COMPUTER SCIENCE Our courses provide information to address a wide range of interests. The computer programming courses have a strong connection to engineering, mathematics, and the sciences. It is common that students choosing an engineering career in college will encounter a programming course during their freshman year. Please consider Introduction to Programming: Visual Basic 1, CIHS C++, and AP Java. Students interested in computer graphics, animation, and game development will find courses that introduce this concepts. The Introduction to Computer Graphics and Animation, Introduction to Computer Game Development, and Advanced Topics in Computing courses are recommended for consideration. 25
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER GRAPHICS AND ANIMATION (Elective/Semester Course).5 credit 2031 This course is designed for students having an interest in computers and wishing to learn computer graphics and computer animation. An introduction to Photoshop, video effects, and 3D modeling, and animation applications are components of the course. Students, for example, will use Photoshop to modify characters that are used in animations and create landscapes using a terrain building application. The student will be introduced to various animation techniques such as tweening and lip syncing. They will use audio, vector, bone, and switch layers to organize their projects. The animation application will enable the student to create an animation from a comic strip and to create a skeletal structure for characters that enable the character to move its arms and legs. This course is designed for the student s enjoyment so there are no tests or homework required. Student grade evaluation is based on project completion and class work. Prerequisites: - None - Open to all grade levels INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER GAME DEVELOPMENT (Elective/Semester Course).5 credit 2032 This, one semester, course will introduce computer gaming software. The student will be able to create 2-dimensional games using an application called Gamemaker. Students will create scrolling games, platform games such as Mario Bros style games, breakout games, maze games, and more. A 3-dimensional gaming application will be used called Kodu. Kodu is provided by Microsoft Corporation and requires the student to create a game using code blocks. Code blocks provide instructions that enable the characters to move, jump, and capture objects. Other gaming applications will be considered if time permits. There are no tests and no assigned homework. All work done is done in class and your grade is based on daily performance and project completion. Prerequisites: - None - Open to all grade levels 26
INTRO TO COMPUTER SCIENCE 6052 (PROJECT LEAD THE WAY/COMPTUER SCIENCE ACADEMY) (Elective) 0.5 credit Introduction to Computer Science is the first class of the computer science program. (New classes will be added in subsequent years) This newly added computer science program aims to engage high school students in computational thinking and help prepare a computationally aware and capable workforce. Students begin with creating interactive stories in Scratch (an easy-to-use programming language); work in teams to create simple apps for mobile devices using App Inventor; and analyze data about students' health, social habits, and interests using functions in Excel. Students will learn the impact of computing in society and the application of computing across career paths. They will also transfer the understanding of programming gained in App Inventor to a third language, Python, in which students learn introductory elements of text-based programming. Are you interested in getting ahead of the competition and gaining 21 st century skills that both colleges and employers are seeking? Programming is becoming a vital tool in society and this course will provide you with the necessary knowledge required for future success in computer science. INTRO TO COMPUTER PROGRAMMING: VISUAL BASIC 1 (Elective) 1 credit 2612 This is a beginning course in computer programming. The purpose of the course is to provide the student with a general introduction to the computer and the programming techniques that are necessary in CIHS C++ and other programming courses. Students will write programs that have the look and feel of Window s applications. The student will write code for a computer gaming project. The areas of discussion will include loops, decision statements, data files, strings, graphics, and math oriented problems. Prerequisites: - 70% or higher in Algebra 1, or enrolled in Algebra 1 VISUAL BASIC 2 (Elective/Semester Course).5 credit 2623 Visual Basic 2 is a one semester course that continues from Visual Basic 1. Students will be introduced to advanced programming concepts, develop integrated environments, learn the process for creating menus, multiple document interfaces, and control arrays. Many of the assigned projects will involve graphics and game-like themes. Prerequisites: - Minimum of 75% in Visual Basic 1 or equivalent 27
INTRODUCTION TO C# (Elective/Semester Course).5 credit 2650 Introduction to C# is a one semester course that will prepare the student for CIHS C++. This course is an introduction to fundamental computer concepts and includes programming techniques which use arrays and objects. The language syntax will be similar to C++, but will have a visual environment similar to Visual Basic. Students will have the knowledge necessary to conduct research into Microsoft s gaming component in C#. Prerequisites: - Minimum of 75% in Visual Basic 1 or equivalent CIHS C++ (Elective) (College in the High School) 1 credit 2653 CIHS C++ is affiliated with Duquesne University. College credit may be awarded to those students successfully completing the class. Seniors interested in engineering/sciences should consider this course. If you have NOT had a previous programming course please see Mr. Tiglio for a recommendation to take the class. C++ is an advanced programming language that introduces the concepts of objects. It is a highly structured language that enables the student to write code that is organized, precise, and clear. A prior programming language will be very useful in understanding the routines presented in the course. Usually, the first programming course a freshman student will encounter in an engineering/science major is C++. Take advantage of it now. Prerequisites: - Minimum of 75% in Visual Basic A.P. JAVA (Elective) 1 credit 2633 This course is designed for students planning a career in computer science, business, or any of the science-related fields. It is a challenging course for those highly motivated students that have a sincere interest in computers. The advanced placement test specifically requires a thorough knowledge of Java and its programming techniques. It is expected that as a component of this course, the student will take the Advanced Placement Exam in the month of May. The course curriculum will follow the Advanced Placement Committee s guidelines, which includes an in-depth Case Study. Prerequisites: - 85% or better in C++ 28
ADVANCED TOPICS IN COMPUTING 1 (Elective/Semester Course).5 credit 2643 This course is intended for those students having a high interest in computers and having the desire to learn a variety of software applications. This is a project oriented course; the student will choose or be given specific projects to complete. The student may select from a variety of software applications which includes, but is not limited to: 2D and 3D animation, 3D modeling, game design, video editing, special effects software as applied to videos and still images, Adobe Flash, and various programming applications involving scripting languages and other coding applications. At the conclusion of the semester, the student must make a presentation of the completed projects. This class may be taken before completing Advanced Topics in Computing 2. Prerequisites - Any computer programming class - Introduction to Computer Graphics and Animation 1 and 2 with a 90% or higher - Teacher Recommendation ADVANCED TOPICS IN COMPUTING 2 (Elective/Semester Course).5 credit 2644 This course is intended for those students having a high interest in computers and having the desire to learn a variety of software applications. This is a project oriented course and the student will choose or be given specific projects to complete. The student may select from a variety of software applications which includes, but is not limited to: 2D and 3D animation, 3D modeling, game design, video editing, special effects software as applied to videos and still images, Adobe Flash, and various programming applications involving scripting languages and related coding applications projects. At the conclusion of the semester, the student must make a presentation of the projects completed during the semester. This class may be taken before completing Advanced topics in Computing 1. Prerequisites - Any computer programming class - Introduction to Computer Graphics and Animation 1 and 2 with a 90% or higher - Teacher Recommendation 29