Welcome to the Course Programming 11

Instructor: Mr. T Linburg

Email contact info: telinburg@sd43.bc.ca

In this class, we’re going to explore the world of programming by learning different programming languages, creating computer games, and building our own programs. You’ll have lots of opportunities to take what you learn and turn your own ideas into something that actually works! Along the way, we’ll develop your problem-solving and logical thinking skills while exploring different areas of computer science and data science. You don’t need to be an expert coming into this course — the goal is to learn, experiment, make mistakes, and gradually become more confident with technology and programming. 

Much of your work will be independent, but there will also be plenty of opportunities to work with classmates, share ideas, and help each other out. Being able to work on your own is important, but so is being able to communicate and collaborate with others. Most importantly, we’re going to try and have as fun as possible! Programming is about being creative, trying new things, solving problems, and sometimes figuring out why your code suddenly decided not to cooperate. 😄By the end of the course, my hope is that you’ll have developed some useful programming skills, created some cool projects, and discovered just how much you can do with code.

In Computer Programming 11 we cover the following: 

• Computer Science fundamentals / new advances in software design /  machine learning and artificial intelligence concepts

• Computational Thinking / coding problem solving strategies / large project management skills (how to deal with technical 'setbacks') and apply new technical learning?

• Web Development - HTML / CSS / JavaScript 'snippets' and related applications

• Java - Intoduction to 'classic programming' - collection of smaller 'mini apps' and large scale app production

• Python - how to write projects and create video games using Python coding structures and GUI's

Drop Box - Programming 11 - Block 1 (spreadsheet only)

Technical course info...(for reference) 

Create a one Drive share link - create an 'on line' spreadsheet for sharing course assignments 

Create and Share links in ONE drive - A 'how to' guide

Example - T Linburg - (using Google Sheets - but you could use your Microsoft version of Excel) 

Version I - requires a Google Sign-in

T Linburg - grade and assessment link spreadsheet (adjust the share permissions to allow Mr. Linburg to edit) 

Version II - shouldn't require a google sign-in 

• T Linburg - grade and assessment link VERSION 2 - Spreadsheet

Instructions: 

1. Download an Excel version 

2. Rename the file "Last Name / First Name" - Course - Block  

3. Change permissions to allow Mr. LInburg access - so search 'tel...' - give me EDIT permissions

4. Drop this spreadsheet into the hand in box and then add in One Drive Share links as you complete course assignments. 

5. It is YOUR responsibility to keep this spreadsheet updated as you complete assignments 

Module # 2       Introduction to HTML and CSS coding structures (coding practice structures) 

Part One - Structured HTML and CSS practice with Code Academy (# 3 )

In order to give us all a common foundational structure with HTML and CSS, we will be completing a series of practice modules using

Code Academy

Sign up for an account and then begin to work on the following:

• introductory modules of HTML  - complete all the "free" sections

• introductory chapters of CSS (Cascade Style sheets) 1 - 4 ONLY, the rest is NOT required.

When you have completed a section please "Print Screen" and then CTRL V in MS word (or use the snipping tool). At the end of the modules, submit a WORD document with the screen shots as proof that you have completed all the sections. Please include your individual account info.

Part Two - W3 for schools familiarizing yourself with a 'definitive' web design resource (do not submit - for information only)

Please do the following TWO exercises from this resource (W3schools - an essential resource you that will be VERY helpful when we code our web sites!)

• CSS syntax

• CSS navigation bar

Extra Resources and Help Guides

Getting to know CSS / HTML and CSS resources for beginners

Module # 1  Introduction to Computer Science and hardware and networks - 

Due: Friday, September 18th

Assignment 1 - How Does a Computer Work?

The Big Question

What actually happens inside a computer when you run a program? Before we start programming, it helps to understand what is happening “under the hood.”

Your Task

Create a digital infographic that explains, in simple terms, how a computer works.

Your infographic should give a big-picture snapshot of how hardware, software, data and programming work together.

Your infographic must:

• Explain all four topics below

• Use your own words — no copy and paste

• Include at least 5 relevant graphics, diagrams or illustrations

• Show some connections between the four topics

• Include a Sources/References section

• Be clear, accurate, visually interesting and easy to follow

Infographic Tools

You may use any approved tool. Some good options include:

• Piktochart  (*) - If you make your infographic with this program you MUST EITHER DOWNLOAD IT OR USE THE 'SNIP IT' tool to take a picture of your assignment as it will be deleted from their server after ONE WEEK! Please be sure to do this last step (put it in your assignment folder and hand in as a one drive link)  

• Canva Infographic Maker

• Adobe Express Infographic Maker

The Four Topics to Research

1. Hardware & Software

Explore the relationship between the physical computer and the programs that run on it.

