Computer Science Course Descriptions

Computer Science (PLTW-Project Lead the Way): Course Descriptions:

Financial Note: Computer Science students are required to pay a lab fee of $15 for each course.

Note: The following courses satisfy many Graduation Pathways requirements and are recommended for students who are interested in pursuing a post-secondary degree or career in Computer Science, Computer Science Engineering or Technology, or Programming.  All courses count as Directed Electives or Electives for the Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors and Core 40 with Technical Honors diplomas.  AP and Math credit are available through the Computer Science Pathway.  *Students passing the PLTW college portion of the Nation End Course Exam are eligible for trans-scripted college credit.

*Introduction to Computer Science (PLTW Computer Science Essentials) #4803    
2 semesters, 2 credits                                                                        
Grades: 9,10,11,12

With emphasis on computational thinking and collaboration, this year-long course provides an excellent entry point for students to begin or continue the PLTW Computer experience. Computer Science Essentials will expose students to a diverse set of computational thinking concepts, fundamentals, and tools, allowing them to gain understanding and build confidence.

In Computer Science Essentials, students will use visual, block-based programming and seamlessly transition to text-based programming with languages such as Python to create apps and develop websites, and learn how to make computers work together to put their design into practice. They’ll apply computational thinking practices, build their vocabulary, and collaborate just as computing professionals do to create products that address topics and problems important to them.

Computer Science Essentials helps students create a strong foundation to advance to Computer Science Principles 1, AP Computer Science, and beyond.        

*Computer Science 1 10,11,12 (PLTW Computer Science Principles) #4801 
2 semesters,2 credit 
Grades:10

Prerequisite: Passed “Introduction to Computer Science”.

Using Python® as a primary tool and incorporating multiple platforms and languages for computation, this course aims to develop computational thinking, generate excitement about career paths that utilize computing, and introduce professional tools that foster creativity and collaboration. Computer Science Principles helps students develop programming expertise and explore the workings of the Internet. Students will learn Visual Basic using Visual Studio, which will include algorithm development, flow charting, input/output techniques, looping and modules. Students have an opportunity to apply skills in a laboratory environment, and will provide an overview of computers and logic, design process, GUI, event driven programs, file handling, and arrays.  Projects and problems include app development, visualization of data, cybersecurity, and simulation.                                                            

Computer Science 2 Grade #5236 2 semesters, 2 credits Grades: 10,11,12
Prerequisite: Computer Science 1
Computer Science II explores and builds skills in programming and a basic understanding of the
fundamentals of procedural program development using structured, modular concepts. Coursework emphasizes logical program design involving user-defined functions and standard structure elements Discussions will include the role of data types, variables, structures, addressable memory locations, arrays and pointers and data file access methods. An emphasis on logical program design using a modular approach, which involves task oriented program functions. Activities include: collaborating to create original solutions to problems, choosing by designing and implementing user interfaces and Web-based databases, as well as creating a game for their friends or an app to serve a real need in their community. This course is aligned to the AP CSA framework.