Computer Science

This required trimester-long mini-course introduces our freshmen to basic  computer programming concepts and career opportunities using MIT SCRATCH and Code.org activities.

This full-year online course is for those who may be interested in a career in computer science. Students will be immersed in real computer programming work, including HTML, JavaScript, Python, creating mobile apps, augmented reality and more. We will also explore relevant topics from computer history through current issues, including artificial intelligence and privacy concerns. The course is taught completely online through a shared One Note Notebook and other online resources. Online courses help students develop independent learning and time management skills which are essential for college and beyond. We will occasionally meet as a class for special projects, guest speakers and perhaps a field trip!

This branch of computer science has the potential to change life on this planet more profoundly than the invention of the wheel.  In this trimester-long course we will learn what AI is, how it works, and how to prepare for world in which computers and humans must work together. Through research and discussion, we will trace AI's beginnings, understand its current trends, and debate the hotbed of ethical issues it presents.  The hands-on part of this course will teach students to program chatbots using IBM Watson, an AI tool used by companies and organizations around the world. Students will learn through articles, videos, podcasts, and some research projects. Using the IBM Watson platform, students will create AI chatbots that can be used in the trimester 3 project course.  There will be no tests.  Project rubrics, class participation, presentations and written work will make up the grading system.

prerequisite: Intro to Comp Sci or a mini-independent study to catch up.
This trimester class is a continuation of the beginning Python programming that is covered at the end of the sophomore course. Students learn more advanced computer programming concepts using the object-oriented Python language. This teacher-facilitated course uses an online platform with tutorials and projects, most of which is done in class. Students will also spend time creating a larger project of their choosing at the end of the trimester.

Do you have a great idea for an app? In this trimester-long class, you will learn how to design and market your own app. In teams, students focus on a community problem and design an app to help solve it. Ms. Adamczyk and Ms. Harb team up to guide you through learning the basics of app programming and the basics of creating a business plan and a marketing strategy. Student teams test their ideas and pitch to the SEM community.

Privacy and Internet safety is more important than ever. This trimester course will allow students to engage with this changing “technology frontier” through lecture, discussion, and hands-on labs.  Topics will include ethical computing behavior, hacking, cyber attacks and privacy. Grading will be based on participation, quizzes, and labs.

This trimester course provides a hands-on introduction to Unity Game Engine, an industry standard used to create many of the world's games. Students create 2D environments and animate them with basic scripting in the C# programming language. They learn about the history of game development, industry terminology and documentation, game development careers, and ethics in video games. New material is presented in the form of discussions, videos, and tutorials. About half of the class time will be hands on projects. Homework on game industry topics can be expected, along with in-class discussion. There will be quizzes on topics covered in Unity. Project completion, class participation, quizzes, and written work will make up the grading system.  

prerequisite: Game Design or AI Class
In this project-based trimester course students create an educational virtual reality experience using Unity Game Engine, IBM Watson, and Oculus Rift. They will combine an AI chatbot created in the Artificial Intelligence class with the skills they learned in the Game Design class. Students will be creating the 3D environment in Unity, working on audio elements, designing 3D avatars, coding in C# for scene transitions and menus, working with IBM Watson to insert the chatbot into the experience, testing, and refining. Students will be graded on participation, teamwork, and getting their jobs done.

prerequisite: discussion with the Computer Science Dept. This year-long AP Computer Science course teaches object-oriented programming using the Java language and is meant to be the equivalent of a first semester, college-level course in computer science. It will emphasize problem-solving and algorithm development and use hands-on experiences and examples so that students can apply programming tools and solve complex problems. This course prepares students for the AP CS Exam in May. The format of this course is blended. Online content through Edhesive.com is supplemented by in-house by SEM Computer Science teachers.

prerequisite: discussion with the Computer Science Dept.
The year-long AP Computer Science Principles course focuses on the 7 “Big Ideas” in computer science. Using project-based lessons and materials throughout, students will work to address real-world problems and design solutions to put computational thinking into practice. These culminate in a final Performance Task project where students can demonstrate what they've learned - to become creators, instead of merely consumers, of the technology all around them. This course will prepare students for the May AP Exam. The format of this course is blended. Online content through Edhesive.com is supplemented by in-house SEM Computer Science teachers.