Computer Science II (CS II)

This course extends the topics introduced in the Computer Science I course. The major emphasis of this course is advanced programming methodology, algorithms, and using fundamental data structures. Topics include algorithms, programming for the web, programming of drones/robots, sort-searching techniques, dictionaries, and multidimensional tables. Object-oriented programming and architecture is emphasized. Current computer science literature is used in class. If a student plans to take the AP Computer Science exam, this course applies. Assignments in this course are intended to prepare the student for the computer science team.

Prerequisite: CS I Credit: CAT Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: Engineering

*CAT courses do not include an Honors Option.

Virtual Game Design & Development

Endless Studios is a massively open, globally distributed youth game-making studio. GCDS has partnered with Endless to offer a virtual game design and development program. The program does not require any pre-requisite skills or game development experience and is open to all students interested in understanding how video games are made.

During the course, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of game-making, learning how to engage with different concepts and structures that can assist in making great games. Students will also learn to work within the industry-leading game engine, Unity. They will receive an introduction to core concepts, and have the opportunity to explore their interests and level-up their skills in coding, digital art, design, storytelling, project management, and more through the development of original games.

The Endless Studios Community Game Making Program is not a course, it's an authentic studio experience! Come join us! The course does not replace CS I or CS II. Please contact Mr. Campbell with any questions.

Prerequisite: none Credit: CAT, ART Period: Semester 

Diploma Credit: Engineering, Performing & Visual Arts

*This course is cross-listed between the Arts and Creative Applied Technologies programs. When registering, students must select the credit for which they would like the course to be registered. Students should consult with their advisor and review their graduation requirements.

*CAT courses do not include an Honors Option.

Introduction to Architecture I

We all experience architecture. The homes we live in, the schools we go to, the places where we work and play all bring us into constant contact with architecture. Given its prevalence in our everyday lives, architecture carries a great responsibility to facilitate the functions of our day-to-day living in a way that also enriches those experiences. In this introductory course, students will study the history of architecture, examining how advances in technologies influenced the development of form and structure and how cultural and societal changes demanded new kinds of buildings. Students will also be exposed to the fundamentals of architectural design. Through a series of design exercises, students will learn how to measure an existing space, draw orthographic views using a drafting table, and create physical scale models, culminating in an individual design project at the end of the semester.  

Prerequisite: none Credit: CAT, ART Period: Semester 

Diploma Credit: Engineering, Performing & Visual Arts

*This course is cross-listed between the Arts and Creative Applied Technologies programs. When registering, students must select the credit for which they would like the course to be registered. Students should consult with their advisor and review their graduation requirements.

*CAT courses do not include an Honors Option.

Introduction to Architecture II

In Introduction to Architecture II, students will undertake architectural design projects that engage their critical and creative thinking around the functionality and aesthetics of space.  They will learn the fundamentals of the architectural design process: defining a program, space planning, developing their ideas through diagrams and sketches, and representing those ideas in drawing and model form.  Through exercises and longer term projects, students will strengthen their ability to draw plans and sections, learn new modes of representation like perspective, isometric, and diagram drawings, and build scale models.  Contemporary and historical buildings will be studied as helpful precedents in the design process.  The course will also include visits to NYC and/or local architecture offices to provide insight into the career and practice of an architect.  

Prerequisite: Introduction to Architecture I Credit: CAT, ART Period: Semester

Diploma Credit: Engineering, Performing & Visual Arts

*This course is cross-listed between the Arts and Creative Applied Technologies programs. When registering, students must select the credit for which they would like the course to be registered. Students should consult with their advisor and review their graduation requirements.

**CAT courses do not include an Honors Option.

Introduction to Filmmaking

This course deals with visualization and cinema literacy skills. Drawing heavily on a wide array of historical examples, the course will examine the many expressive strategies potentially usable in the creation of moving image art forms: image construction and manipulation, editing, composition, sound, narrative, and performance. Understanding the editor’s job of combining images, words, and audio into a cohesive and engaging body of work is essential for all filmmakers. Adobe’s Premiere Pro has become the preferred software choice for many professional editors. Throughout the course, an emphasis will be placed on story and storytelling. In addition to analyzing the works of others, students will also produce their own projects - putting theory into practice. 

Prerequisite: None Credit: ART, CAT Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts 

*This course is cross-listed between the Arts and Creative Applied Technologies programs. When registering, students must select the credit for which they would like the course to be registered. Students should consult with their advisor and review their graduation requirements.

**CAT courses do not include an Honors Option.

Makerspace I B

In Maker 1B, students have a chance to further explore the technologies of making and continue to build their confidence as makers. Additional skills and tools introduced this semester include 3D modeling and printing, CNC milling, mold-casting, sewing, and the basics of working with metal. With more opportunities for self-directed projects, students can choose to revisit skills learned during Maker 1A or build a project around practicing new skills. The habits of a good maker will continue to be emphasized in order to prepare students for independent work in Maker 2.  

Prerequisite: Makerspace I A Credit: CAT, ART Period: Semester Diploma Credit: Engineering

*This course is cross-listed between the Arts and Creative Applied Technologies programs. When registering, students must select the credit for which they would like the course to be registered. Students should consult with their advisor and review their graduation requirements.

**CAT courses do not include an Honors Option.

Makerspace II A

The Maker II sequence aims to give students greater creative freedom in designing and executing their own projects. In Maker 2A, students can choose to expand their repertoire of making to include skills such as MIG welding and advanced levels in carpentry, circuitry, programming, and 3D modeling. Student projects will be grounded in Design Thinking practices and will culminate in a maker portfolio at the end of the semester, inclusive of documentation and reflection on their processes and output. 

