Computer Science

Department Chair: Linda Baily

It is increasingly obvious that the future of our world is digital, and coding languages are the backbone of that interconnected world. Computer skills are no longer just vocational but rather foundational. No matter what fields graduates enter, computer science is often among the skills necessary to succeed. Learning to code provides students with a rich foundation in integral thinking and problem solving skills that will be valuable for future success, regardless of the pursued discipline. The ability to write and understand code becomes more important in a world where computer programs underlie everything from business, marketing, science, and medicine, to the simplest basic daily activities. The rapid pace of technology change creates a need for students to be taught the underlying principles and concepts upon which digital technology is built. Believing in the strength, intellect and vitality of women in computing, the Computer Science Department teaches students how to leverage the power of the computer to implement algorithms for solving problems and engage in creative self-expression.

LOWER SCHOOL

Computer Science 3, Grade level: 3

Computer Science in the third grade introduces students to basic computing terms and concepts, such as what are programs and algorithms, along with what is coding and how computer programs get bugs. Students learn to use computing systems in order to model attributes and behaviors associated with a concept. The accurate use of terminology, as well as the responsible use of technology is emphasized throughout the year. Computer Science introduces third graders to events (an action or occurrence detected by a program) when constructing algorithms. Typical events in third grade include human actions, such as clicking a mouse, or pressing a key, or system occurrences, such as a timer. Third graders learn to use block-based programming, as they develop basic programs that include sequences, loops, and events. Programming with Ozobots enables third graders to create programs based upon a wide range of combinations of four different colors.

Design Technology 3, Grade level: 3

Design Technology is a highly interactive and interdisciplinary program that was developed in the Lower School at Holton-Arms. Design Technology provides students with hands-on experiences in independent and structured problem solving along with the acquisition of basic engineering skills. The various activities emphasize important skills like teamwork and responsibility while also developing personal confidence and perseverance. Design Technology in third grade begins building a solid foundation of specific technical skills as well as habits of the mind for thinking critically, learning continuously and for designing, constructing, testing and improving solutions to all types of problems. Students learn to use science knowledge for background research, technology as a tool to find answers and solutions, the engineering design process to efficiently solve problems, and data analysis to examine ideas critically.

Computer Science 4, Grade level: 4

Computer Science in fourth grade focuses on constructing programs and utilizing algorithms to accomplish a task. Students continue to decompose larger problems into smaller tasks. In fourth grade, students begin to think about the impacts of computing and computing devices. The accurate use of terminology as well as the responsible use of technology will continue to be built upon. The foundational understanding of computing and the use of technology will be an integral component of successful acquisition of skills across content areas. Students continue to use block-based programming to develop basic programs that include sequences, loops and variables. Fourth graders learn how to design objects for 3D printing using Tinkercad and a simplified constructive solid geometry method of constructing models. Fourth graders also expand their programming by working with Spheros. Students again use a block-based, drag-and-drop interface to create a wide variety of actions and variables.

Design Technology 4, Grade level: 4

Design Technology is a highly interactive and interdisciplinary program that was developed in the Lower School at Holton-Arms. Design Technology provides students with hands-on experiences in independent and structured problem solving along with the acquisition of basic engineering skills. The various activities emphasize important skills like teamwork and responsibility while also developing personal confidence and perseverance. Design Technology in fourth grade continues to build a solid foundation of specific technical skills as well as habits of the mind for thinking critically, learning continuously and for designing, constructing, testing and improving solutions to all types of problems. Students continue to use science knowledge for background research, technology as a tool to find answers and solutions, the engineering design process to efficiently solve problems, and data analysis to examine ideas critically.

Computer Science 5, Grade level: 5

In fifth grade, students learn to code using Scratch. Through video tutorials and block based code, students learn to code interactive story books and video games. In conjunction with science, the students also learn to program Lego NV3 robots as a part of their human body project.

Design Technology 5, Grade level: 5

In fifth grade design technology, the major focus is to expose students to the design engineering process, build teamwork, develop communication methods, and deepen their knowledge regarding global and human impacts, and engineering standards. Students dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and technology to hands-on projects like improving an existing product, or by 3D printing solutions to design engineering challenges. By engaging in hands-on, real-world projects, students understand how the material covered in class can be applied in their everyday lives.

