Computer Science

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

Type of Course — Computer Science 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 graphic design course with a focus on graphics and video-editing software. Coursework includes a variety of web and print projects created with software programs Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, as well as music and video projects using Apple’s software Logic and Final Cut Pro. The learning of traditional art and design principles supports creative work and students are required to consider and critique mass media, the historic study of art and graphic design, and the study of contemporary multimedia artists and designers. Students will culminate with a digital portfolio.

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

Type of Course — Computer Science Elective satisfying one semester of Fine Arts graduation requirement and UC Visual & Performing Arts (VPA) requiremen
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 using various Adobe and Apple software programs, as well as an introduction to 3D design. 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

Type of Course — Elective
Prerequisite — Algebra 1 Accelerated or equivalent proficiency
Criteria for Enrollment — Strong interest in computer programming
 
Note: This class may be taken on its own OR in conjunction with Exploring Computer Science B (ECS B).  If combined with ECS B, students will have the option to take the AP Computer Science Principles exam at the end of the Spring semester.

UC/CSU Subject G Approval

Course Description — Exploring Computer Science A is an introductory computer programming class that develops students’ computational and critical thinking skills and shows them how to create, not simply use, new technologies. Students will learn basic coding skills with an emphasis on object-oriented programming. Students will explore multiple programming languages, including but not limited to Java, Python, HTML, and CSS.  Students will be introduced to fundamental concepts such as: variables, looping, conditional statements, functions, and graphics. Students will learn about the mathematics and algorithms that make computers work, and be asked to demonstrate critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in hands-on collaborative lab experiences.

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.

Grade Level — 9, 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 

Note: This class may be taken on its own OR in conjunction with Computer Science A (ECS A).  If combined with ECS A, students will have the option to take the AP Computer Science Principles exam at the end of the Spring semester.

UC/CSU Subject G Approval 

Course Description — Computer Science B is an introductory computer programming class that develops students’ computational and critical thinking skills and shows them how to create, not simply use, new technologies. Students will learn basic coding skills with an emphasis on object-oriented programming. Students will explore multiple programming languages including, but not limited to Java, Python, HTML and CSS. Students will be introduced to fundamental concepts such as: variables, looping, conditional statements, functions, and graphics. Students will learn about the mathematics and algorithms that make computers work, and be asked to demonstrate critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in hands-on collaborative lab experiences. This course will explore hands-on applications of programming in the fields of robotics, gaming, app development, and virtual reality.

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.

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

Type of Course — Elective
Prerequisite — Algebra 1 Accelerated or Algebra 2 Honors
Criteria for Enrollment – Math GPA 3.0 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 G Approval
Class receives honors weighting in SI weighted GPA and UC/CSU GPA calculations

Course Description — AP Computer science is the study of information processing and algorithm design in the context of computer programming. In this course, students learn to write programs in the Java programming language then use Java to solve a variety of computational problems with algorithms of their own design. Units of study include program design, control, data structures, object-oriented programming, inheritance, abstraction, collections, recursion, and a survey of standard algorithms such as searching and sorting. Projects vary each year but may include text-based and graphics-based game programming, interactive web development, and database design. Students will be asked to work on programming projects outside of class time, so they should be prepared to use a home computer or use the on-campus computer labs regularly. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Computer Science exam administered in May. 

Grade Level — 9, 10, 11, 12
Length — One Semester, 8th period ONLY (meets after school Mondays and Tuesdays 2:45-4:15pm)

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 8th period course, students will cover the fundamentals of problem solving, program design, algorithms, and programming using a high-level language (Swift and 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.

Grade Level — 9, 10, 11, 12
Length — One Semester, 8th period ONLY (meets after school Mondays and Tuesdays 2:45-4:15pm)

Type of Course — Elective
Prerequisite — Robotics A and 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 8th period 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.

Grade Level — 9, 10, 11, 12
Length — One Semester, 8th period ONLY (meets after school Mondays and Tuesdays 2:45-4:15)

Type of Course — Elective
Prerequisite — Algebra 1 Accelerated or equivalent proficiency
Criteria for Enrollment – Strong interest in using technology to solve real world problems

UC/CSU Subject G Approval

Course Description — Students will get a hands on introduction to the design process called design thinking (a creative human-centered approach to design). This course will also provide a basic introduction to app development (programming language and process).  Students do not need prior experience with programming XCode or Swift in order to participate.  This semester focuses on XCode and Swift. Students will be introduced to the basics of using XCode's Swift, Playgrounds, and the basics of other app development tools. Students will approach programming through a design lens. They will develop and apply design thinking skills toward a final group project where they will design an app concept to meet user needs. In lieu of a final exam, students will demonstrate their semester work in a thorough and public-facing digital portfolio, as well as a final presentation.

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.