Computer Technology

Elective Courses

Apps for Good

(HS110000, SCED 10199) ๐Ÿ’ป 0.5 credit

Semester

In this introductory computer science course, students are introduced to the basic principles and constructs of computer science by building mobile apps. They design and build a series of apps using MIT App Inventor, a block-based programming language, and then run and test them on Android and iOS mobile devices. In the culminating project they identify a problem in their community and then work in teams to solve it by building a mobile app and a plan to launch the app. Students work through the stages of launching a mobile app startup including; ideation: by identifying the problem, creating with technology: by developing the mobile app solution, entrepreneurship: by building a business plan to launch the app, and presentation: by developing a pitch to promote the app. Fully fledged projects are eligible to enter local and global app competitions including the Technovation Challenge and the Congressional App Challenge.

eTextiles and Wearable Electronics

(HS110001, SCED 10199) ๐Ÿ’ป 0.5 credit

Semester

In todayโ€™s technology enabled world computer science is embedded into everything we do and use. In this course students will combine the STEAM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) with computing, crafting and construction. Students will use their creativity to design and make wearable technologies, interactive art and micro-controlled projects using micro:bits, Circuit Playground Express, and LilyPad ProtoSnap. The focus of this introductory computer science course is on developing computational thinking skills and using basic computer science concepts. Block-based programming languages will be used for project development. Students will keep a portfolio of their work in a website that they create.

JAVA: Introduction to Computer Science

(HS110002, SCED 10199) ๐Ÿ’ป 0.5 credit

Semester

This course is an introduction to computer science where students will be introduced to a survey of programming using Java. The basic concepts and elements of object-oriented programming and design will be explored while emphasizing the development cycle as a means of creating applications. Students will gain experience illustrating well-written programs and documentation according to accepted industry standards. Additionally, the students will be encouraged to work both independently and collaboratively to solve practical problems that illustrate application building technique.

Note: We believe that the successful completion of Algebra I with a "B" or better is an essential foundation for those electing to take this course.

Robotics Research & Development

(HS110003, SCED 21009) ๐Ÿ’ป 0.5 credit

Semester

Through the use of VEX robotics, students will build autonomous mobile robots and program their controller to perform assigned tasks. The academic emphasis of this class is on problem solving skills. Students will engage in design challenges to learn the basics about engineering of robotics and the programming of their behaviors. They will learn about mechanical engineering principles and write programs using ROBOTIC software. Students will be introduced to visual programming concepts and design programs containing loops, decision-making capabilities, inputs, outputs, and variables.

Video Game Design and Development Using Game Maker

(HS110004, SCED 10160) ๐Ÿ’ป 0.5 credit

Semester

This course is an introductory level game design/development class that does not require a background in computer programming. Students will explore video game development using the game creation software application, Game Maker. Students will also learn to create original graphics using the Corel graphics software application. Additionally. students will utilize sound engineering software to create and edit original sounds for games. Students will work independently and in teams to create a wide variety of video games.

Advanced Video Game Design and Development Using Game Maker

(HS110005, SCED 10160) ๐Ÿ’ป 0.5 credit

Semester

This course is a continuation of Video Game and Design. Students will explore and expand their understanding of video game design using the game creation software application, Game Maker. Students will analyze and compare games, make advanced animations, multiplayer games, and will learn the basics of script. Students will produce complex games in this course.

Web Development

(HS110006, SCED 10201) ๐Ÿ’ป 0.5 credit

Semester

Students enrolled in this course will be offered the opportunity to learn how to create and maintain a website. Emphasis will be placed on proper developmental techniques, on working with client regarding design and implementation of topics, on appropriate use of multimedia applets, and on security and ethical considerations. Various web development tools will be used.

CS4RI- AP Computer Science Principles

(HS110007, SCED 10019) ๐Ÿ› ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ’ป 1 credit

Full Year

AP CS Principles (CSP) introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. It is meant to be an inviting introduction to computer science for a diverse population of students by providing broad appeal and breaking down stereotypes about what it means to be a computer scientist and what it means to do computer science. It covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing.

Note: This course is the second in the three course CS4RI High School Grant sequence which includes: ICDS, AP CSP, and AP CSA.

This AP CSP course can earn students (who elect to do so) 4 URI college credits through the URI CS Concurrent Enrollment Program.

CS4RI- Introduction to Computer and Data Science

(HS110008, SCED 10012) ๐Ÿ› ๐Ÿ’ป 0.5 credit

Semester

Introduction to Computing and Data Science, ICDS, is a one semester course for all students (not just those interested in computer science as a career) that introduces computer programming in an engaging, fun, creative way and provides the computational thinking skills of programming, algorithm development, simulation and data analysis that can be used in other classes, such as NGSS science classes.

Note: This course is the first in the three course CS4RI High School Grant sequence which includes: ICDS, AP CSP, and AP CSA.

This ICDS course can earn students (who elect to do so) 4 transferrable URI college credits through the URI CS Concurrent Enrollment Program.

Computer Science Pathway Courses

PLTW Computer Science Essentials

(HS110009, SCED 10013) ๐Ÿ’ป 1 credit

Full Year

Compute r Science Essentials exposes students to a diverse set of computational thinking concepts, fundamentals, and tools, allowing them to gain understanding and build confidence. Students use visual, block-based programming and seamlessly transition to text-based programming with languages such as Python to create apps and develop websites, and learn how to make computers work together to put their design into practice. They apply computational thinking practices, build their vocabulary, and collaborate just as computing professionals do to create products that address topics and problems important to them.


Note: This course is a foundation course in the Computer Science Pathway

PLTW AP Computer Science Principles

(HS110010, SCED 10015) ๐Ÿ›๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ’ป 1 credit

Full Year

Using Python, as a primary tool and incorporating multiple platforms and languages for computation, this course aims to develop computational thinking, generate excitement about career paths the utilize computing, and introduce professional tools that foster creativity and collaboration. CSP helps students develop programming expertise and explore the workings of the Internet. Projects and problems include app development, visualization of data, cyber security. and simulation. The course curriculum is a College Board-approved implementation of AP CS Principles.


Note: This course is a foundation course in the Computer Science Pathway and a specialization course in the Engineering Pathway.

PLTW AP Computer Science A

(HS110011, SCED 10014) ๐Ÿ›๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ’ป 1 credit

Full Year

Throughout the Computer Science A course experience, students cultivate their understanding of coding through analyzing, writing, and testing code as they explore concepts like modularity, variables, arrays, and control structures. Fundamental topics in this course include the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, arrays and algorithms, condition and logic, two-d arrays, arrayLists and String methods, method decomposition and recursion, and searching and sorting the development and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language. PLTW is recognized by the College Board as an endorsed provider of curriculum and professional development for APยฎ Computer Science A (AP CSA). This endorsement affirms that all components of PLTW CSAโ€™s offerings are aligned to the AP Curriculum Framework standards and the AP CSA assessment.


Note: This course is a foundation course in the Computer Science Pathway.

PLTW Cybersecurity

(HS110012, SCED 10016) ๐Ÿ› ๐Ÿ’ป 1 credit

Full Year

Cybersecurity introduces the tools and concepts of cybersecurity and encourages students to create solutions that allow people to share computing resources while protecting privacy. Nationally, computational resources are vulnerable and frequently attacked; in Cybersecurity, students solve problems by understanding and closing these vulnerabilities. This course raises students' knowledge of and commitment to ethical computing behavior. It also aims to develop students' skills as consumers, friends, citizens, and employees who can effectively contribute to communities with a dependable cyber-infrastructure that moves and processes information safely.


Note: This course is a capstone course in the Computer Science Pathway.