Design Technology Studio, Grade level: 6

Design Tech Studio is a STEAM (Science Technology Engineering the Arts & Mathematics) is a pre-engineering skills course that provides students with hands-on experience using the Design Thinking Process. Students explore and create with materials and tools that empower them to shape their environment, develop evaluation skills, and solve real-world problems. In Design Tech Studio, students work collaboratively with others, reflect thoughtfully about the Design Thinking Process, and are encouraged to embrace “failure” and push through design challenges with grit. Each project challenges students to practice and apply creativity, perseverance, and collaboration.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Problem Solving Grade level: 7 (required)

This course is a highly interactive and collaborative introduction to the field of computer science, as framed within the broader pursuit of solving problems. Students develop and adopt a more formal, structured problem-solving process by reflecting on problems they have encountered, both in the classroom and everyday life. By working through a diverse set of problems, such as logic puzzles, engineering challenges, and planning a trip, students learn to identify different classes of problems, decompose large problems, and develop their personal problem-solving skills. The course concludes with students proposing an application that could be used to solve a problem they are passionate about.

Computational Thinking Grade level: 8 (required)

This course gives students an opportunity to strengthen their problem-solving and critical thinking skills through robotics challenges and programming exercises. Students apply computational thinking practices to breakdown complex problems, recognize patterns and make connections, identify important information, and create algorithms to solve problems. This course focuses on programming, modeling, and problem-solving explored through a variety of methods and programs including unplugged exercises. block-based programming, and more advanced text-based programming. The goal of this course is to build students’ confidence in dealing with complexity, persistence in working with difficult problems, and tolerance for ambiguity. In addition, students will learn to approach open-ended problems and communicate and collaborate with others to achieve a common goal.

Art Tech Exploration, Grade level: 7-8

Art Tech Exploration is a project-based class where students will tackle one real-life design challenge within the trimester using lessons in art/design, science, technology, engineering, and math. This one trimester “STEAM” course (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) will build off of the Design Technology classes experienced in the Holton Lower School.

UPPER SCHOOL

Introduction to Computer Science - Evolution, Impact, and Essential Skills (1 Trimester) Grades: 9, 10, 11,12; Credit: 1

This Introduction to Computer Science is a course covering several different areas of computer science including the history of computer science, the digital divide, and a light introduction to programming. The course is highly collaborative and discussion-based with a handful of required readings. The programming portion of the course is taken directly from code.org’s CS Principles curriculum. Taking this class will help any student as they navigate an increasingly digital world.

Web Development (1 Trimester) Grades 9, 10, 11, 12; Credit: 1

In this course, students are challenged to design and develop intermediate-level web pages. Throughout the course, students are exposed to a number of coding challenges, which push their ability to collaborate, tinker, test, and refine their skills. Students will learn the proper use of several basic HTML tags, such as header, paragraph, and images, and list tags, as well as how to layer CSS elements on top of their HTML knowledge. Diving into more complex topics, such as floats, hyperlinks, margins, classes, and IDs, students are challenged to move elements around their web page and create a multi-page website in groups. Some students take the course a step further, exploring the basics of javaScript, an object-oriented programming language commonly used to create interactive effects within websites. At the end of the course, students compile their work to create a personal website they can share.

2D and 3D Computer-Aided Design (1 Trimester) Grades 9, 10, 11, 12; Credit: 1

2D and 3D Computer-Aided Design is an introductory computer science course that will empower students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. In this 1 trimester, minor, asynchronous elective, students will investigate industrial design, computer science, and the problem-solving process, by applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects. Students will work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using 2-D and 3-D modeling software and a variety of prototyping methods including 3D printing.

Robotics and Computer Programming with Python (Winter Trimester), Grade: 11, 12, Credit: 1

The focus of this course will be programming, modeling, and problem solving explored through a variety of methods. Students will develop their technical problem-solving skills using a variety of software. Students will use logic, problem-solving, and programming techniques to create algorithms and functions to solve challenges. Projects will have a group focus and presentations and report summaries will be required for each project.