Computer Fundamentals

Fundamentals of

Computer Science Course Syllabus

2023-2024

https://codehs.com/standards/framework/SC_FCS/course/6379

Link to Standards: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gchJtH0i4J5iGtdLwx8Gqup0RELjgyTckEAVlPCnP0Y/edit?usp=sharing

Course Overview and Goals

This course is designed to introduce students to the field of computer science through an exploration of engaging and accessible topics. Through creativity and innovation, students will use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to implement projects that are relevant to students’ lives. They will create a variety of computing artifacts while collaborating in teams. Students will gain a fundamental understanding of the history and operation of computers, programming, and web design. Students will also be introduced to computing careers and will examine societal and ethical issues of computing.

Learning Environment: The course utilizes a blended classroom approach. The content is fully web-based, with students writing and running code in the browser. Teachers utilize tools and resources provided by CodeHS to leverage time in the classroom and give focused 1-on-1 attention to students. Each unit of the course is broken down into lessons. Lessons consist of video tutorials, short quizzes, example programs to explore, and written programming exercises.

Programming Environment: For the programming units, students write and run JavaScript programs in the browser using the CodeHS editor. For the web design unit, students write HTML and CSS code in the browser using the CodeHS online editor. Classes can choose to write code using either blocks or text.

More information: Browse the content of this course at https://codehs.com/course/6379

Prerequisites

The Fundamentals of Computer Science course is designed for complete beginners with no previous background in computer science. The course is highly visual, dynamic, and interactive, making it engaging for new coders.

Course Breakdown

The full standards alignment can be found at https://codehs.com/standards/framework/SC_FCS/course/6379

Unit 1: Digital Citizenship and Cyber Hygiene (5 weeks/25 hours)

Unit 2: What is Computing? (2 weeks/10 hours)

Unit 3: Programming with Karel (7 weeks, 35 hours)

Unit 4: Karel Challenges (2 weeks, 10 hours)

Unit 5: Networks and the Internet (3 weeks/15 hours)

Unit 6: JavaScript & Graphics (2 weeks, 10 hours)

Unit 7: Graphics Challenges - (2 weeks, 10 hours)

Unit 8: Web Development (3 weeks, 15 hours)

Unit 9: Computer Science Careers (1 week, 5 hours)

Unit 10: Final Project (2-4 weeks, 10-20 hours)