Computer Science

The Plumb Hill Middle School technology and computer science pathway will focus on incorporating each of the Pillars of computer science each year - Impacts and Ethics, Inclusive Collaboration, Computational Thinking, and Human-Centered Design. These are supported by the dispositions of critical thinking, persistence, reflectiveness, resourcefulness, curiosity, creativity, and sense of belonging in CS as students develop critical thinking skills in their growth as Bobcats. The courses will focus on the Topic Areas Algorithms, Programming, Data and Analysis, Computing Systems and Security, and Preparation for the Future as they continue on the CS pathway and will fully prepare students for the computer-centered society in which we live.

Introduction to Engineering and Technology 6 - Quarter

This course is centered on coding and engineering and design with support for numeracy and critical thinking. With an emphasis on programming, the iterative design process, and introduction to three-dimensional designs, students will be introduced to topics and techniques that will serve them as they pursue coursework in computer science, engineering, or technology education pathways. Students will be encouraged to take risks with their learning and explore areas of interest within the field. 

Artificial Intelligence and Creative Computer Science 7 - Semester

This course is centered on two different quarters - the first presenting a more unplugged lesson surrounding machine learning and artificial intelligence with the second quarter focusing on the creative applications of computer science and utilizing development and building in the largest Internet of Things areas - app development and website design. This course is intended to help build off of foundations and interests presented in Introduction to Engineering and Technology  by looking at two different sectors - both the rising machine learning presence as well as the opportunities to create and develop.

CS Fundamentals - Programming in Python 8 - Semester

This course is designed to offer an introduction to computer science. Students will learn the basics of computer programming along with the basics of computer science. The material emphasizes computational thinking and helps develop the ability to solve complex problems.

This course covers the basic building blocks of programming along with other central elements of computer science. It gives a foundation in the tools used in computer science and prepares students for further study in computer science.

Additionally, topics covered will include digital citizenship, the ethics and applications of machine learning, and an exploration of computer hardware. 

Game Development 7/8  - Semester

This course will take what was introduced in previous years and coding experiences and expand it into other programs, languages, and engines. With an emphasis on not only how games are made and parts of the game, but also the industry and elements such as sprite design, backgrounds, and music, students will get a preview of the process that goes into creating and developing a game. 

Cybersecurity and Applications in Computer Science 7/8 - Semester

This course will focus on two key themes: cybersecurity and data science. The first quarter will provide students with a deeper dive into cybersecurity with an examination of the CIA Triad’s work, traditional scams, protecting user accounts and data, and how data is stored and secured. The second quarter will examine data science, Big Data, and the Internet of Things as students examine how networks are constructed and secured and how data is everywhere around them. 

Introduction to Technology 7/8 - Semester

This course will center on exploring the applied design process with an emphasis on planning, design, and refining the solution. Students will be asked to draft, build, analyze, and revise in various arenas such as bridge construction, robotics, robotics courses, and their own inventions.