This course is centered on two robotics competitions; one that takes place in the winter and a second competition that takes place in the spring. Students in this course will work together to design, build, and test a robot to compete at each meet. Along the way, students will develop skills in electronics, computer programming, mechanical design, Computer Aided Drawing (CAD), business, marketing, and teamwork. All students play an active role on the team and specialize in one area while learning a little bit about all areas. Students should see themselves as part of a company working together to design, build, market, and deliver an excellent product.

Students in this class are exposed to multiple programming languages as they learn about multiple themes within the realm of computing. Topics such as robotics, databases, mobile applications, and software development will be explored in an activity, project, problem-based learning model. This course fulfills the requirement of a group 4 subject for IB Diploma candidates.

This course gives students a broad exposure to the many aspects of digital and information security, while encouraging socially responsible choices and ethical behavior. It inspires algorithmic thinking, computational thinking, and especially, “outside-the-box” thinking. Students explore the many educational and career paths available to cyber security experts, as well as other careers that comprise the field of information security. The course includes problem-based learning, where students role-play as cyber security experts and train as cyber security experts train.

During this course, students complete two collaborative programming projects and an individual research and writing project on the impact of a recent, computing innovation that appeals to the student. These projects conform to the College Board's two performance tasks on programming and impact. The emerging CS Principles AP course will use these performance tasks, in addition to a written exam, as a primary means for a student to demonstrate what they've learned. Projects and problems include app development, visualization of data, cybersecurity, and simulation. This course is aligned with the curriculum for AP® Computer Science Principles (AP CSP). Students will be prepared to take this exam upon completion of the course.