Consider:

• What is hardware and what is software?

• How do they work together?

• What happens when you open or run a program?

• What role does the operating system play?

Think about:
What happens between clicking an app and seeing it appear on your screen?

Start here:
How Computers Work — Explain That Stuff

Hardware & Software — Khan Academy / How a computer works (video)

2. Binary — How Computers Represent Information

Explore why computers use 0s and 1s to represent information.

Consider:

• Why do computers use binary/base 2?

• What are bits and bytes?

• How can binary represent things such as numbers, letters, images and sound?

Think about:
How can something like the letter A be turned into information a computer can process?

Start here:
Science Friday — Write Your Name in Binary  / How Binary works (TED)

Khan Academy — Binary Data  / How does binary code work (video)

3. Programming Languages

Explore how the code written by programmers eventually becomes instructions a computer can execute.

Consider:

• What is a programming language, and why are there so many?

• What is the difference between high-level and low-level languages?

• How does something written in Python, Java, C++ or another language eventually become instructions the computer can understand?

Think about:
What is the journey from your code → computer instructions?

Start here:
Levels of Programming Languages / Types of Programming Languages (video) 

CS50 — Programming & Machine Code

4. CPU & Memory

Explore how the computer processes instructions and data.

Consider:

• What does the CPU actually do?

• What is RAM, and why does a computer need it?

• How do the CPU and RAM work together when a program is running?

• What is the basic idea behind fetch → decode → execute?

Think about:
If you open a game or program, what are the CPU and RAM actually doing?

Start here:
How Does a CPU Work?  / The Engineering that runs the digital world (a deep dive) / How Graphics Cards work (deep dive)

Khan Academy — CPU /  'The Fetch-Execute' Cycle

Putting It All Together...

The four topics are not separate. They are pieces of the same process.

Try to show some of these connections in your infographic:

• You run a program
  ↓
  Software provides instructions
  ↓
  The program is loaded into memory
  ↓
  The CPU processes instructions
  ↓
  The computer works with binary data
  ↓
  Hardware produces an output

• You don't have to use this exact sequence. Your job is to create your own clear visual explanation of how the pieces fit together.

A Final Reminder

Don't just collect information. Make it understandable.

Good infographics don't try to say everything. They identify the important ideas, explain them clearly, and use visuals to help the reader understand.

Ask yourself:

Could another Grade 11/12 student look at my infographic and actually understand how a computer works?

Clear. Visual. Accurate. Simple.

Assignment #2 — How the Internet Works

Due: Monday - September 21th

The Big Question

When you open a website or use an app on your phone, how does the information travel from somewhere in the world to your screen?

The Internet may seem invisible, but it depends on a huge network of devices, routers, servers, data centres, wireless networks and cables working together.

Your Task  (Proficient) 

Using the example below, explain step-by-step what happens when you type a website address into your browser and press Enter.

Your explanation should include:

1. Your device — computer or phone

2. Wi-Fi or cellular network — connecting your device to the Internet

3. Router and Internet Service Provider (ISP)

4. DNS — finding the IP address of the website

5. Routers and data packets — directing information across the Internet

6. Fibre-optic cables and Internet backbone — carrying information long distances

7. Servers and data centres — where websites and information are stored

8. The return journey — how the information gets back to your device

You may make a diagram or you could have a combination of infographic (written text and images) using any platform you wish or even MS word. Copying long technical responses will result in a '0' score. I'd rather see you express your ideas in your own words in your own format. I'm more interested in how you express yourself instead of hearing how an 'MIT prof explains it'. 

Extending  

Choose one modern development that is changing the Internet and briefly explain what it is and why it matters.

Choose from:

• 🤖Large Language Models 

• ☁️ Cloud computing and data centres

• 🛰️ Starlink and satellite Internet

• 📱 5G and mobile networks

• ⚡ Fibre-optic Internet

• 🔐 Internet security and encryption

• 📊 Internet of Things (IoT)

Resources

• 🌐 The World's First Website — CERN

• 🕸️ The History of the Web — CERN

• 📦 How Data Moves Across the Internet — Washington Post

• 💻 How the Internet Works — HP

• 📺 History of the Internet — BBC — 4:44

• 🏢 What Drives the Internet Today? — Google Data Centre — 5:27

• 🌎 How the Internet Works — Fibre Optics — 43 min

• 🛰️ How Starlink Works — video

• 📡 Starlink Explained — CNET