Computer Science & Technology Education
The most important aspect of computer science is problem solving, an essential skill for life. Students study the design, development and analysis of using computers to solve problems in a variety of business, arts, scientific, and social contexts. Because computers solve problems to serve people, there is a significant human side to computer science as well. Computer science contributes to a well-rounded education for every student in the 21st century.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT COMPUTER SCIENCE A
179030 1 credit Grades 10, 11, 12 Codes: CTC, W*
17903E 1 credit Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Programming or approval of instructor
This course is designed to prepare students for the AP Computer Science A examination. The course emphasizes content comparable to a first college course in programming for Computer Science majors. Using the Java programming language, the course introduces program design, including static and object-oriented programming. It also introduces data structures, searching and sorting algorithms, and algorithm comparison.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
179060 1 credit Grades 10, 11, 12 Codes: TE, CTP, W*
As described by the College Board, this course introduces foundational concepts of computer science and explores computing’s impact on the world. It focuses on creative problem solving and real-world applications. The Computer Science Principles course teaches use of computational tools to analyze and develop computational artifacts and computational thinking practices including abstraction, collaborative problem solving, and communication. This course is designed to support student preparation of the two projects required to be submitted to the College Board and prepare them for the end of the year exam. This course cannot be used as the TE requirement for graduation if taken as part of the Computer and Information Sciences pathway.
COMPUTER INTERNSHIP
C17920 1 credit Grades 11, 12 Code: CC
C17921 (lab) 1 credit
(1 credit class instruction and 1 credit independent lab training)
Prerequisite: One additional computer science/computer technology course
This course allows students to serve as technicians and information systems specialists for their high school. They will be introduced to network administration and basic computer repair. Students will solve hardware and software problems throughout the entire school. Independent work and exploration, under the guidance of their instructor, will be a major part of this course. With the additional network rights and privileges come added student expectations of responsibility, especially the expectation that no intern will abuse or misuse this privilege.
COMPUTER SCIENCE CAPSTONE
179070 1 credit Grade 12 Code: W*
Prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Programming, Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles, and concurrent with Advanced Placement Computer Science-A
This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding on how to provide Information Technology (IT) solutions to real-world problems. They will build on knowledge and skills gained from previous courses and provides a forum for analyzing, synthesizing, and implementing skills and knowledge. This course offers two national certifications in CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Security+, and in which students will have demonstrated mastery in the IT and cybersecurity content. Students can apply what they have learned to advancements in the computer science field.
DIGITAL ELECTRONICS (HONORS)
130750 1 credit Grades 11, 12 Codes: CTP, W
13075E 1 credit Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Principles of Engineering and Introduction to Engineering Design OR Introduction to Computer Programming
This course provides a foundation for students who are interested in electrical engineering, electronics, or circuit design. From smart phones to appliances, digital circuits are all around us. Students study topics such as combinational and sequential logic and are exposed to circuit design tools used in industry, including logic gates, integrated circuits, and programmable logic devices.
EXPLORING COMPUTER SCIENCE
179040 1 credit Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Code: TE
This year-long course consisting of 6 units, approximately 6 weeks each. The course was developed around a framework of both computer science content and computational practice. Assignments and instruction are contextualized to be socially relevant and meaningful for diverse students. Units utilize a variety of tools/platforms and culminate with final projects. Students interested in pursuing a career in computer science are encouraged to take this course.
FOUNDATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY
130414 1 CREDIT GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12 CODE: TE
This course involves a broad study of technology while preparing students to understand and apply technological concepts and processes. Topics include current and future technological problems and opportunities associated with technology.
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER PROGRAMMING (HONORS)
179000 1 credit Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Codes: CTP, W
Prerequisite: Completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra I
This course prepares and provides students the skill sets for the AP Computer Science Principles and the AP Computer Science A courses. The emphasis is on solving real-world problems by means of computer programming using the following languages: Java, JavaScript, and Python. Topics will include object-oriented design techniques, classes, objects, data types, control statements (selection and iteration), and arrays. Emphasis will be placed on computer science skills, problem solving, algorithm design, and documentation.
WEB DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT I
179016 1 credit Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra I
This course concentrates on the two main aspects of web development: design and programming. Design is concerned with the appearance and user-friendliness of the site. Programming relates to the instructions that control what tasks are performed on the site. Students will use a variety of techniques and tools within a professional web development suite, such as Adobe CS6, to develop web sites. Students will also hand code web pages using current markup standards.
WEB DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT II
179017 1 credit Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Web Design and Development I
This course extends web development skills by creating dynamic, data driven web sites. Students will learn to build web applications that authenticate users, send email, perform calculations, and store and retrieve data from databases. Students will also learn how to install and manage web and database servers. Web applications and technologies such as Adobe Creative Suite, JavaScript, XHTML, CSS, ASP, and PHP will be used in course projects.