NOW CALLED: Intermediate Systems Programming

Instructor: Mr. Schultz Contact Information: kevin.schultz@sausd.us  Canvas Class Page (best way to get a hold of me)

Course Description

• This course is designed to introduce students to computer science through project-based learning centered on the essential computer science topics and skills needed to continue in the field of computer science and Information Technologies. To accomplish this students will solve problems and create value for others through innovation and creativity. Explore how innovations in computing impact and connect our world. Students will collaborate to create mobile apps using MIT App Inventor. Develop the code for a VEX autonomous vehicle to complete a driving course. Whether these are your first steps in computer science, or a continuation of your journey, Computer Science Essentials will give you confidence to succeed today and beyond. It is classified as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) class and utilizes a problem-solving approach to apply computer science skills in real-world scenarios. It is also the first foundational course in a larger computer science program being developed on the Segerstrom campus. Successful completion of this class will not only yield valuable academic and real-world skills, it will also allow access to the Computer Science Principles course the following year.

Course Objectives

• Collaborate to create mobile apps.

• Code an Autonomous Driving Vehicle

• Develop understanding of the major computer science concepts

• Increased logical thinking skills, study skills, and awareness of lifetime learning habits.

Class Resources

• Charged Chromebook

• Online Text PLTW

• Canvas: https://sausd.instructure.com/ 

CSE Topics of Study

• 1st Semester

  • 1st 9 Weeks -- Creative Computing -- Building with Blocks

  • 2nd 9 Weeks -- Computing and Society -- Transitioning to Text

• 2nd Semester

  • 3rd 9 weeks -- Solving with Syntax

  • 4th 9 Weeks -- Commuting with a Purpose

    • The core content and curriculum for this class is developed and maintained by the organization Project Lead the Way (PLTW).  If you would like to know more about the PLTW program please visit their website at www.pltw.org and click on the students and parents section.

Grades

• This course is classified (among other things) as a STEM course.  The curriculum works to teach students basic computer science, coding, and program design concepts through activities that parallel real-world scenarios.  As such, the primary mode of the class will be activity and project-based learning.  As such students will be assessed by their completion of assigned activities and projects as well as quizzes and tests.

A:  90% -100%   B:  80% – 89%   C:  70% - 79%   D:  60% - 69%   F:  Below 60%

• A semester grade is cumulative and will include the following components:

Projects:  60% Daily/Textbook Activities & Notebook:  30% Assessments:  10%

• Parents, you can monitor your student’s grade online through the AERIES parent portal.

Class Policies:

• Be in your seat and ready to learn when the bell rings

  • Come with needed supplies for class; Paper, pen/pencil, composition notebook, assignment binder, a scientific calculator, completed assignments.

• Be respectful to yourself, others, and the learning environment.

• No food, gum, or drinks other than bottled water in the classroom.

Late Work Policy

• On Time = 100% complete and turned in by the due date listed.

• Late = 100% complete but turned in after the due date listed. 10% is taken of the grade for each day late. 

  • Eligible to receive up to 50% of original credit.

• Incomplete = Anything that is not 100% complete regardless of when turned in.

  • Receives 0 until it is completed and resubmitted.

Tutoring

• Tutoring will be Thursdays after school. You may also make an appointment to come on Thursdays before school. As teachers we do what we do because we want to help our students learn.  If you need help with ANYTHING please ask.

Academic Dishonesty

• Cheating on any activities, assignments, projects, tests or anything that we turn in for a grade will result in a zero. Students are expected to turn in their own work product for credit.

• Intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help another to commit an act of academic dishonesty will also result in a zero.

Cell Phones & Smart Watches:

• Electronic devices such as cell phones and earphones should not be out or visible at any point during class, unless Mr. Schultz has instructed the students to get them out.

• Smart Watches should not be used to send or receive messages during class.

• Electronic devices such as cellphones, laptops, and tablets will be used in class as tools to enhance the educational experiences.  Students will be expected to use such devices strictly for the educational task at hand and not for texting, taking selfies, or other inappropriate uses. 

• Failure to adhere to the cell phone policy will result in those devices being confiscated and turned over to administration.

Rest Room: 

• You will have 3 restroom passes each semester. Cell phones must be left in the room.  After that you will need to make up the time with a 15 minute detention after school the following Thursday.

Keys for Success:

• Keep up to date with the assignments on the PLTW CSE Textbook.

• Make sure that you are progressing and making the deadlines for the milestones and deliverables for the projects. That means don’t procrastinate