Computer Science

This course covers all topics that are part of the AP Computer Science A curriculum, including the basics of the Java programming language, simple data structures, common algorithms, recursion, and sorting. Students will also learn Big-O notation, a way of assessing the execution speed of computer programs. The course is open to both those with no programming experience and students who have taken a Java class previously, and there is no prerequisite. The course does not assume that the students have any prior programming experience. Once the AP exam date is past, the class will be devoted to writing a large-scale program (often a game with graphics) as a group software engineering project. The student should expect to spend additional time outside of class time in the lab or at home doing the exercises, homework, and reading in the text. Please note students cannot simultaneously enroll in Java along with AP Computer Science A. Or take Java after AP Computer Science A.

[1 credit]
Prerequisite: Departmental Approval

AP 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. It is equivalent to a college non-major’s course in computer science, introduces students to the essential ideas of computer science, and invites students to understand how computing changes the world. Programming experience is not required. The rigorous course promotes deep learning of computational content, develops computational thinking skills, and engages students in the creative aspects of the field. The course is founded on the big ideas of computer science including abstraction, data and information, algorithms, programing, the Internet and global impact as well as the computational thinking practices of drawing connections between different computing concepts, creating computational artifacts, abstracting, analyzing problems, communicating and collaborating.

[1 credit]
Prerequisite: Departmental approval

The course introduces students to a professional computer-aided design (CAD) program through both individual and group exercises and project-based work on 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional CAD drawings. Students learn about perspective rendering, hidden surfaces, and the importance of appropriate dimensioning and labeling. Design thinking and the engineering process are introduced and permeate this course.  Students are expected to be current on readings and projects throughout the course. Content will be delivered primarily through demonstrations, handouts and practical hands-on experience. Professionals working in the industry are included as guest lecturers when available. The course is based on the CAD course common for freshmen in college engineering programs.

*Offered at the Accelerated or Honors level [1/2 credit]
Prerequisites: None

Foundations in Data Science is a holistic course that encompasses some coding and computer science skills but also has an emphasis on storytelling, pattern finding, and visualization. Advances in technology have allowed us to collect massive amounts of data and a data scientist is a person who has the skills, knowledge and ability to extract actionable knowledge from the data. This course will focus on practical applications of data analysis to give students concrete and applicable skills and an understanding of the power of data in our society. There is a growing need for up-and-coming generations of students to learn how to effectively interact with data and this course is the start of a firm foundation.  Aside from Python, the course also spends time on several other technologies that are fundamental to the modern practice of data science, including use of the command line, SQL and relational database design, Common Online Data Analysis Platform (CODAP), APIs and Excel.  In a final project students will complete a self-selected, in-depth study of a particular dataset and technology.

Honors level [1/2 credit]
open to All Grades

Introduction to Algorithmic Thinking and Computational Technologies introduces students to algorithmic thinking and symbolic reasoning using modern programming languages and to basic concepts of modern computer science such as abstraction, digital representations of data, collaborative development of computational systems, and the ethical concerns raised by digital communications. The course explores the global, national and personal impact of technology. Students will be expected to work both individually and in groups to explore key concepts of computer science.

Accelerated level [1/2 credit]
Prerequisites: None

As computers are becoming more ingrained in our society, cybersecurity is becoming more and more vital to protect people from the threats of cyberattacks. The course will focus on ethical and beneficial cybersecurity practices. Students in this course will learn about the history of cybersecurity and the different types of cyberattacks. The course will cover a broad range of foundational topics within cybersecurity, such as examining how the Internet works, looking at good practices to prevent cyber attacks, and encrypting information. Students will get hands-on coding experience with encryption/decryption techniques and with examining cyber attacks on networks. The course will cover basic SQL and how to utilize HTML. Experience with a programming language is required and expected.

Honors level [1/2 credit]
Prerequisite: Programming course (Java, C++, Swift, AP CSA, AP Principles) and departmental approval.

This course will introduce the student to programming in the C++ language. Topics covered include program mechanics, creating and editing files, function declaration and construction, simple data types, operating with arrays, building structures and object oriented programming.

Honors level [1/2 credit]
Prerequisites: None

In this course students will learn the basics of the Java programming language by programming simulations and games. The emphasis throughout the course is on the principles of object-oriented design. The course presumes no prior knowledge of programming. The course uses extensive project-based work, initially done individually by each student. As the course progresses students learn how to develop larger programs as part of a team.

Honors level [1/2 credit]
Prerequisites: None

This course provides a foundational introduction to programming, designed for students with little to no prior coding experience. Using the Python programming language, students will explore fundamental computer science concepts, including variables, loops, conditionals, functions, and basic data structures. The course emphasizes problem-solving and computational thinking at a gentle pace, making programming accessible and engaging. Students will work on interactive coding exercises and projects that reinforce core programming principles, with opportunities to explore graphics-based programming using Python’s libraries. By the end of the course, students will have developed a strong understanding of programming fundamentals, preparing them for more advanced computer science coursework. No prior programming experience is required.

ACCELERATED LEVEL [1/2 CREDIT]
PREREQUISITES: NONE

Multimedia & Digital Video Production brings technology and creativity together to help students master the skills they need to produce engaging, technically advanced videos. Students can use any filming technology available to them and will use iMovie to edit and produce the final product. They develop a wide range of skills, including everything from script development, storyboarding, location and resource planning to camera work, special effects, scene transitions, editing, titling and audio. Students will also analyze movies, news programs, and other forms of media in order to gain a better understanding of the wide variety of techniques used in filming and editing. The course is primarily project based and students will be expected to work both individually and in groups.

*offered at the Accelerated or honors level [1/2 credit]
Prerequisites: None

This honors-level robotics course offers a dynamic exploration of the multidisciplinary nature of robotics, both virtual and physical.   After and introduction to what defines a robot, the focus is on combining hardware, software and the engineering design process to build a functional robot that can work with or compete against other robots.

The curriculum encompasses various aspects of robotics engineering, including:

• VEX Hardware and Software: Students will master the intricacies of VEX hardware components and software programming.  The foundational skills of programming will be covered.

• Physical Robot Construction: Students will construct basic robots using VEX hardware kits. Through hands-on assembly, students will gain insight into mechanical systems, electrical circuits, and structural design principles. 

• Engineering Design Process: Guided by the engineering design process, students will conceive, design, and fabricate a custom apparatus for their robots. From brainstorming concepts to prototyping and testing, students will iterate through the design process to create innovative solutions tailored to specific challenges. 

•  Team Collaboration and Competitions: Students work in small teams to tackle robotics challenges and engage in in-class competition. These collaborative projects foster teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills essential for success in the field of robotics.

By the end of the course, students will emerge with a comprehensive understanding of robotics principles, the current state of the robotics industry, proficiency in the basics of programming, building a robot  and the iterative nature of the engineering design process.

Honors level [1/2 credit]
Prerequisites: None

The course devotes approximately one quarter to exploration of hot topics in computer science under the direction of the teacher, and concludes with at least one quarter in which each student will explore a subject of interest to him in the area of computer science. Such topics for exploration can include the Linux operating system, animation, robotics, artificial intelligence, or advanced programming techniques in a language the student is already familiar with. Other projects are certainly possible since there are many other areas of interest in computer science. Each student will, among other things, be expected to present a well-written research paper and portfolio of his course work and present a multi-media presentation of the work that he has done. 

Honors level [1/2 credit]
*open to Grades 11 & 12 only