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 course is offered as 3 separate trimester electives. It is for those students 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!

Students learn 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.

With privacy and Internet safety becoming more relevant than ever, this class will help prepare students to better understand the technology around them. As a rising career path, this class will also prepare students if they are looking to pursue the field in college. The class will give students the knowledge and framework to better understand and engage with how technology and security is changing. From being a digital citizen to how their data is being used, students will better understand their place in the technological world. Most of the content will be delivered online through videos and hands-on activities. There will be an introduction and wrap up quiz for each unit. Most work can be completed during class time.  Topics include:  personal, web , network security, cryptography and digital forensics.

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.