College Preparation

This course introduces students to computer programming concepts and practices. Students will write and test computer programs, using various problem-solving strategies. They will learn the fundamentals of program design and apply a software development life-cycle model to a software development project. Students will also learn about computer environments and systems, and explore environmental issues related to computers, safe computing practices, emerging technologies, and postsecondary opportunities in computer-related fields.

University Preparation

This course introduces students to computer science. Students will design software independently and as part of a team, using industry-standard programming tools and applying the software development life-cycle model. They will also write and use subprograms within computer programs. Students will develop creative solutions for various types of problems as their understanding of the computing environment grows. They will also explore environmental and ergonomic issues, emerging research in computer science, and global career trends in computer-related fields.

Below are samples of students' culminating projects. I have decided that teaching to the students' interests is the best approach for a course as complex as this. I want them to learn the fundamentals of programming, they want to program something fun ... so the students' culminating project is to program a mini video-game. The students find this strange given how strict I am with a no-game policy in my classroom, but it's a nice reward to end the course and gives students a new perspective on the games they play recreationally. Click on the thumbnails to open the game!