DISCOVERING COMPUTER SCIENCE
0207 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 9-12
This is an introductory course for students with minimal to no prior experience in computer science. The course presents an overview of the history, principles, and transformative applications of computer science, as well as a comprehensive introduction to programming. Students will learn the fundamentals of coding using block-based programming. Students will then transition into text-based programming with Python. Finally, students will learn how to design their own website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Throughout the course, current events in computer science will be used to discuss the impacts of computer science on society and ethical issues associated with technology. This course is highly recommended as a prerequisite course for the college level courses below.
WEB DESIGN CHS
0070 Full Year 1 Credit Grades: 9-12
Web Design is a hands-on course covering the history and development of the Internet, the Web and the core technologies used to implement modern websites. Students will design and implement websites using semantic markup languages, style sheets, and various software tools and applications. The course will include techniques for integrating a wide range of media formats, and design fundamentals needed in implementing effective, user-friendly websites.
College credit: SIENA. Fee required for college credit. Students may opt to take the course for only high school credit.
PYTHON AND MULTIMEDIA CHS
0499 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 10-12
This Siena College dual-enrollment course is a broad introduction to a variety of fundamental topics in computer science through the theme of multimedia. Using the Python programming language, students express themselves creatively and solve problems involving images, sounds, and animations. Students are also introduced to important computer science topics including data representation, computer organization, history and societal impact of computing, and ethics. This course does not require any previous programming or computer science experience. However, students should be prepared to do college level work. This is the equivalent of a one semester introductory computer science course and can be taken for 3 college credits.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1, Geometry.
Recommended preparation: Previous Coding Experience.
College credit: SIENA. Fee required for college credit. Students may opt to take the course for only high school credit.
SOFTWARE ENGINEERING CHS
0071 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 11-12
Software Engineering emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with an emphasis on problem solving and algorithm development and is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester course in computer science. It also includes the study of data structures and abstraction. This course covers the following topics in the Java programming language: object-oriented program design, program implementation, program analysis, standard data structures, standard algorithms, and computing in context. The Software Engineering curriculum is compatible with many CS1 courses in colleges and universities.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1, Geometry, concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2.
Recommended preparation: Previous Coding Experience.
College credit: SIENA. Fee required for college credit. Students may opt to take the course for only high school credit.
ROBOTICS I: INTRODUCTION TO ROBOTICS
0462 1 Semester .5 Credit Grades 10-12
This course is designed to introduce students to some of the aspects of robotics, computer science, programming, and electronics engineering. Students will explore and discuss the many career opportunities available in all these areas. The course includes opportunities to learn or refine computer programming skills using ROBOTC programming as well as practice skills in mechanics, engineering, and building using the VEX Robotics systems. Students will design, build, and program basic robots.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design
ROBOTICS II: ADVANCED ROBOTICS
0463 1 Semester .5 Credit Grades 10-12
This course is designed to enhance and challenge students’ Robotics skill levels through the introduction of more sophisticated robot building and programming. Students will explore the use of more advanced computer programming skills such as functions, variables, and more advanced sensors. Students will also learn how to build and program with Arduinos as well as have opportunities to design, build and program a robot to compete in the following years Vex Robotics Challenge or partner with a local business to solve a real-world problem using their robotics skills.
Prerequisite: Robotics I