Intro to Computer Science
@ TKS

 The Course framework aims to cover the following essential Computational Thinking Practices:

1. Computational Solution Design: Design and evaluate computational solutions for a purpose. 

2. Algorithms and Program Development: Develop and implement algorithms. 

3. Abstraction in Program Development:  Develop programs that incorporate abstractions. 

4. Code Analysis: Evaluate and test algorithms and programs. 

5. Computing Innovations: Investigate computing innovations. 

6. Responsible Computing: Contribute to an inclusive, safe, collaborative, and ethical computing culture. 

Course grades will be calculated from formative and summative assessments targeting the following Design Criteria:

• • Criteria A: Inquiring and analysing - Students are presented with a software design situation, from which they identify a problem that needs to be solved. They analyse the need for a solution and conduct an inquiry into the nature of the problem.

  • Criteria B: Developing ideas - Students write a detailed specification and planning, which drives the development of a solution. They present the solution through diagrams and tables.

  • Criteria C: Creating the solution - Students code the chosen solution and follow the plan to create a prototype ready for testing and evaluation.

  • Criteria D: Evaluating - Students design tests to evaluate the solution, carry out those tests and objectively evaluate its success. Students identify areas where the solution could be improved and explain how their solution will impact on the client or target audience.

Grade Breakdown

• • Each criterion has eight possible achievement levels (1–8), divided into four bands that generally represent limited (1–2); adequate (3–4); substantial (5–6); and excellent (7–8) performance. Each band has its own unique descriptor that teachers use to make “best-fit” judgments about students’ progress and achievement.  Bands and descriptors canbe found in the Intro to Computer Science specific MYP Design Rubric.  Each criteria will represent 25% of the final grade.

  • The final grade is given in a 1-7 scale using the MYP conversion below:

Formative Assessments:

Students will complete short programming labs graded on Criteria C and class assignments on criteria A, B and D that will have formative nature and influence the final grade.  Formative assessments are majoritarily class work that should be completed during school and might overflow as homework if students which to improve their work.

Summative Assessments:

Unit Project: Students will complete three main projects during the semester (one per unit).  These projects will cover all 4 criterias and will provide an opportunity to students to put their knowledge and skills into practice.

Oral examination of code: Students will be required to justify their code at the end of each unit.  The oral examination may look like a fair style presentation for peers, or an inidividual presentation to the teacher.  The oral examination will be assessed using the Oral Examination for Code Rubric

Unit Quiz: Additionally students will complete 3 separate quizzed (one per unit) that will require hand-written responses regarding Computer Science knowledge  and understanding of programming principles.

ONE Principle:  RESPECT EACH OTHER - details here

Attendance: Respect our time together. Really show up for class

Communication: Respect by using appropriate tool available (email, google chat, toddle, google site)

Respect by communicating respectfully.

Class behavior: Respect your and others’ learning (bathroom, dress code, cellphone, notes, class participation, collaboration)