Along with all STEM fields in sciences (i.e. medical, biology, chemistry and environmental), technology, engineering, and mathematics, technology touches all aspects of our lives in art, music, marketing, mechanics, sports, and psychology. Technology is driven by software (programming). If your pathway will lead to a four-year college, it is recommended that you take Computer Programming 1. If you are choosing a STEM major, then additional programming courses are recommended.
1133 COMPUTER PROGRAMMING 1
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Grade 9 -12
Weight: 3 (CP)
Pathway: All
PREREQUISITE: Algebra 1
This course is designed to introduce students to the principles of Computer Science. Students will learn standard computational algorithms for decision structures, iteration structures and basic searching techniques. Students will learn programming style, format, design, and debugging techniques. Students will create user interface projects as used in real world applications. Students will learn the structure and syntax of the BASIC and Visual Basic programming languages. Any student considering a career in Computer Science (including but not limited to software design, game design, networking); Mathematics, Engineering (including but not limited to computer, mechanical, computer); Environmental, Biological or Behavioral science, should take this course.
1143 COMPUTER PROGRAMMING 2
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Grade 10 -12
Weight: 4 (H)
Pathway: ALL
PREREQUISITE: Computer Programming 1
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 continue to learn computational algorithms using enhanced decision structures, iterative structures as well as sorting and searching algorithms and function development. Students will be introduced to concepts related to graphics development and physical computing. Students will refine their programming style, format, design and debugging techniques. Students will use the Python programming language to study these concepts Students enrolling in this course also have the option of receiving three general education credits through Harrisburg University at a cost of $300.
1145 COMPUTER SCIENCE –AP (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 to study the JAVA programming language. Students will incorporate the logic of BASIC, VB, Python into JAVA problems. Emphasis will be placed on object-oriented programming and class development. This course is equivalent to a one-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 enrolling in this course also have the option of receiving three general education credits through Harrisburg University at a cost of $300.
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 we are looking at 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 the focus of this class).
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.