Pre-AP Computer Science Principles

This class will continue in Spring ’24. Students are not obligated to take part 2, but please be aware that fall will only cover about half of the material. Students returning in spring will be offered an enrollment discount.

Instructor: Laina Yeisley

Dates/Time: Tuesdays 8:30-9:50am | August 22 – December 12 (Excl. 11/21)
Member Price: $320
Non-Member Price: $448

Grade Level: 9th-12th (recommended)

Max # of students: 12 
Materials: Students should come to class with a notebook and pen/pencil. Students will also need an internet-capable laptop (not tablet) in class.

Description: 

Welcome to the Pre-AP Computer Science Principles course based on the Computer Science Principles class on Code.org, designed for 8th to 12th graders. This engaging and comprehensive program introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and explores the powerful impact of computing and technology on the world.

The Pre-AP Computer Science Principles (not an official College Board designation) curriculum aims to cultivate leaders in computer science fields and provide essential computing tools and multidisciplinary opportunities to underrepresented individuals. Through this course, students will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and computational skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the digital world.

The course is divided into several units, each covering key aspects of computer science:

1. Digital Information: This unit explores the challenges of representing digital information in computers. Students will learn how numbers, text, images, and sound are represented, study compression techniques, and examine the broader social implications of digitization.

2. The Internet: In this unit, students will uncover the design and functionality of the Internet, connecting billions of devices and people. Through hands-on activities using the Internet Simulator, students will gain insights into Internet protocols and explore its impacts on modern life.

3. Intro to App Design: This unit introduces programming and app design, emphasizing skills such as debugging, pair programming, and user testing. Students will learn to design user interfaces, write event-driven programs using App Lab, and create a project to educate their peers about a chosen topic.

4. Variables, Conditionals, and Functions: This unit delves into the concepts of variables, conditionals, and functions, enabling the design of more complex apps. Through collaborative activities, students will gain proficiency in programming with these concepts and develop their own decision-maker app.

5. Lists, Loops, and Traversals: This unit introduces the use of lists, loops, and traversals to handle large amounts of information in app development. Students will explore the data library in App Lab, participate in a 5-day hackathon project, and design a program on a topic of their choice.

To fully participate in the course, students will need access to a laptop computer. Homework assignments will be given to reinforce and extend learning beyond the classroom.

Join us on this exciting journey to discover the principles of computer science, explore the transformative potential of technology, and develop essential skills for the digital age. Get ready to unlock new possibilities and make a positive impact in the world of computing!

Cancellation/refund policy: 

Deposits are fully refundable if registration is canceled within 14 days of the deposit. After 14 days post-deposit, the deposit is non-refundable.