Instructional Technology Courses

(2 semesters) (No Prerequisite)

AP Computer Science Principles offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation. The course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cyber security concerns, and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles will give students the opportunity to use technology to address real-world problems and build relevant solutions. Together, these aspects of the course make up a rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science. This course is open to 10^th, 11th and 12th graders.  This class is a Full Credit Science course and will meet regularly.

(2 semesters) (Prerequisite: Computer Science Discoveries or Computer Science Principles and instructor permission.)

AP Computer Science A is a year-long course designed to help students master the basics of Java and equip them to successfully pass the AP Computer Science A Exam at the end of the school year.  The course introduces fundamental topics that include problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing. This course is equivalent to a first-semester, college-level course in computer science. This course is open to 11th and 12th graders.  This class is a Full Credit Science course and will meet regularly. 

This is a one-year course in which students will explore the use of Design Thinking through individual and team projects.  Design Academy introduces highly motivated students to Design Thinking and independent inquiry in STEAM related careers (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math).  This course focuses on elements that contribute to creativity and innovation in individuals and groups within organizations. During the first semester, students will participate in modules designed to introduce them to various technologies in the D.R.E.A.M lab. The goal of each project should culminate in a tangible product for the community to use or experience. Design Academy will structure student work into three phases. A proposal phase will require students to define the project they wish to pursue, a prototype phase will require students to research and design their product, and a final production phase will require students to create their product.  This course will meet twice a week and is open to 10^th, 11th and 12th graders.  

 

Students may option for a half credit course for the year with Instructor approval.  This class is either Science credit or Fine Art Credit to be determined at the beginning of the school year.

(2 semesters) (No Prerequisite)

This is a one-year course in which students will expand the use of Design Thinking through individual projects.  Design Academy II continues to expose students to Design Thinking and independent inquiry in STEAM related careers (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math).  The course is designed for highly motivated students pursuing STEAM related careers. This course will meet twice a week and is limited to 11th and 12th graders. Students must have taken Design Academy I as a pre-requisite for Design Academy II. This class is a half credit per semester.

 

Students may option for a half credit course for the year with Instructor approval.  This class is either Science credit or Fine Art Credit to be determined at the beginning of the school year.

(2 semesters) (Prerequisite: Design Academy I & II)

 

Design Academy I & II) This is a one-year Senior course in which students will continue the use of Design Thinking through individual projects.  ADV Design Academy continues to expose students to Design Thinking and independent inquiry in STEAM related careers (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math).  The course is designed for 3^rd Year Senior Design Academy students who are highly motivated students pursuing STEAM related vocations. This course will meet twice a week and is limited to 12th graders. Students must have taken Design Academy I and II as a pre-requisite for ADV Design Academy. This class is a half credit per semester. 

 

Students may option for a half credit course for the year with Instructor approval.  This class is either Science credit or Fine Art Credit to be determined at the beginning of the school year.

COMPUTER SCIENCE DISCOVERIES

(2 semesters) (No Prerequisite)

This year long course is intended to be an introduction to programming for those students with little to no experience in programming. Computer Science Discoveries takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as programming, physical computing, HTML/CSS, and data. The course inspires students as they build their own websites, apps, games, and physical computing devices. Students will be expected to do some work outside of class.  

This class is a quarter Science credit per semester and will meet 2 days a week. 

(2 semesters) (No Prerequisite)

 

Python is an introductory-level course for students with varying levels of programming and computer science experience, from those who are new to programming to those who have been part of a coding club or taken a computer science class.  In this course, you will learn problem-solving strategies, software design, and the foundations of computer science using EarSketch, a software package that turns your code into music. Not only will this course prepare you for continuing your studies in computer science (for example, by taking AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles), but it will also teach you how to think like a computer scientist and solve real-world problems. This course is taught using Python and is open to 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders.  This class is a Full Credit Science course and will meet regularly. 

(2 semesters) (Instructor Permission)

This course is an introduction to robotics using VEX robotics. Students will build a basic square robot and learn introductory programming of the robot. Some independent work outside of the class time will be expected. Students enrolled in the Advanced Robotics part of the course are required to have had some experience with VEX robotics. These students will work to build a robot for VEX competitions. Advanced students will be expected to attend and participate in competitions.

 

This course will meet twice a week and is open to 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th graders.  This class is a quarter Science credit per semester and will meet during the school day.