Computer Science Honors 1-2

Two-semester course

No prerequisites

Level: Beginning / Intermediate

This course can be taken as a first-year course for students interested in computer science, or students with some experience in computer science, or students who are taking at least one honors course. It can also be a second-year course following Exploring Computer Science.

This course introduces students to the principles of computer science. Topics such as the Internet, how computers work, digital information, and cybersecurity will be covered. Students also get extensive training in coding. Students are introduced to software engineering techniques to problem solve a variety of problems, including physical computing with microbits and robots.

Students will benefit from taking this course by increasing their problem solving skills. Students will become proficient at using the computer as a learning tool, but also as a potential course of study. Students will realize the advantages of computing technology in education and the workplace, and it will prepare them for further study in computer science.

Code.org Units

Unit 1: Digital Information

This unit explores the technical challenges and questions that arise from the need to represent digital information in computers. Learn how complex information like numbers, text, images and sound are represented and how compression works.

Unit 2: The Internet

This unit reveals how the Internet was designed to connect billions of devices and people to one another using the Internet Simulator.

Unit 3: Intro to AppLab

This unit is an introduction to programming and app design with a focus on skills like debugging, pair programming and user testing.

Unit 4: Variables, Conditionals and Functions

This unit explores how variables, conditionals and functions allow for the design of increasingly complex apps. Make your own app to share with friends.

Unit 5: Lists, Loops and Traversals

This unit introduces lists, loops and traversals, and explores the way they can be used to build apps that store and process large amounts of information.

Unit 10: Cybersecurity and Global Impacts

In this unit learn how computing innovations have impacted our world in beneficial and harmful ways. Participate in cybersecurity activities and solve puzzles.

Additional units

Problem Solving and How Computers Work

Learn about the problem solving process while also studying how computers work. Study input, output, and processing. Take apart a computer and label its parts.

Physical Computing (from Code.org's Computer Science Discoveries)

Use code.org's AppLab and a circuitboard (micro bit) to learn about programming with physical components. Code buttons, LED lights, and buzzers while accessing sensors and buttons on apps.

Intro to Python Programming

Learn about event-driven, interactive programming using the Python programming language and an online programming environment. Create engaging programs and games using Codeskulptor.

Adobe PhotoShop

Learn to create original images using Adobe PhotoShop. Learn about layers, selection tools and image formatting.

Adobe Animate

Create your own original short animations using the basics of Adobe Animate. Learn about timelines, layers and tweens.