Instructor: Mr. Brown 🎓
Email: ebrown@slvusd.org 📧 (Please keep emails short and to the point)
Room: C-103
Website: www.porttack.com/slv 💻
When: High School 5th Period ⏰
Optional CoderDojo: 1st Tuesday Evenings 🌙

Requirements

Grades: 10-12 (or brief teacher interview)
Prerequisites: Math 1 (or brief teacher interview)
The primary purpose of the teacher interview is to assess maturity and establish expectations for rigor. Email Mr. Brown to schedule.

Course Description

Course Goals: This course aims to (1) cultivate students’ computational thinking abilities, fostering problem-solving skills that transcend specific tools and technologies, empowering them to approach challenges like computer scientists. Additionally, (2) students will gain exposure to various practical tools in computer science, which they can readily apply throughout their academic journey and future careers. Moreover, (3) the course will assist students in preparing a portfolio that showcases their problem-solving capabilities and technical skills, positioning them favorably in the eyes of colleges during the admissions process and beyond.

Student Expectations:

  • We will use either the Harvard or Carnegie Mellon AP curriculum designed for Algebra-ready high school students.
  • There is a mandatory project (“Create Performance Task”) due in April, which is worth 30% of the grade. Classroom time will be allocated for this purpose.
  • As college admissions favor deep commitments to students’ areas of study, participation in CruzHacks 2024 (February), Santa Cruz Engineering/Science Fair, Raspberry Pi Coolest Projects, and/or California Invention Convention is encouraged and supported.
  • Students can expect a reasonable amount of homework that complements the course material and reinforces their understanding of computational thinking concepts.

Teacher’s Note/Goal: Computer Science and Engineering are fun. It isn’t always easy – I get frustrated with my computer sometimes – but I hope to inspire students to experience the same thrill and enjoyment I get from solving problems with technology. I will also strive to adjust expectations and projects appropriately based on students’ abilities.

Required School Supplies

Please check back here on August 6th, 2023.

Syllabus

We are still evaluating which Computer Science Principles platform will deliver the best outcomes for student success.