Prerequisite: Makerspace I A+B Credit: CAT, ART Period: Semester Diploma Credit: Engineering

*This course is cross-listed between the Arts and Creative Applied Technologies programs. When registering, students must select the credit for which they would like the course to be registered. Students should consult with their advisor and review their graduation requirements.

**CAT courses do not include an Honors Option.

Makerspace II B

Maker 2B continues to build off the work of Maker 2A, permitting students to carry over projects from the prior semester and start new ones. Design Thinking continues to be a cornerstone in how students conceive and implement their project ideas, with an emphasis on sustainability and designing for others. Greater attention will be given to developing the maker portfolio in preparation for college admissions.  

Prerequisite: Makerspace I A+B, Makerspace II A Credit: CAT, ART Period: Semester

Diploma Credit: Engineering

*This course is cross-listed between the Arts and Creative Applied Technologies programs. When registering, students must select the credit for which they would like the course to be registered. Students should consult with their advisor and review their graduation requirements.

**CAT courses do not include an Honors Option.

AAT: Advanced Makerspace X

This course is an Advanced Maker course, building on everything the student has learned in Makerspace I and II. It is designed as an Independent Study, where the student will submit a proposal for a project detailing the timeline and costs for the project. At the end of the year they will present their project in front of a panel of members of the GCDS community. Entrance into this class will need faculty approval. 

Prerequisite: Makerspace II A+B and Faculty Approval Credit: CAT, ART Period: Full Year

Diploma Credit: Engineering

*This course is cross-listed between the Arts and Creative Applied Technologies programs. When registering, students must select the credit for which they would like the course to be registered. Students should consult with their advisor and review their graduation requirements.

**CAT courses do not include an Honors Option.

AAT: Advanced Applied Math & Physics with Computer Science (CSX)

This course is an interdisciplinary offering from the computer science, physics, and math faculty. Student assignments will reflect concepts from all three disciplines including: projectile motion; orbitals; strings; particles; matrices and area below a curve (Riemann). Simple graphics will be included as part of the course. Significant time outside of the classroom is expected. This course includes competitions in the American Computer Science League as well university led competitions.

Prerequisite: CS I and II, Precalculus, Physics, Faculty Approval Credit: SCI, CAT, MATH Period: Full Year

Diploma Credit: Engineering

*This course is cross-listed between the Math, Science, and Creative Applied Technologies programs. When registering, students must select the credit for which they would like the course to be registered. Students should consult with their advisor and review their graduation requirements.

AAT: Advanced Applied Economics & Engineering

Twenty first century challenges and opportunities necessitate grappling with economics, public policy, technology, and design, often through the lens of data science. In this yearlong course, students will learn to apply data science and interdisciplinary analytical tools to develop an 'end product' - an effective public policy, sustainable solution, or innovative new product or service. The course will guide students through the process of researching and identifying a product, service, policy or startup idea, refining the idea, pitching it to investors, and constructing a commercial or non-profit go-to-market plan. The course will partner with university institutes and industry experts to provide feedback and advice through this process. Fall semester will focus on the acquisition of targeted coding skills and business development software fluency, social and organizational analysis, and market research. Working in teams, students will explore tools and methods in product design, marketing, digital platforms, and FinTech. In the spring, teams will go through an intensive, iterative pitch development process culminating in a formal pitch session to potential funders or sponsors with the real potential to launch their product or service. Success in this course will depend on applying and building skills in team-based project design and management. Students should be prepared to drive the process themselves, including leveraging the teaching team, outside experts, and opportunities to build their skills. Strong writing, research, and quantitative skills are also required.

Prerequisite: Economics, CS II, and Precalculus, or Instructor Approval Credit: HIST/SOC, CAT Period: Full Year

Diploma Credit: Engineering, Sustainability

*This course is cross-listed between the Social Sciences and Creative Applied Technologies programs. When registering, students must select the credit for which they would like the course to be registered. Students should consult with their advisor and review their graduation requirements.

AAT: Computer Science IV - Discrete Mathematics 

This year-long course provides a deeper study of finite systems through a survey of advanced, discrete mathematics topics that are required for further STEM research and theory. Discrete mathematics is the study of mathematical structures that are countable or otherwise distinct and separable. We work with discrete objects instead of continuous situations. Mathematically, we would work with the integer versus the irrational number. Frequently, situations in our world can be modeled with discrete mathematics. Some examples of discrete math topics include logic, counting, graph theory, networks, cryptography, game theory, decision analytics, trees, algorithms, integer programming, number theory, finance, computational complexity, and voting theory. In this course, we study the fundamental math concepts associated with these applications, which includes matrix algebra, probability and expectation, sequences and series, and counting along with a potpourri of applications to these areas of study. This course is heavily project based and requires the use of technology given the scope and size of the problems. Students should be able to draw connections to applications in engineering, computer science, and sustainability, and to demonstrate this mastery, students are expected to write and submit a thesis on a topic of their choice involving one of the topics and applications that we study. Students may propose their own topic of research for approval at the end of semester 1.

Prerequisite: Department Approval Credit: MATH, CAT Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: Engineering

*This course is cross-listed between the Math and Creative Applied Technologies programs. When registering, students must select the credit for which they would like the course to be registered. The title of the course will reflect the credit selected (e.g. "AAT: Computer Science IV - Discrete Mathematics" for CAT credit). Students should consult with their advisor and review their graduation requirements.