Computer Science

Grade Level — 9, 10, 11, 12
Length — One Semester

Type of Course — Fine Arts Elective satisfying one semester of Fine Arts graduation requirement and UC Visual & Performing Arts (VPA) requirement
Prerequisite — None
Criteria for Enrollment – Interest in developing computer multimedia and design skills through creative web, print, and animation projects.

UC/CSU Subject F Approval

Course Description — This is an introductory computer art and design course with a focus on 2D and 3D graphics and video-editing software. Coursework includes a variety of graphic design projects created with software programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate, Logic, FL Studio, Garageband, Soundtrap, Final Cut Pro, Premiere, TinkerCAD, OnShape, and Blender.  The learning of traditional art and design principles will be integrated into students' creative work and the course will culminate with a digital portfolio.

Grade Level — 9, 10, 11, 12
Length — One Semester

Type of Course — Fine Arts Elective satisfying one semester of Fine Arts graduation requirement and UC Visual & Performing Arts (VPA) requirement
Prerequisite — Multimedia Design 1A
Criteria for Enrollment – Interest in developing computer multimedia and design skills through creative web, print, animation, music, and video projects.

UC/CSU Subject F Approval

Course Description — This class further develops skills learned in Multimedia Design 1A with a focus on utliizing 2D and 3D graphics, sound and video-editing software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate, Logic, FL Studio, Garageband, Soundtrap, Final Cut Pro, Premiere, TinkerCAD, OnShape, and Blender.  The development of effective narrative structures will be emphasized so that students learn to use the various media to create intentional works with meaning.  Particular attention will be paid to the design process and students' conscious development of their own creative process.  Sample projects include stop motions, animations, music videos, special effects, and student documentary films. Student work will culminate with a digital portfolio.

Grade Level — 9, 10, 11, 12
Length — One Semester (Fall semester ONLY)

Type of Course — Elective
Prerequisite — Algebra 1 & Geometry (or be concurrently enrolled)
Criteria for Enrollment — Strong interest in computer programming

UC/CSU Subject G Approval

Course Description — Exploring Computer Science A is an introductory computer programming class where students will learn basic coding skills with an emphasis on object-oriented programming.  Students will explore multiple programming languages, including but not limited to JavaScript, Python, and Swift.  Students will be introduced to fundamental concepts such as: variables, looping, conditional statements, functions, graphics. and algorithms that make computers work.  Students will demonstrate critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in hands-on collaborative lab experiences.

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.

Grade Level —10, 11, 12
Length — One Year

Type of Course — Elective
Prerequisite — Algebra 1 and Geometry (or be concurrently enrolled). Prior computer programming experience is not required but strongly encouraged.
Criteria for Enrollment – Math and Science GPA 3.3 or higher and strong interest in computer programming

NOTE:  Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Computer Science exam administered in May.

UC/CSU Subject C Approval
Class receives honors weighting in SI weighted GPA and UC/CSU GPA calculations

Course Description — AP Computer Science A (AP CS-A) equivalent to a one-semester, introductory college-level computer programming course. AP CS-A introduces students to computer science through programming. Fundamental topics in this course include the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, the development and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems.  The course emphasizes object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language.  

Grade Level —10, 11, 12
Length — One Year

Type of Course — Elective
Prerequisite —  Algebra 1 & Geometry (or be concurrently enrolled)
Criteria for Enrollment – None

NOTE:  Students are required to take the AP Computer Science Principles exam in May. 

UC/CSU Subject D Approval
Class receives honors weighting in SI weighted GPA and UC/CSU GPA calculations

Course Description — AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP) is equivalent to an introductory college-level computing course that introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science.  Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs.  They incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge.  Students also explore how computing innovations and computing systems work (including the Internet), explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical.  Roughly half the course is focused on learning to program in either the Python or Javascript programming languages, but the selection of a programming language is at the teacher's discretion while the other half of the course covers non-programming topics of computer science.

Grade Level — 11, 12
Length — One Year

Type of Course – Elective meeting one year of graduation requirement of two years of science
Prerequisite – Chemistry, Physics
Criteria for Enrollment – Science GPA 2.0 or higher

UC/CSU Subject G Approval

Course Description — Engineering consists of the application of scientific knowledge in the creation of useful products. This course acts as an introduction to the concepts and methods of engineering with an intensive hands-on laboratory/workshop component. Students will be expected to conceptualize, design, build, and debug a variety of projects, working independently or in collaboration with other students. Units of study vary by semester, allowing students to take either or both semesters in a single year, and may include mechanical, electrical, robotic, computer, aeronautical, automotive, acoustic, naval, civil, fluid and/or chemical engineering. Several off-campus field trips to visit engineering sites or companies may be required. (Since engineering is not, strictly speaking, a science, this course does not qualify as a UC-approved lab science.) 

Grade Level — 9
Length — One Semester

Type of Course – Elective; taken as an independent study with the guidance of science teacher
Prerequisite – None
Criteria for Enrollment – Permission of instructor or Department Chair

UC/CSU Subject G Approval

Course Description — This course offers students the opportunity to develop and demonstrate the maturity and self-discipline required to perform independent scientific research. Students perform one or more independent science or engineering research projects, in laboratory or field settings, on topics of their own choice. The meeting times are flexible and will be arranged to fit the schedule of the student. Areas of study include any area of science or engineering, including: quantum physics, astronomy, robotics, electronics, biotechnology, geology, meteorology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, oceanography, marine biology, psychology, sociology, economics, political science, statistics, etc., as well as traditional areas of biology, chemistry, physics and engineering. Students will gain direct experience in research methodologies used by professional scientists and engineers in industry and academia. 

This course is taken in addition to the science requirement for graduation. Enrollment in Science Research does not qualify a student for a study period during the regular academic day. 

Grade Level — 9
Length — One Semester

Type of Course – Elective; taken as an independent study with the guidance of science teacher
Prerequisite – Completion of one semester Science Research Project
Criteria for Enrollment – Permission of instructor or Department Chair

Course Description — Students perform one or more additional independent science or engineering research projects, beyond those completed in the first semester Science Research Project course, or perform a substantial extension of a project completed in the previous course. This is an independent study course, with flexible meeting times that will be arranged to fit the schedules of the students.

This course is taken in addition to the science requirement for graduation. Enrollment in Advanced Science Research does not qualify a student for a study period during the regular academic day.

Grade Level — 10, 11, 12
Length — One Semester 

Type of Course — Elective 
Prerequisite — Algebra 1 Accelerated or equivalent proficiency
Criteria for Enrollment – Strong interest in computer programming, manufacturing, and engineering 

UC/CSU Subject G Approval

Course Description — During this course, students will cover the fundamentals of problem solving, program design, algorithms, and programming using a high-level language (Java).  Students will build and program robots in laboratory sessions, and develop skills in mechanical computer-assisted design (CAD) as they work in teams to build simple and complex robotic devices.  Students will apply concepts learned in physical science and physics classes to mechanical devices using a variety of hands-on activities culminating with their participation in the global FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition during the second semester.  The class will also explore usage of robotics in modern business and industry and examine how robotic devices are affecting our lives and shaping our culture.  No previous computer programming or electronics experience is necessary.

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.