Difference between revisions of "Computer Science I Syllabus"

From WLCS
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=== Textbook & Supplies ===
 
=== Textbook & Supplies ===
  
* The class does *not* have a physical textbook; however, all resources can be found on-line:
+
The class does *not* have a physical textbook; however, all resources can be found on-line:
** [http://scratch.mit.edu/ Scratch]
+
* [http://scratch.mit.edu/ Scratch]
** [http://www.learnscratch.com/ Learn Scratch]
+
* [http://www.learnscratch.com/ Learn Scratch]
** [http://www.python.org/ Python]
+
* [http://www.python.org/ Python]
** [http://wingware.com/downloads/wingide-101 Wing IDE 101]
+
* [http://wingware.com/downloads/wingide-101 Wing IDE 101]
** [http://openbookproject.net/thinkcs/python/english3e/ "How to Think Like a Computer Scientist"]
+
* [http://openbookproject.net/thinkcs/python/english3e/ "How to Think Like a Computer Scientist"]
* Students are recommended (*not required*) to purchase a USB flash drive.  They can be used to store work for all classes, and generally cost less than $10.
+
 
* 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 recommended (*not required*) to purchase a USB flash drive.  They can be used to store work for all classes, and generally cost less than $10.
* 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.).
+
 
 +
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 ===
 
=== Lab Schedule ===
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* Please arrive on time
 
* Please arrive on time
 
* Be mindful of your neighbors’ workspace
 
* Be mindful of your neighbors’ workspace
* During work time (not quiz/test time), you are encouraged to work with others, but please DO NOT do their work
+
* 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 or the desks will be marred
 
* Please do not spin in the chairs or lean too far back or the desks will be marred
* No food or drink
+
* No food or drink in the lab area
 
* Keep the lab clean – no trash!
 
* 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
 
* The lab is used by 5 or more classes, so please leave it in the same condition or better when class is over

Revision as of 17:49, 25 August 2011

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 programming and computer science. We will learn programming concepts using the Scratch and Python programming languages. 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

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.

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    80 – 89.999999
C    70 – 79.999999
D    60 – 69.999999
E    0 – 59.999999

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.

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

Textbook & Supplies

The class does *not* have a physical textbook; however, all resources can be found on-line:

Students are recommended (*not required*) to purchase a USB flash drive. They can be used to store work for all classes, and generally cost less than $10.

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 lunch or after school, please e-mail or come talk to me.

Expectations

Students are expected to follow the Acceptable Use Policy (http://www2.apsva.us/aps/lib/aps/_shared/School%20Board%20Policies/45-2.1_Acceptable_Use.PIP.pdf) as well as other school policies

Lab Etiquette

  • Please arrive on time
  • Be mindful of your neighbors’ workspace
  • 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 or 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 the 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

Please sign below and return this page to Mr. Bui to indicate that you have read and understand the course’s policies and expectations.

________________________________
Student’s name (Please print)

________________________________
Student’s signature / date

________________________________
Parent’s/Guardian’s name (Please print)

________________________________
Parent’s/Guardian’s signature / date