Computer Science Discoveries
Computer Science Discoveries is an introductory course that empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communications, problem solving and fun. In our modern world it is no longer enough to learn how to use technology. It's foundational to learn what goes into building technology. No matter what career a student wants to pursue, an understanding of computer science will be relevant.
In CS Discoveries, students will begin to create programs, games, and apps that can help their communities today! You will learn the basics of the technology that's changing the world. AIS offers this class through regional partnership with code.org, a nonprofit dedicated to giving every K-12 student in the US the opportunity to learn computer science. This is an opportunity that will open up collaboration, creativity, and passion as students learn and build together.
Unit 1 - Problem Solving and Computing
You'll practice using a problem solving process to address a series of puzzles, challenges and real world scenarios. Then, you'll learn how computers input, output, store and process information to help human solve problems. Finally, you will design an app that helps solve a problem of your choosing.
Unit 2 - Web Development
You'll learn how to create and share your content on your own web pages. After deciding what content you want to share with the world, you'll learn how to structure and style your pages. You'll also practice valuable programming skills such as debugging, using resources and teamwork.
Unit 3 - Interactive Animations and Games
You'll build on your coding experience as you program animations, interactive art and games in Game Lab. You will start with simple shapes and build up to more sophisticated sprite-based games, using the same programming concepts and the design process computer scientist use daily.
Unit 4 - The Design Process
Through a series of design challenges, you will learn how to better understand the needs of others while developing a solution to a problem. You will then team up to identify a need, prototype a solution on paper and app lab then test solutions with real users to get feedback to drive improvement.
Unit 5 - Data and Society (option)
Unit 6 - Physical Computing (option)