Computer Science I Syllabus

From WLCS

Paul Bui
E-mail: BuiEmail.bmp
Phone: 703.228.6200 (ask for the call to be forwarded to Mr. Bui)
Website: http://www.paulbui.net/wl/Computer_Science

Prerequisite

Students are expected to have completed Algebra I with a C or better.

Description

In this course we will study the fundamental aspects of computer science, programming, and information technology. We will learn programming concepts using the Scratch and Python programming languages. The course will also introduce web development using the HTML and CSS. Students will complete a variety of class activities and programming assignments to facilitate their understanding of the course material.

"Scratch is a programming language that makes it easy to create your own interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art -- and share your creations on the web." Scratch Homepage

"Python is a programming language that lets you work more quickly and integrate your systems more effectively. You can learn to use Python and see almost immediate gains in productivity and lower maintenance costs." Python Homepage

"HTML is the language for describing the structure of Web pages." W3C Homepage

"CSS is the language for describing the presentation of Web pages, including colors, layout, and fonts." W3C Homepage

Organization

Class time will be divided between lecture and lab. I will lecture at the beginning of the class period, and the remaining time will be used for lab. The course will be structured such that all assignments, materials, and resources may be found on the course website.

Student grades reflect student achievement and not student behavior. Grades will follow the following guidelines. Please make note of the grading scale because grades will not be rounded up.

Grade Weights
Grade Scale

70%    Labs & Assignments
20%    Tests & Quizzes
10%    Class Performance

A      90 – 100
B+    87 – 89
B      80 – 86
C+    77 – 79
C      70 – 76
D+    67 – 69
D      60 – 66
E      0 – 59

Labs & Assignments

Labs are a fundamental part of this course, and there will be many labs throughout each quarter. Some labs will cover only a few days, while others may take several weeks. All lab assignments will be posted on the course website, along with detailed instructions and due dates. I am available for help during second lunch or after school upon request. Labs may also be completed on a home computer. Late assignments will be accepted with a penalty of 5% each day, after the due date.

Tests & Quizzes

There will be tests and quizzes throughout the year. Makeup quizzes are allowed provided that there is an excused absence. Tests and quizzes will be structured similarly; quizzes however will be shorter in length. Tests will generally be given after the completion of each major unit.

Class Performance

Students are expected to discuss topics and concepts during both whole-class discussions and small group discussions. When we are working on a lab or assignment, students are to stay on task by either working on their assignment, or by assisting another student with their assignment. Tardiness and unexcused absences will take away from class performance.

Attendance Policies

  • Arriving 1-19 minutes late is reported as a tardy
    • 3 unexcused tardies -> detention
    • 5+ unexcused tardies -> administrative referral
  • Arriving 20+ minutes late is reported as an absence
    • 3+ unexcused absences -> administrative referral

Academic Integrity

In this course, collaboration among students is encouraged. However, copying another’s work or allowing your work to be copied is not acceptable and is a violation of Washington-Lee’s academic integrity policy. Students will be asked to sign an honor pledge for each lab or major assignment. By signing the pledge, students acknowledge their understanding of the honor policy and that they have not violated that policy in any way. The pledge states either:
"On my honor, I pledge that I have neither given nor received information on this assignment."
or
"On my honor, I pledge that I have given [received] information on this assignment to [from] the following individual(s) …."

Topics

  • Operating Systems (Mac OS X, Windows)
  • Solving computing problems
  • Game design
  • Scratch programming
    • Sprites
    • Movement
    • Conditional statements
    • Iteration (Looping)
    • Lists
  • Python programming
    • Variables, types, operators, input/output
    • Functions
    • Conditional statements
    • Iteration (Looping)
    • Strings
    • Lists
  • History of computing
  • Hardware

Textbook & Supplies

The class does *not* have a physical textbook; however, we will be using a significant number of on-line resources:

On-line Resources

Software

Supplies

  • Students should have a cloud storage account (e.g. Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.) They can be used to store work for all classes, and are generally free.
  • Students are recommended (*not required*) to bring earphones to class. We will be using on-line video tutorials and sound devices in our programming.
  • Students are *not* required to have a computer at home; however, they will be expected to be able to access a computer using other means (school, library, etc.).

Lab Schedule

If you wish to schedule time in the lab during Generals Period, lunch, or after school, please e-mail or come talk to me.

Expectations

Students are expected to follow the Acceptable Use Policy as well as other school policies

Lab Etiquette

  • Please arrive on time
  • Be mindful of your neighbors’ workspace
  • During lecture time, please take off your headphones and turn off your listening devices
  • Cellphone use is prohibited unless being used for instructional purposes and with teacher permission. Otherwise, all cellphones must be silent and out of site during instructional time.
  • Avoid being rude with your cell phone
  • During work time (not quiz/test time), you are encouraged to work with others, but DO NOT do their work for them
  • Please do not spin in the chairs or lean too far back because the desks will be marred
  • No food or drink in the lab area
  • Keep the lab clean – no trash!
  • The lab is used by 5 or more classes, so please leave it in the same condition or better when class is over
    • Clean up your workspace
    • Straighten the keyboard and mouse
    • Push in the chairs

Infractions will be followed by warnings, lunch detention, after-school detention, Saturday detention, or by an administrative referral and parent/guardian conference

Agreement Signature