Computer Science
EXPLORE COMPUTER SCIENCE - TechVoyage: Journey into Digital Exploration
A Level
Grades 9-12
BTCS50 - A Level -½ Elective Credit - ½ Year
No experience necessary! This class gives an overview of many different topics/skills of computer science. Topics will include:
Fly and program a drone to fly autonomously
Build robots that can perform different jobs
Program a robot to autonomously navigate and sense items in a ring
Learn to operate and print with a 3D printer
Create videos and images with green screen technology
This class may be repeated for credit.
ESPORTS: Mastering the digital arena. Business, Technology, and Culture through eSports
A LEVEL
Grades 9-12
BTBA31H - ½ Elective Credit - ½ Year
Competitive gaming (eSports) has grown to become a billion dollar industry which has created the possibility of lucrative careers for players and scholarships to play eSports at the collegiate level. Explore the dynamic and rapidly growing world of esports in our engaging "Business, Technology, and Culture through eSports" class. This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of competitive gaming, its cultural impact, and the various components that contribute to the esports ecosystem. In this course, students will explore:
the history of gaming
the process of designing, coding, and creating a game
the marketing strategies, media coverage, and financial aspects of the industry
the career options and technological opportunities in the emerging field
Students will have opportunities to develop and strengthen their problem-solving, time-management, communication, and collaboration skills as they practice and compete in team games that are approved by the Massachusetts Schools Administrators' Association eSports program: Rocket League and Super Smash Bros. Whether you're an avid gamer or interested in the business and cultural aspects of esports, this course offers a well-rounded exploration of this exciting and evolving field.
COMPETITIVE ROBOTICS: VexSphere: Diving into Robotic Competitions
HONORS
Grades 9-12
BTCS51 - ½ Elective Credit
This class takes a deeper dive into Vex Robotics. Designing, constructing, and programming competitive Vex robots-- this class is guaranteed to be a fun challenge. This is a different type of class that is project-based, hands-on, and collaborative.
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES (CSP): CodeSphere: Delving into Computing Concepts
Grades 10 - 12 (*grade 9 students by invitation only)
BTCS39 - 1 Elective Credit - Full Year
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Computer science is everywhere, from our smartphones and video games to music, medicine, and much more. AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP) can help you understand how computing and technology influence the world around you. Learn how to creatively address real-world issues while using the same tools and processes that artists, writers, computer scientists, and engineers use to bring ideas to life. In this course, students will study the fundamentals of computing, including problem solving, working with data, understanding the Internet, cyber-security, and programming. The goal is to broaden one's understanding of computer science for use in a diversity of majors and careers.
All students enrolled are required to take the AP exam in May for which there is a fee of $98.00.
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A (Java): JavaVision: Channeling Coding Excellence
Grades 10 - 12
BTCS43 - 1 Elective Credit - Full Year
Prerequisite: AP CSP or a previous programming class.
AP Computer Science A is an introductory college-level computer science course. Students cultivate their understanding of coding through analyzing, writing, and testing code as they explore concepts like modularity, variables, and control structures. (from AP Central)
All students enrolled are required to take the AP exam in May for which there is a fee of $98.00.
FUNDAMENTALS of PROGRAMMING USING PYTHON - PythonVoyage: Mastering Python Basics
HONORS
Grades 9 - 12
BTCS38H - ½ Elective Credit - ½ Year Fall, ½ Year Spring
This course is an introduction to the Python programming language for students without prior programming experience. Students will learn how to program Python through music, art, and real life applications. In this course, the fundamentals of variables, arithmetic operations and expressions, decision constructs, arrays, functions, data types, character strings, and two dimensional arrays will be covered. According to a recent survey from the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), Python has overtaken Java as the programming language of choice to introduce students to computer science at top US universities.
MIT AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES - Part I
HONORS
Grades 10 - 12
BTCS41 - ½ Elective Credit, Fall & Spring
Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP CSP, AP CSA, Java, or Python. Honors level work is required.
This course is based on the MIT Lincoln Labs Mini Racecar program. The Fall course begins with a fast paced, in depth introduction to Python 3 and a basic introduction to the Linux operating system, the programming language and operating system used by the racecar. Projects include programming control of the racecar motion and techniques to control the race car based on processing of camera images. A final challenge is successfully navigating a slalom course (see Curriculum Phase 1.) Code is developed and tested on a race car simulator and once refined can be run on an actual race car. Where appropriate students are encouraged to collaborate on coding and problem solving. The pace of the course will require student initiative and work outside of class.
DATA SCIENCE - Algorithmia: Analyzing Data Science with Python
HONORS
Grades 11-12
BTBA30H - ½ Elective Credit - ½ Year
Data is being collected everywhere and all the time! This course is an exciting introduction to the fundamental concepts and applications of data analysis with coding, designed specifically for students eager to discover the secrets hidden within data. This course equips students with the essential skills for the data-driven future. which include data collection, cleanup, transformation, analysis, and visualization. Students will write algorithms, tell data stories, and build statistical models using Python coding.
Whether you have an interest in coding or mathematics, this course offers a well-rounded exploration of this exciting and evolving field that drives informed decisions in our dynamic world!