Computer Science
Computer science plays a significant role in nearly all aspects of our daily lives from medicine, education, and business to entertainment and politics. Our comprehensive sequence of courses develops the foundational skills needed for understanding, using, and creating new technologies that solve problems in the 21st century, no matter the student’s primary area of interest for college and career.
EXPLORING COMPUTER SCIENCE
Grades 9-12 1 year 1 credit (Distance Learning)
This is an introductory course for students with minimal prior experience in computer science. The course presents an overview of the history, principles, and transformative applications of computer science, as well as a comprehensive introduction to programming. Students will start by programming in Netsblox, a friendly graphical language that will allow them to express themselves by creating interactive games, animations, and stories, while learning the fundamentals of computer programming. Students will continue to develop their programming and problem solving skills using the text-based language Python. Finally, students will learn how to design their own website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
Grades 9-12 1 year 1 credit (Distance Learning)
Almost every aspect of daily life is supported by or enabled through computer science. In this course, students will learn the underlying principles of computation. Through hands-on laboratory and project-based experiences, students develop significant programming skills and understanding of computing’s impact on society. Student work addresses real-world problems and leads to the creation of relevant solutions. Students explore computer science’s influence on the arts, sciences, and business, as well as social and economic change. This engaging, problem based course develops problem solving, computational thinking, and algorithmic development skills. Prerequisite: Algebra
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
Grades 9-12 1 year 1 credit (Distance Learning)
3 CHS credits offered through SCCC
This is the AP version of the Computer Science Principles course. In this college-level introduction to computer science, students learn underlying principles of computation through creation of computing applications that address real world problems. Hands-on laboratory and project-based experience develop students’ understanding of abstraction, algorithms, cyber security, programming, large data sets, and the Internet. Students explore computer science’s influence on the arts, sciences, and business, as well as social and economic change. An emphasis is placed on developing problem-solving skills, as well as computational and algorithmic thinking skills. In accordance with AP requirements, students will complete an in-class portfolio assignments and take the AP exam in May. Colleges may grant credit or advanced placement based on AP exam results. Prerequisite: Algebra.
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A (JAVA PROGRAMMING)
Grades 10-12 1 year 1 credit (Distance Learning)
3 CHS credits offered through SCCC
Through hands-on labs and project-based experiences, students learn to design and implement programs in Java that solve complex computing problems relevant to today’s society. This includes the development and analysis of algorithms and fundamental data structures, and the use of logic and formal methods. Students who take the AP CS A course and exam are well prepared to pursue computer science and its integration into a wide array of computing and STEM-related fields. Students take the AP exam in May. Colleges may grant credit or advanced placement based on exam results. Prerequisite: Computer Science Principles or AP Computer Science Principles.
ADVANCED TOPICS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Grades 11-12 1 year 1 credit (Distance Learning)
This course begins as an extension to AP Computer Science A, engaging students in solving increasingly complex problems using the Java programming language and in the study of data structures. The course then extends out to other languages and emerging fields of computer science. For example, these may include SQL and dynamic web programming, data science, and machine learning. Students complete a capstone project in an area of their choice. Prerequisite: AP Computer Science A (Java Programming).