CTE Computer Science Course Pathway
CTE Pathway for:
Software and Systems Development
Information and Communication Technologies Sector
Introductory Course (9th or 10th Grade):
Exploring Computer Science: This course will provide students with a foundational knowledge of computer science. Students will explore topics in Computing Systems, Networks and Internet, Data and Analysis, Algorithms and Programming, and Impacts of Computing. Throughout the course students will understand algorithm development related to computer applications and gain technical expertise using computational tools.
(SEE BELOW FOR SUMMARY OF UNITS COVERED IN THIS COURSE)
Concentrator Course (10th or 11th Grade):
AP Computer Science Principles: AP Computer Science Principles offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation. The course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles also gives students the opportunity to use current technologies to create computational artifacts for both self-expression and problem solving. Together, these aspects of the course make up a rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science.
Capstone Course (11th or 12th Grade):
AP Computer Science A: AP Computer Science A is equivalent to a first-semester, college-level course in computer science. The course introduces students to computer science with fundamental topics that include problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing. The course emphasizes both object-oriented and imperative problem solving and design using Java language. These techniques represent proven approaches for developing solutions that can scale up from small, simple problems to large, complex problems. The AP Computer Science A course curriculum is compatible with many CS1 courses in colleges and universities.
EXPLORING COMPUTER SCIENCE
Summary of Course Units
Each of the six units will be composed of various activities and projects and most will culminate with a final unit project.
Human Computer Interaction: In this unit students are introduced to the concepts of computer and computing while investigating the major components of computers and the suitability of these components for particular applications.
Problem Solving: This unit provides students with opportunities to become “computational thinkers” by applying a variety of problem-solving techniques as they create solutions to problems that are situated in a variety of contexts.
Web Design: This section prepares students to take the role of a developer by expanding their knowledge of algorithms, abstraction, and web page design and applying it to the creation of web pages and documentation for users and equipment.
Programming: Students are introduced to some basic issues associated with program design and development. Students design algorithms and create programming solutions to a variety of computational problems using an iterative development process.
Computing and Data Analysis: In this unit students explore how computing has facilitated new methods of managing and interpreting data.
Robotics: This unit introduces robotics as an advanced application of computer science that can be used to solve problems in a variety of settings from business to healthcare and how robotics enables innovation by automating processes that may be dangerous or otherwise problematic for humans.