computer science

1153 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER PROGRAMMING THROUGH PYTHON

Length of course:  Semester

Credit:  .5

Grade 9 -12

Weight: 3 (CP)

Pathway: All

This course is an introduction to text based computer programming and beginner computer science principles. Students will learn fundamental programming structures as well as programming style, format, design, and debugging techniques. Students will develop basic algorithmic processes to create user interface projects as used in real world applications. This course will include an introduction to graphic animation, as well as physical computing with the Micro:Bit. Students interested in pursuing advanced robotics courses should take this course. Taking this course concurrently with Robotics I is strongly advised.

1154 AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES (APCS COMPUTER PROGRAMMING 1)

Length of course:  Full Year

Credit:  1.0

Grade 9 -12

Weight: 5 (AP)

Pathway: ALL

PREREQUISITE: Algebra 1

Computer science is weaved through a broad range of disciplines, career fields and industry. The AP Computer Science Principles course introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. In this course, students will learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. Students will focus on the innovative aspects of computing and the computational thinking that helps students make connections to their everyday lives. Topics include but are not limited to computer systems, data sets, security, algorithms and programming, and the impact of computing. No previous programming experience is required for this course. This course will use the Python language. Successful completion of the course prepares students to continue the study of computer science. AP Computer Science Principles is equivalent to a first-semester, college-level breadth course in computer science.

1143 COMPUTER PROGRAMMING 2

Length of course:  Full Year

Credit:  1.0

Grade 10 -12

Weight: 4 (H)

Pathway: ALL

PREREQUISITE: Computer Programming 1 (APCS)

This course is designed to be a continuation of Computer Programming I. Students will continue to study Computer Science principles related to ongoing changes in the field. Students will expand their development of computational algorithms using enhanced decision structures, iterative structures, sorting and searching algorithms, as well as function development. Students will be introduced to concepts related to objects and class development. Through engaging real-life applications, students will refine their programming style, format, design and debugging techniques. Students will use the C++ programming language to study these concepts. 

1145 AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A (COMPUTER PROGRAMMING 3)

Length of course:  Full Year

Credit:  1.0

Grade 11 -12

Weight: 5 (AP)

Pathway: ALL

PREREQUISITE: Geometry & Computer Programming 1 & 2

This course is designed for students who want to further study the field of computer science. Students will incorporate the content and logic of previous courses into JAVA language problems. Emphasis of this AP course is placed on object-oriented programming and class development. This course is equivalent to a first semester college computer science course. At the completion of the course, students may choose to take the A.P. exam in lieu of the course final. A satisfactory score may result in college credit from cooperating institutions. Students are expected to complete long-term projects outside of the classroom. 

1155 INTRODUCTION TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) & MACHINE LEARNING (ML)

Length of course:  Semester

Credit:  .5

Grade 11 -12

Weight: 3 (CP)

Pathway: ALL

PREREQUISITE: minimum of one (1) semester of Python programming, and concurrently enrolled in CP Algebra 2 or higher.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of Computer Science concerned with the designing of computers that make predictions and decisions. This course is ideal for students curious about technology and interested in how AI is shaping industries like healthcare, entertainment, and robotics while considering the ethical challenges that come with it. Through hands-on activities, real-world examples, and engaging projects, students will explore the basics of how AI systems work, how they learn, and how they are shaping our future. The course will also discuss important ethical issues, including AI biases and their potential social impact.

 1146 COMPUTER SCIENCE – CYBERSECURITY

Length of course:  Full Year

Credit:  1.0

Grade 9 -12

Weight: 3 (CP)

Pathway: ALL

PREREQUISITE: CP Algebra 1

Cybersecurity is an increasingly in-demand field of Computer Science. In this course, we will look at the major ideas in the fields of cybersecurity or information assurance. The course design addresses the fundamental implications of technology, the history of securing information and the relationship to the evolution of technology, and the need to securely transmit and store information. This is not a “hacking” class but students will engage with a cyber range tool and examine the ways computers, programs, networks, and people, are exploited by hackers, and what we can do to prevent or minimize the damage caused by bad actors. (Computer programming skills are not required for this class).

1160 INDEPENDENT STUDY COMPUTER SCIENCE

PREREQUISITE:  Student must have prior approval from the Computer Science Teacher and must have previously and satisfactorily completed no less than two courses in the area to be pursued. This being an elective course, students must pay for materials they use for their projects if necessary.

The independent study course is designed to allow students to choose a specific subject area in computer science and pursue it on an intensive basis. Students make their selections from various areas. The student and advisor determine the types of special plans and projects to be pursued. Student-advisor conferences will be arranged according to the student's schedule to evaluate student progress.  Independent Study is offered to provide individual students with the opportunity to explore special talents or interests.  Students will work with a classroom teacher to set personal learning goals and to determine the type of project or learning experience they would like to pursue.  The classroom teacher and student will agree upon and determine the credit value (.5, 1.0) and how a grade will be determined (percentage grade or Pass/Fail). Independent study is designed to supplement a student’s educational pathway but cannot exempt a student from Board approved core graduation requirements.  Students must complete Independent Study paperwork and be approved for the course by a building administrator.