Proficient 3 = 86%
Developing 2 = 76%
Beginning 1 = 66%
No Attempt 0 = 0%
End of Course Assessment – Students will be expected to take the PLTW EOC for the course. The EOC is graded on a 9pt scale and will be entered into the grade book as such.
Make Up Work – Common Assessments, Projects and Daily-Work will be allowed to be turned in late and/or re-attempted following the Farmington High School retake/late work policy. Students may submit missing assignments up until the end of the 6-week grading period. Students may reattempt a common assessment or resubmit a project within the current 6-week grading period, after attending 1-Hour of tutoring
Grading – Course grade will reflect the Farmington High School grading scale and will be calculated from a semester total.
**Farmington High School is mindful of the burden COVID-19 has placed on families in our community. As FHS teachers prepare and plan for the 2020-21 school year, students and families will notice minimal school supplies required for classes. Farmington High School keeps school supplies on hand for any student in need. Please contact Amy Greif, FHS social worker, at 573-701-1310 ext. 3237 or by email at agreif@farmington.k12.mo.us if you are in need of assistance.