computer science
What is Computer Science?
Computer science is the study of computers and computing as well as their theoretical and practical applications.
What will we do in this class?
Computer Science explores a variety of computational thinking and programming concepts through project-based learning.
The course starts with Snap!, a visual block-based programming language with a robust tool set, perfect for introducing students to coding for the first time. The course is adapted from the
Beauty and Joy of Computing Curriculum developed at the University of California, Berkeley. The course is designed for an introductory high school classroom and the focuses heavily on basic programming components.
In the 2nd semester we will begin learning Python, a high-level, general-purpose programming language. Its design philosophy emphasizes code readability with the use of indentation. Python supports multiple programming paradigms, including structured, object-oriented and functional programming.
The class takes a “hands-on” learning approach in which students' primary means of learning is through discovery, experimentation, and application. Each unit is built around a large, culminating, programming project that exercises the objectives of the unit. Nearly all lessons in the curriculum include a guided activity to allow students to practice with and experience the concepts covered in the lesson first-hand. The lessons provide the skills and support necessary to enable students to complete the project and demonstrate mastery of the unit's objectives.
How can I succeed in this class?
The largest portion of time in each class period will be dedicated to a daily lab that allows students to explore and practice with the day's key topics. Each activity is broken down into several parts, each of which consists of several steps. In general, the steps in a single section build on each other, and each section covers a new topic or new application.
To gauge student understanding, unit quizzes will be given as formative assessments that allow students to revisit topics at the end of the unit to reinforce learning. They are open-book, giving students incentive to take good notes. The quizzes are intended to allow students to reflect on the answers they got wrong in order to learn from their mistakes.
Students will use a spiral notebook every day to record definitions, syntax, programming patterns and examples, to reflect on the work you’re doing, and to plan out approaches to problems before implementation. You can refer to your notes during labs, quizzes and tests. If you are late or absent from class, check in with a partner or teacher to catch up on any notes you missed. Notebook checks will
be every Wednesday and will make up a third of your participation grade.