Technology / Innovation Innovation in Action (grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
Prerequisite:
.5 credit
None
Course Description: This semester elective course aims to introduce students to the innovation principles and design processes. Course content is taught through a project based learning approach which is interactive, flexible, and student-driven. This course is designed to encourage critical thinking through the application of the design process. Students will participate in the LAUNCH Challenge and a micro-level pitch contest at the culmination of the course. Students will be presented with workshops aimed to develop and expand 21st century soft skills; driving questions, observations, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Students will utilize the resources in the Innovation Lab to address projects and challenges. Additionally, students will be introduced to computer aided design (CAD) & 3D printing applications, as well as engage with other production software programs and machinery in the fabrication lab. (Semester 1) Fundamentals of Computer Science (grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
Prerequisite:
.5 credit
None
Course Description: This course is designed to introduce students to the fields of computer science and computational thinking. Students will engage a variety of topics within computer science ranging from the internet, intro to programing, digital information, big data and privacy to limits and impacts of computer science on societal and ethical issues. The primary focus of the course is to develop in students the computational practices of algorithm development, problem solving, and procedural programming within the context of problems that are relevant to the lives of today’s students. Through the application of the problem solving process students will design an app to address a realworld problem. This course will prepare students to take AP Computer Science Principles. Course topics also include the problem solving and design processes, data management, computer aided design (CAD), and careers within the field of computer science. (Semester 2) Computer Science Principles (grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
Prerequisite:
1 credit
None
Course Description: Computer Science Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. More than a traditional introduction to programming, it is a rigorous, engaging, and approachable course that explores many of the foundational ideas of computing, so all students understand how these concepts are transforming the world we live in. Computing is so fundamental to understanding and participating in society that it is valuable for every student to learn as part of a modern education. The coursework provides students with a critical lens for interpreting the world around them while preparing them to be active and informed contributors to our increasingly technological society whether they pursue careers in technology or not. Course topics will also include cybersecurity, programming, computer aided design (CAD). By the end of the course, students will feel confident in designing and iterating programs and implementing programmed solutions to problems using a procedural programming paradigm. (Semesters 1 & 2)
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