Intro to Computer Science

Mr. Dunn

Course Overview and Goals:

Intro to Computer Science covers the foundations of computer science and basic programming, with an emphasis on develop logical thinking and problem solving skills.

Learning Environment:

The course utilizes a blended classroom approach. The content is fully web-based, with students writing and running code in the browser. The teacher will utilize tools and resources provided by CodeHS to leverage time in the classroom and give focused 1-on-1 attention to students. Each unit of the course is broken down into lessons. Lessons consist of video tutorials, short quizzes, example programs to explore, and written programming exercises.  Each unit ends with a comprehensive unit test that assesses student’s mastery of the material from that unit.

Programming Environment:

Students write and run JavaScript programs in the browser using the CodeHS editor.

Course Units:

Unit 1: Introduction to Programming in JavaScript with Karel the Dog

Objectives/Topics:  Commands, Defining vs. Calling Methods, Designing methods, Program entry points, Control flow, Looping, Conditionals, Classes, Commenting code, Preconditions and Postconditions, and Top Down Design

Unit 2: Karel Challenges

Objectives/Topics:  Solving large and more complex problems using Karel.

Unit 3: Javascript & Graphics

Objectives/Topics:  Variables, User Input, Arithmetic Expressions, and Graphics

Unit 4: Graphics Challenges

Objectives/Topics:  Pair Programming and solving large and more complex problems using graphics

Unit 5: JavaScript Control Structures

Objectives/Topics:  Booleans, For Loops, Conditionals, Nested Control Structures, and While Loops

Unit 6: Control Structures Challenges

Objectives/Topics:  Solving large and more complex problems using control structures

Unit 7: Functions and Parameters

Objectives/Topics:  Functions with and without parameters, Functions with and without return values, Nested Control Structures, and Local variables and scope

Unit 8: Functions Challenges

Objectives/Topics:  Solving large and more complex problems using functions

Unit 9: Animation and Games

Objectives/Topics:  Timers, Randomizing Games, Mouse Events, and Keyboard Events

Unit 10: Animations Challenges

Objectives/Topics:  Solving large and more complex problems using animation

Unit 11: Project: Breakout

Objectives/Topics:  Basic graphics, Mouse events, and Collision detection

Unit 12: Final Project

Unit 13: Final Exam