Teacher: Mr. Imrie
Room: 513

Industry Sector: Computer Science - Information and Communications Technology
Pathway: Systems Programming 

Program Description

• The Computer Science program of study 3 includes courses:  
  • Exploring Computer Science (JavaScript and RobotC)
    • introductory courses 
  • AP Computer Science Principles (Python and Arduino/C)
    • concentrator course
    • dual enrollment with Sacramento State CSC10, Introduction to Programming Logic
  • AP Computer Science A (Java)
    • capstone course
    • dual enrollment with Sacramento State CSC15, Programming Concepts and Methodology I
• Additional computer science and information technology courses include:
  • Technology Innovation
    • Computer Science project development course
  • Information Technology Essentials
    • Student-led tech support class
• It is recommended that students take these courses in order.
• Students will earn and receive a “silver cord” to wear at graduation signifying their completion of the computer science program of study.

Sequence of Classes

Introductory Course - Exploring Computer Science
(UC/CSU 'G' Elective)
Syllabus: link to syllabus

Class description: Exploring Computer Science provides an engaging introduction to the world of computer science that aligns with many career pathways. The course consists of six hands-on and project-based exploratory units—Introduction to Computing (Hardware and Software), Human Computer Interaction (Internet and Artificial Intelligence), Problem Solving (Computational Thinking and Algorithms), Programming (using Snap! and JavaScript), Web Design, and Robotics (LEGO Mindstorm EV3 using Robot C). Course material will show how computing enables innovation in multiple career paths, and will cover ethical and social issues as well. Through a career research project and job shadow opportunity, students will identify and explore many of the lucrative and high demand jobs throughout the world of technology. Computing is involved in virtually every field of study, career, and aspect of society. Whatever you plan to study in college or pursue as a career, you will need the knowledge and skills found in this course.

Concentrator Course Title - AP Computer Science Principles
(UC/CSU 'G' Elective)
Syllabus: link to syllabus

Class description: In a hands-on, project-based learning environment, students in AP Computer Science Principles will explore the seven big ideas of computing: creativity, abstraction, data and information, algorithms, programming, the Internet, and global impact of technology. This course teaches programming through Python, a relatively easy to learn programming language. Students will then apply these skills to develop a programming projecting using Arduino. But this course is far more than just learning programming concepts. We focus on some of the “Big Ideas” of computing, such as abstraction, design, recursion, concurrency, simulations, and the limits of computation. We show some beautiful applications of computing that have changed the world, talk about the history of computing, and where it will go in the future. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be well-prepared to take the AP Computer Science Principles test and enroll in Granite Bay’s second AP course in computer science: AP Computer Science A (Java). ** Students who successfully complete AP Computer Science Principles with a B or better will earn 3 college credits (CS 10) from CSU, Sacramento through the ACE program.

Capstone Course Title - Technology Innovations 
(UC/CSU 'G' Elective)
Syllabus: link to syllabus

Class Description: In Technology Innovation students will apply the programming and computing concepts learned throughout the Computer Science Pathway (ECS and AP CSP) to a semester long computing project. Technology Innovations a project based course in which students propose and complete a semester long programming project (app, website, game, robot, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ect.). Students will learn and use the Agile software development process, Git version control as well as marketing and business concepts related to software development and the technology industry. Working in teams to support each other as well as with industry partners, students will receive continual support and feedback on their projects. This course is primarily a project-based course and students will be evaluated on the progress of their project as well as the documentation of that progress. Peer and industry partner support and feedback will be required to ensure that projects progress at a reasonable pace. Whole class instruction will be front loaded to the start of the term when concepts of the Agile software development cycle and version control are taught. These industry standard practices will be applied throughout the remainder of the term and will help students document and keep pace towards completing their project successfully and on time. Once students select a project, they will be likely need to research solutions and resources that they need to assist in the development of their specific project so individuals will need to do some independent learning as well. By the end of the semester, students will have gone from developing an idea to a well-documented full-fledged product or application. Finally, students will need to market their project to the public which will include a final presentation to an Innovator review panel comprised of educators, students, community members and industry partners