● Computer Science

COMPUTER SCIENCE

The computer science program is designed to fulfill these goals: · To foster the development of programming skills, ideas and practices of computational thinking, creativity and collaboration · To develop in students an appreciation for computer science as an interdisciplinary, intellectual discipline, with an understanding of how computing can be used to help change the world

Yearlong Courses Spring Semester Course

AP Computer Science Principles Problem Solving with Python Programming AP Computer Science

Note: All Computer Science courses are co-listed in the Mathematics and Science departments. Students will receive credit in one of the departments.

YEARLONG COURSES (2 credits)

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES (Open to 10th, 11th & 12th graders)

This course focuses on the innovative aspects of computing and computational thinking; the course introduces students to computer science through in-depth studies and experiences with creative problem solving, programming, analysis of large data sets, the Internet structure, and cybersecurity issues. Students will use computing to address real-world issues, create and code programs with practical applications, and complete other digital projects. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement exam in Computer Science Principles. (No previous programming experiences required.)

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAMMING

This yearlong course introduces the key concepts and techniques of object-oriented programming in Java. Students learn to design and implement computer programs that solve problems relevant to today’s society; the course emphasizes problem solving and algorithm development, and students apply programming tools to solve complex problems. This course will be independent in nature as students will work in an online learning environment rather than receive in-person instruction. Prerequisite: Computer Science Principles (with approval from the current teacher), or permission from the Director of STEM Education

SPRING SEMESTER COURSE (1 credit)

PROBLEM SOLVING WITH PYTHON PROGRAMMING (Open to 10th , 11th & 12th graders)

From using Monte Carlo simulation to predict sporting outcomes, to machine learning algorithms that can teach a computer to drive a car, it is abundantly clear that computers have completely changed the way we approach challenging tasks. In this semester-long course, students will learn to use the Python programming language to explore real world problems. Many problems that are difficult, tedious, or impossible to solve by hand can be made trivial with clever use of computer programming. (No previous programming experience is necessary.) Prerequisite: Algebra 2