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Computer Science Pathway
 

Computer Science

IST

Introduction to Software Technology

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Introduction to Software Technology is the foundational course for Cloud-Computing, Computer Science, Game Design, Internet of Things, Programming, Web and Digital Design, and Web Development pathways. This course is designed for high school students to understand, communicate, and adapt to a digital world as it impacts their personal life, society, and the business world. Exposure to foundational knowledge in programming languages, software development, app creation, and user interfacing applications are all taught in a computer lab with hands-on activities and project-focused tasks.


Students will not only understand the concepts but apply their knowledge to situations and defend their actions, decisions, and/or choices through the knowledge and skills acquired in this course. Employability skills are integrated into activities, tasks, and projects throughout the course standards to demonstrate the skills required by business and industry. Competencies in the co-curricular student organizations are integral components of both the employability skills standards and content standards for this course. Various forms of technologies will be highlighted to expose students to the emerging technologies impacting the digital world. Professional communication skills and practices, problem solving, ethical and legal issues, and the impact of effective presentation skills are taught in this course
as a foundational knowledge to prepare students to be college and career ready. The knowledge and skills taught in this course build upon each other to form a comprehensive introduction to the digital world.


Introduction to Software Technology is a course that is appropriate for all high school students. The pre-requisite for this course is advisor approval.

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APCSP

AP Computer Science Principles

AP Computer Science Principles is designed to encourage a diverse group of students to explore computer science. Rather than limiting this introductory study to a single big idea—algorithms and programming—this course introduces students to a broad set of big ideas. These big ideas, which include algorithms and programming, are creative development, data, computing systems and networks, and the impact of computing. In addition, this course emphasizes the use of computational thinking practices for effective learning experiences and problem solving. These practices include computational solution design, algorithms and program development, abstraction in program development, code analysis, computing innovations, and responsible computing.

 

At our school, AP CSP is explored using an integrated learning approach. Students build their knowledge and understanding through participation in a wide variety of activities and explorations. These experiences are not broken into contiguous blocks of common content. Instead, they are integrated throughout the school year. Before, during, and after explorations, connections are made to the five big ideas at the core of the course. Activities encourage students to regularly apply the six computational thinking practices to their work. It is impractical to expect that students will fully understand any significant computer science topic after their first exposure to the subject matter. Students will reflect upon and expand their understanding as they revisit related topics throughout the course. Assessments will build on prior knowledge, and student performance expectations for specific topics will increase with each assessment.

 

The primary programming language used in this course is JavaScript. However, students are exposed to other programming options as well.

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Throughout this course, students are guided toward personal discoveries and introduced to computer science topics that are related to current events and their own experiences. Often, students are drawn to these topics through the use of storytelling. The shared stories originate from community experiences and from current and former student experiences. They focus on topics related to popular culture, historical events, and other areas of student interest. Students are encouraged to pursue personal interests related to the presented materials, which often lead explorations in unanticipated directions. Student-initiated explorations are among the most valuable for both students and the instructor. Explorations for AP CSP are designed to spark interest, curiosity, enthusiasm, and enjoyment. After each exploration, discussions are organized to facilitate student reflections about what they have learned, what they have yet to learn, and what they wish to further explore in future studies. Both students and the instructor influence the final activities and related requirements associated with final assessments.

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Big Ideas

  • BI1: Creative Development (CRD)

  • BI2: Data (DAT)

  • BI3: Algorithms and Programming (AAP)

  • BI4: Computing Systems and Networks (CSN)

  • BI5: Impact of Computing (IOC)

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Computational Thinking Practices

  • CTP1: Computational Solution Design (Design and Evaluate)

  • CTP2: Algorithms and Program Development (Develop)

  • CTP3: Abstraction in Program Development (Develop)

  • CTP4: Code Analysis (Analyze)

  • CTP5: Computing Innovations (Investigate)

  • CTP6: Responsible Computing (Contribute)

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CSP

Computer Science Principles

How can computing change the world? What is computer science? Engage your creativity, demonstrate and build your problem solving ability all while connecting the relevance of computer science to the society! Computer Science (CS) Principles is an intellectually rich and engaging course that is focused on building a solid understanding and foundation in computer science. This course emphasizes the content, practices, thinking and skills central to the discipline of computer science. Through both its content and pedagogy, this course aims to appeal to a broad audience. The focus of this course will fall into these computational thinking practices: connecting computing, developing computational artifacts, abstracting, analyzing problems and artifacts, communicating, and collaborating.


Various forms of technologies will be used to expose students to resources and application of computer science. Professional communication skills and practices, problem-solving, ethical and legal issues, and the impact of effective presentation skills are enhanced in this course to prepare students to be college and career ready. Employability skills are integrated into activities, tasks, and projects throughout the course standards to demonstrate the skills required by business and industry. 


Computer Science Principles is the second course in the pathways Programming and Computer Science in the Information Technology Cluster. Students enrolled in this course should have successfully completed Introduction to Digital Technology. 

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APCSA

AP Computer Science A

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This course is taught by Mr. Kelley

Development

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