Computer Programming

Overview

Computer Science or Computer Programming is one of the top growing fields in technology. It is the only Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) category with more annual job openings than college graduates. Students will learn computing basics, as well as, the basics of writing computer programs in Python, C++, and Java. These skills are important for careers as a Software Engineer, Software Developer, Web Programmer, Chief Technology Officer, and engineering fields. Students have the opportunity to take the AP Computer Science A exam, which is the fastest-growing AP test of the decade, or the AP Computer Science Principles exam.

Courses

PROGRAMMING I - Computer Science Essentials (5524)
1 SEMESTER – 1/2 CREDIT
(GRADES 9-12)

This semester long course is the first in a series of courses where students gain in-demand knowledge and skills they will use regardless of the career path they choose.   With emphasis on project-based learning and collaboration, Programming 1 students will use visual, block-based programming that will seamlessly transition to text-based programming languages such as Python. Students will learn a diverse set of computational thinking concepts while working together to design and solve real world problems by creating user friendly applications.  Students will finish the semester and continue to expand on their knowledge and skills with programming Self Driving Vehicle Robots. 

PREREQUISITES: A passing grade in previous year’s math 

PROGRAMMING II (5534)
1 SEMESTER – 1/2 CREDIT
(GRADES 9-12)

This course is the second in a series of courses aimed at developing and preparing a student for a career in Computer Programming or Computer Science.  Students explore and apply the same essential coding fundamentals introduced Programming 1 to transition into the text-based programming language of Python.  Students will apply computational thinking practices to build their vocabulary, and collaborate on projects just as computing professionals do to create products that address topics and problems important to them. 

PREREQUISITES: Programming 1

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A (5551/2)
FULL YEAR – 1 CREDIT
(GRADES 10-12)

Throughout the PLTW Computer Science A (CSA) course, you will engage in hands-on activities, projects, and problems that are reflective of real-world challenges. You will gain an understanding of programming through analyzing, writing, and testing code as you explore concepts like modularity, variables, and control structures. 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. PLTW is recognized by the College Board as an endorsed provider of curriculum and professional development for AP® Computer Science A (AP CSa). 

PREREQUISITES: AP Computer Science Principals and approval of teacher

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES (5556)
FULL YEAR – 1 CREDIT
(GRADES 10-12)

Using Python® as a primary tool, students learn the fundamentals of coding, data processing, data security, and task automation, while learning to contribute to an inclusive, safe, and ethical computing culture. The course promotes computational thinking and coding fundamentals and introduces computational tools that foster creativity through hands-on activities, projects, and problems that are reflective of real-world challenges. Projects and problems include app development, visualization of data, cybersecurity, and simulation. PLTW is recognized by the College Board as an endorsed provider of curriculum and professional development for AP® Computer Science Principles (AP CSP). This endorsement affirms that all components of PLTW CSP’s offerings are aligned to the AP Curriculum Framework standards and the AP CSP assessment. 

PREREQUISITES:  Programming 1 and 2 and/or approval of teacher