Intro to Computer Science Syllabus

Instructor: Jon Kitagawa Room: C102 Email: jon.kitagawa@k12.hi.us

Course Description

Intro to Computer Science is a fun and hands-on course for students in grades 6 to 8. In this class, you’ll learn how to solve problems, think like a computer scientist, and create your own projects like websites, apps, animations, games, and even interactive devices. We’ll explore cool topics like programming, design, and how computers interact with the real world. Along the way, you’ll use real coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build things that matter to you.

Units of Exploration

This course will cover the following CS Discoveries Units.

Unit 1: Problem solving & Computing

Unit 2: Web Development

Unit 3: Interactive Games and Animations

Standards

This course addresses the following standards frameworks. Click to learn more about how the standards are applied:

Required Course Materials

Charged Computer
Code.org account
Pencil and/or Pen
Agenda or Planner

Additional Recommended Materials

Wired headphones or earbuds
Wired mouse

Assignments & Grading

🧠 Practice Lessons (in Each Unit)

Every unit starts with smaller lessons and activities that help you explore new computer science ideas step-by-step. These will give you the practice you need before taking on bigger projects.

🛠️ Mini-Projects & Unit Projects

At the end of each unit, you’ll show what you’ve learned by creating a bigger project. These projects have multiple parts, like planning sheets, coding work, and feedback from classmates. You'll use all your skills to bring an idea to life!

💬 Learning Reflections

At the start of most lessons, we’ll have a short journal or class discussion. You’ll get to think about and talk through the main ideas. Sharing your thoughts out loud is part of your learning!

📓 Learning Passport

You’ll keep a planner (your "Learning Passport") to help you stay organized, keep track of assignments, and reflect on your learning habits.

🚫 No Extra Credit

There won’t be extra credit in this class, so do your best on every assignment the first time!

Grading Scale

A 100 - 90%

B 80 - 89%

C 70 - 79%

D 55 - 69%

F 54% and below

Final course grades are rounded to the nearest whole number.

County of Hawaii - Joint Project

This school year, we are teaming up with the County of Hawaiʻi’s Department of Waste Management! 🌱♻️ They will be our real-world client, which means they will give us a special challenge to solve—just like in a real job! The challenge will be all about how we deal with trash and recycling on the Big Island.

PARENTS: The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Waste Management is interested in sharing outstanding student projects through their outreach programs (such as newsletters, websites, or public displays). We will follow the preferences you selected on the school's Publication Permission Form. However, if you would like to grant special permission for your child’s work to be featured beyond what was originally allowed on that form, please send me written permission stating your approval. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. Thank you for your support!

Late Work Policy

Each lesson helps you get ready for the next one. That means it's important to do them in order so you don’t miss anything important. Therefore, late work is accepted throughout the year; however, students can expect a 20% penalty for each week the assignment is turned in late with a maximum of a 40% penalty.

Students will be informed of the absolute last day to turn in assignments for the grading period. Generally, this date is one week prior to the last day of the grading period. If assignments are submitted late, they may not be graded immediately.

Work Revision Policy

If a student receives an undesirable grade, the student may redo the assignment and resubmit it for a new grade. If this is utilized, assignments may not necessarily be regraded immediately.

Classroom Expectations

1. ALOHA: Treat others and their property with respect, dignity, and kindness.
2. RESPONSIBLE: Follow directions quickly & without complaint. Come to class prepared with all of your required materials.
3. ENGAGED: Behave in a way that allows yourself and others to learn.

Backpack Storage

In order to keep the walkways and desktops accessible and safe for students and to provide a distraction free environment all school backpacks are to be placed in the backpack storage lockers.

Bathroom & Water Policy

Teacher discretion about appropriate times to go the restroom / get water.
Sign out using the Minga Hallpass App.
Take the restroom pass with you.
Sign in using the Minga Hallpass App.

Whenever possible use the restroom during passing, recess, and lunch blocks. Parents will be informed about excessive restroom visits during instructional time.

The school-wide policy is that students are not permitted to use the restroom in the first and last ten minutes.

Personal Electronic Device (Cellphone) Policy

This classroom does not allow the use of mobile phones at any time during instruction. All coursework can be completed using the school issued computer. Personal Electronic devices will be confiscated using the following classroom protocol.

Devices found outside of the students "Yondr" pouch will be immediately confiscated and sent to the office for pick up. Refusal to turn in the device will result in a disciplinary referral.

Ethical User of Technology

Students are expected to use their computers ethically and responsibly during class time. This classroom utilizes GoGuardian monitoring in order to help students stay on task by filtering off-task websites. This means that students should only use their computers to complete learning assignments and NOT consume entertainment media (watch YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Netflix, play online games) during instructional time. Students will receive a disciplinary referral for technology misuse if they are found to be "avoiding" the content filters set up during class time.

If your computer access is taken away by the school or your parents, you are still accountable for all of the work assigned. As this is a Computer-based class it is impossible to provide alternate assignments for students who lose the privledge of using their school computers.

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