Computer Science

Computer Science Department Statement

In our rapidly changing and evolving world, computers are becoming the essential tool in every profession. The reality is that our world is constructed around computers. Whatever your profession – programmer, systems analyst, historian, in a trade, artist – having skills in computing is now essential for a meaningful and effective career. The CS and IT department aims to equip all students to be safe and productive digital citizens, as well as open a very large door of opportunity to the top 10 in-demand careers over the next couple of decades.

A graduation requirement in many states, introductory classes in computer science, information technology, and cybersecurity allow students to sample the systems that drive everyday life and gain power through technical literacy. Advanced classes prepare students for college and career courses and may lead to college credit or technical certifications.

Project Lead the Way (PLTW)

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is an international program for students interested in engineering, computer science, or biomedical. Through PLTW students develop in-demand, transportable skills – such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking, collaboration, and communication – that they will use both in school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take.

Studies have shown that:

• PLTW contributes to a strong, positive impact on mathematics and science achievement

• PLTW has a positive influence on students’ career interest and likelihood to continue their education • PLTW offers a pathway to prepare and motivate students to enter careers in science and engineering

Sun Prairie High Schools currently offer a number of PLTW courses in engineering (Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, Civil Engineering and Architecture, Digital Electronics, and Engineering Design and Development). PLTW courses in Computer Science include Computer Science Essentials 1, Computer Science Essentials 2, AP Computer Science Principles, and Cybersecurity 1 & 2 combined.

Dual/college credit is available to juniors and seniors who pass the end-of-the-course assessment and is dependent on the student’s choice of college. Note: There is no dual credit for Computer Science Essentials 1 and Computer Science Essentials 2.

Students must take Cybersecurity 1 AND 2 to eligible for dual credit through PLTW.

Computer Science

Click each course title to see a video from the teachers talking about the course.

Course # Title Grades Prerequisites

3812 CIS Computer Science Essentials 1 (CSE 1) (PLTW) 3813 CIS Computer Science Essentials 2 (CSE 2) (PLTW)

3804 CIS 3805 CIS Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles (CSP)

3806 CIS 3807 CIS Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science A (CSA)

3847 CIS Cybersecurity 1 (PLTW) 9-12 None

9-12 Computer Science Essentials 1 (CSE 1) (PLTW)* 9-12 None

10-12 Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles or Computer Science Essentials 1 and 2 with instructor approval 9-12 None

3848 CIS Cybersecurity 2 (PLTW) 9-12 None

6326 BUS Computer Game Development** 9-12 None

6328 BUS IT Essentials** 9-12 None

6332 BUS Business and Information Technology** 9-12 None

Length of Course/Credits Earned

Semester / .5

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Year / 1.0

Year / 1.0

Semester / .5

Semester / .5

Semester / .5

Semester / .5

Semester / .5

**Depending on teacher availability, this course may be transcripted as Business or Computer Science

Click the u to see a video from Sun Prairie teachers talking about the course

COMPUTER SCIENCE ESSENTIALS I (CSE 1) (PLTW) u Course 3812CIS Elective Course .5 credit Semester Course

Computer Science Essentials 1 (CSE 1), the prerequisite to Computer Science Essentials 2 (CSE 2), is a Project Lead the Way semester-long course designed to introduce students to the exciting world of computer science and the concepts of computational thinking. Students will be working in teams to create Android based apps to solve real world problems using approachable building block programming and text based programming. As students sharpen their skills, they will begin utilizing other technologies and learning to program with hands-on projects. All students who take CSE will have many opportunities for creative expression and exploration in topics of person interest, whether it be through app development, web design, or connecting computing with the physical world. Whether these are your first steps in computer science, or a continuation of your journey Computer Science Essentials will give you confidence to succeed today and beyond.

COMPUTER SCIENCE ESSENTIALS II (CSE 2) (PLTW) u Course 3813CIS Elective Course .5 credit Semester Course

Computer Science Essentials 2 (CSE 2) is a Project Lead the Way course designed to build on skills and knowledge established in CSE 1. Students will explore text based coding by creating and implementing algorithms using Python. In the final unit, students will be using all they have learned from CSE 1 and CSE 2 to create an app, a website, or a physical computing device, students will apply computational thinking practice and a strategic development process to create computational artifacts that solve problems and create value for others. Students will collaborate the way computing professionals do as they pursue solutions to authentic needs. Although CSE is not an instance of the AP Computer Science Principles course (CSP), it will boost student success for those who continue in PLTW CSP courses. These intentional connections to widely accepted standards will help students gain confidence and reinforce essential concepts and skills that build toward lifelong success in the computer science pathways beyond just PLTW.

