COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT The Middle/Upper School computer science program prepares students to become global citizens fluent with problem solving and programming techniques using multiple platforms and software packages. While studying computer programming, students learn to apply practical, logical, and creative solutions as well as acquire the technological skills necessary to succeed during and after college. As part of the Arts Rotation, Middle School students are enrolled automatically in the computer science course Digital Essentials unless their skills are determined to be equivalent or better; students may pursue additional middle school courses. Upper School students may study a broader range of computer topics, including creating web pages, designing mobile applications, and learning advanced computer science techniques such as data structures and recursion. All computer science courses allow students the opportunity to investigate the vast world of computers through lab exercises and practical assignments. All Upper School computer science courses meet the UC’s “g” requirement.
MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSES
INTRO TO WEB DEVELOPMENT Grades 6–8 This class is focused on the inner workings of websites. Students will delve into the front end of the website. Students will learn HTML & CSS as well as be exposed to more traditional languages, JavaScript, PHP etc. At the end of the course, students will design a website from scratch. Students interested in taking this class will have met the school’s computer proficiency requirements.
DIGITAL ESSENTIALS Grades 6–8 Students master basic computer literacy, improve their understanding of Internet etiquette, and explore Google Apps for Education in detail. The class emphasizes digital productivity. Students will learn to apply Google Sheets formulas and standard mathematical/statistical functions to create, edit, and print spreadsheets. In addition, students will master advanced features to publish documents in Google Docs, explore template design, and create a slideshow presentation. Students also will use other online web 2.0 productivity tools to create larger projects such as online portfolios, blogs and discussion boards. Students also explore the impact of technology and social media in our daily lives.
INTRODUCTION TO PYTHON Grades 7–8 Students will be introduced to the core concepts of coding through the Python programming language. Students will learn about data types, variables, if-statements, lists, loops, functions, and debugging, algorithms. Students will acquire thorough documentation practices as well as testing and verification techniques. Students interested in taking this class will have met the school’s computer proficiency requirements and will need recommendations from the Head of Middle School and their computer teacher.
DESIGN LAB Grades 7–8 In Design Lab, students will receive an introduction to the Design Thinking process and will participate in discussions and collaborative projects designed to teach them how to find innovative solutions to virtually any type of problem, ranging from the personal to the global. Working in a wide variety of mediums—drawing, sculpting, digital design, engineering, etc.—students will develop skills as visual thinkers, creative strategists, collaborators, and storytellers and will explore innovative ways to create real impact in the world.
PYTHON PROGRAMMING 2 Grades 7–8 This course is an extension of the Introduction to Python course. Students will learn about dictionaries, nested loops, objects, and more. Students will continue to develop and improve their documentation and verification techniques. Students will acquire the skills necessary to have success upper school computer science courses. Students interested in taking this class will have met the school’s computer proficiency requirements and will need recommendations from the Head of Middle School and their computer teacher.
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