Computer Science Discoveries:

COURSE DESCRIPTION

During this course, we will explore an introductory computer science course designed for grades 9-12. The
curriculum focuses on engaging students in creating projects like websites, games, and physical computing
systems, while also exploring the broader applications of computer science in problem-solving, communication,
and creativity.

Course Review:

● Unit 1: Problem Solving and Computing: Introduces the problem-solving process, the core functions of a
computer, and how computers help humans solve problems.
● Unit 2: Web Development: Students learn web development basics, including HTML and CSS, to build
websites.
● Unit 3: Interactive Animations and Games: Focuses on programming concepts using JavaScript to create
animations and games, according to the curriculum guide.
● Unit 4: The Design Process: Explores the design process, from identifying a problem to creating a prototype
app.
● Unit 5: Data and Society: Covers data representation, analysis, and its impact on society.
● Unit 6: Physical Computing: Introduces the relationship between hardware and software through physical
computing projects using devices like the Adafruit Circuit Playground.
● Optional Unit: AI and Machine Learning: Provides an introduction to these advanced topics.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Unit 1: Problem Solving and Computing

  By the end of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Explain the steps of the problem-solving process and how it is used in computing.

  2. Describe the core components and functions of a computer system.

  3. Analyze real-world problems and create step-by-step strategies (algorithms) to solve them.

  4. Demonstrate how computers can be used to store, process, and output information to help solve human problems.

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  Unit 2: Web Development

  By the end of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Use HTML to structure the content of a webpage.

  2. Use CSS to style and format webpage elements.

  3. Build and publish simple, multi-page websites using standard web development practices.

  4. Apply concepts of design, layout, and accessibility in web projects.

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  Unit 3: Interactive Animations and Games (JavaScript)

  By the end of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Explain basic programming concepts such as variables, loops, conditionals, and functions.

  2. Use JavaScript to create interactive animations and simple games.

  3. Debug code by identifying and correcting errors in a program.

  4. Plan and develop small interactive projects using programming logic.

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  Unit 4: The Design Process

  By the end of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Identify a user-focused problem and define clear criteria and constraints.

  2. Develop and refine design ideas using brainstorming and feedback techniques.

  3. Create low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototypes of an app or digital product.

  4. Present a design solution that explains the problem, process, and final prototype.

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  Unit 5: Data and Society

  By the end of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Explain how data is represented, collected, and stored by computers.

  2. Analyze datasets to identify trends and draw meaningful conclusions.

  3. Discuss the ethical and societal impacts of data use, privacy, and security.

  4. Create visual representations of data to communicate ideas clearly.

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  Unit 6: Physical Computing

  By the end of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Describe how hardware and software interact to control physical devices.

  2. Use microcontrollers (such as the Adafruit Circuit Playground) to build interactive physical computing projects.

  3. Write programs that use inputs (buttons, sensors) and outputs (LEDs, sound).

  4. Troubleshoot physical computing setups by testing wiring, sensors, and code.

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  Optional Unit: AI and Machine Learning

  By the end of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Explain the basic concepts of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

  2. Differentiate between human-programmed rules and machine-learned behavior.

  3. Use introductory tools to train simple machine learning models.

  4. Discuss real-world applications and ethical considerations of AI technologies.