Computer Science

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)

COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES (CSP) u Course 3804CIS, 3805CIS Elective Course 1.0 credit

This course helps students develop programming expertise and explore the workings of the Internet. Students will learn to code in Python and will be introduced to various other platforms as they explore software development. Projects include app development, visualization of data, cybersecurity, and simulation. This course also builds awareness of career opportunities for professionals with computational skills. Prior coding experience is not necessary.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)

COMPUTER SCIENCE A (CSA) u Course 3806CIS, 3807CIS Elective Course 1.0 credit

Prerequisite: Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles or Computer Science Essentials or with instructor approval

Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Applications (CSA) aligns with the College Board’s CSA framework. CSA builds on the basic skills learned in Computer Science Principles (CSP) and/or Computer Science Essentials 1 and 2 to teach students Java and authentic AndroidTM app development. Students in this course continue to hone their communication and collaboration skills while learning to use a variety of tools.

CYBERSECURITY 1 (PLTW) u Course 3847CIS Elective Course 0.5 credit Note: Dual Credit may be offered*

Cybersecurity 1 introduces students to is designed with strong connections to the National Cybersecurity Workforce Framework (also known as the NICE Framework of NCWF). Created by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), this framework identifies standards that have been developed by numerous academic, industry and government organizations. The course provides students with a broad exposure to the many aspects of digital and information security, while encouraging socially responsible choices and ethical behavior. It inspires algorithmic and computational thinking, especially “outside-the-box” thinking. Students explore the many educational career paths available to cybersecurity experts, as well as other careers that comprise the field of information security. The curriculum follows an APB format; Activities followed by a Project followed by a Problem.

*Dual/college credit is available to juniors and seniors WHO HAVE ALSO TAKEN CYBERSECURITY 2 and pass the end-ofthat-course assessment and is dependent on the student’s choice of college.

Computer Science

CYBERSECURITY 2 (PLTW) u Course 3848CIS Elective Course 0.5 credit Note: Dual Credit may be offered*

This course builds on Cybersecurity 1 as students expand their networking skills using tools such as Linux and Wireshark to interact with and find suspicious behavior on large networks. Students also explore cryptography and digital forensics as career applications of cybersecurity. Daily activities and cumulative projects mostly occur in a safe hands-on virtual environment.

*Dual/college credit is available to Juniors and Seniors WHO HAVE ALSO TAKEN CYBERSECURITY 1 and pass the end-ofthe-course assessment and is dependent on the student’s choice of college.

COMPUTER GAME DEVELOPMENT u Course 6326BUS Elective Course .5 credit Semester Course

Ready to design your very own game? Want to see how your favorite games are made? Computer Game Development introduces students to the challenges of game developers and software engineers with project-based learning tasks. It offers unique, easy-to-follow material to actually write code and develop original computer games! You will soon be able to play and share your very own games on your own website! Very quickly, students will begin to build real working games. The semester will involve developing multiple working computer games with increasing levels of complexity. Students will be impressed by seeing results right away while learning and applying the math and physics concepts used in game development, how the engineering cycle is used to design games, the components of a good game, color theory used in game design, how to create sprites and animation, and so much more. Come be a part of the future of technology!

IT ESSENTIALS u Course 6328BUS Elective Course .5 credits Note: Dual Credit may be offered for up to 3 college credits

Interested in computers? Maybe you want a career in computer hardware? IT Essentials builds knowledge of basic computer hardware and operating systems, covering skills such as installation, building, upgrading, repairing, configuring and troubleshooting. Students will be able to diagnose PC hardware problems, along with learning preventative maintenance and safety procedures. This course validates the basic skills needed for any entry-level service technician regardless of job environment. Students will have the hands-on opportunity to demonstrate their skills by working with computers. Students taking this course will have the opportunity to be CISCO, A+ certified. When taught by a certified Madison College trained teacher and with successful completion of the course (passing the required exam), the student can receive Madison College credit. Dual Credit is available only to juniors and seniors. Dual Credit is not guaranteed each year.

Computer Science

BUSINESS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY u Course 6332BUS Elective Course .5 credits

This course is designed to link the business and information technology fields. Students will investigate the future of technology in the business world and how it is being used to change the business environment. More and more, businesses are relying on technology to get their message to their customers and streamline their efficiency. Utilizing 21st century technologies, business leaders are learning how to change with an ever more complex marketplace in marketing, management, communications, production, and distribution. Students with a grasp of both the technical and business components of this change will have the ability to meet the demands for employment in this complex environment.

This course focuses on the latest topics in the field of business and information technology. Emphasis is placed on understanding the Internet of Things and UX design. The class will create websites and applications that focus on the user experience and how to use the information collected on those sites to increase the users experience and the efficiency of the business.