Principles of Computing, Part I

This is the 1st semester of a 2-semester course for high school students to learn the principles of computing and programming.

Instructor:
 Laina Yeisley, B.S. Computer Science and Engineering

Dates/Time: Tuesdays 1:00pm-2:50pm | August 23 – Dec. 13 

Grade Level: 9th through 12th (recommended)

Member price: $200
Non-Member price: $235

Max # of students: 10 

Materials required: 

  • Hardware: desktop or laptop computer with a mouse (or touchpad) and keyboard, Microsoft Surface Pro with an external keyboard, or iPad running iPadOS 13.4 or later with an external keyboard and an external mouse or touchpad.  Portable technology is preferred so that we can utilize the computers in class. However, it is likely we will work in teams, so as long as the student has access at home, they are welcome to participate.
  • Software: Windows 10 or higher, or iOS 13.4 or higher; up-to-date Chrome, Firefox or Safari web browser; email address the student can access; a list of web pages that must be unblocked by internet safety software will be provided at the beginning of the semester

Description: 

Guided by an experienced computer programmer and instructor, this class will utilize Code.org’s resources to explore the principles of computer science. 

This is a rigorous course appropriate for students who have no or little computer programming experience but are curious about the principles behind computing rather than a particular field such as app or game programming.

The specific class’s pacing is dependent on the engagement and comprehension of the students. Therefore, it is difficult to estimate how many units we will cover in the timeframe. Because the original lesson plans were written for a class meeting 5 days per week, we will meet for 2 hours once per week with homework required, and office hours available in person or virtually as the course progresses. 

We will attempt to cover the following topics:

  • Digital Information 
  • The Internet
  • Intro to App Design
  • Variables, Conditionals, and Functions
  • Lists, Loops, and Traversals

(Using Code.org Units 1 through 5 as outlined here:  https://studio.code.org/courses/csp-2021)

There will be activities and assignments to complete at home, approximately 60 to 90 minutes per weekday.

Cancellation/refund policy: Payment is due at time of registration. 

     Cancel before 7/15: 100% refund.
     Cancel between 7/15 and 8/1: 75% refund
     Cancel between 8/1 and 9/1: 50% refund
 
      No refunds if cancelling on 9/1 or later.

Payment plan is available for this course. If you wish to pay in installments, please see the information and fill out the form on our payment plan page BEFORE registering.

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