Introduction to Computer Science - PLTW #9340 Description Designed to be the first computer science course for students who have never programmed before, Introduction to Computer Science (ICS) is an optional starting point for the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Computer Science Program of Study. Students work in teams to create simple apps for mobile devices using MIT App Inventor. Students explore the impact of computing in society and the applications of computing across career paths and build skills and awareness in digital citizenship and cybersecurity. Students model, simulate, and analyze data about themselves and their interests. They also transfer the understanding of programming gained in App Inventor to learn introductory elements of text-based programming in Python to create strategy games. Credits.5 Prerequisites Textbooks/Resources Required Assessments Algebra Project Lead The Way Project Lead The Way End-of-Course Assessment Board Approved May 1997 Revised November 2015 AASD Computer Science Goals for Students: Provide a comprehensive approach to Computer Science and Information Technology Education Provide inquiry, project, and problem-based curriculum Provide students with a chance to apply what they know, identify problems, find unique solutions and lead their own learning Engage students in computational thinking while preparing them for the Information Technology workforce Board Approved November 2015 Page 1
AASD Standards are Aligned with the National Computer Science Teachers Association Standards: Computer Science in the Modern World (MW) I. Computational Thinking A. Use predefined functions and parameters, classes and methods to divide a complex problem into simpler parts. B. Describe a software development process used to solve software problems (e.g., design, coding, testing, verification). C. Explain how sequence, selection, iteration, and recursion are building blocks of algorithms. D. Compare techniques for analyzing massive data collections. E. Describe the relationship between binary and hexadecimal representations. F. Analyze the representation and trade-offs among various forms of digital information. G. Describe how various types of data are stored in a computer system. H. Use modeling and simulation to represent and understand natural phenomena. I. Discuss the value of abstraction to manage problem complexity. J. Describe the concept of parallel processing as a strategy to solve large problems. K. Describe how computation shares features with art and music by translating human intention into an artifact. II. Collaboration III. Computing Practice and Programming A. Work in a team to design and develop a software artifact. B. Use collaborative tools to communicate with project team members. C. Describe how computing enhances traditional forms and enables new forms of experience, expression, communication, and collaboration D. Identify how collaboration influences the design and development of software products. A. Create and organize Web pages through the use of a variety of web programming design tools. B. Use mobile devices/emulators to design, develop, and implement mobile computing applications. C. Use various debugging and testing methods to ensure program correctness (e.g., test cases, unit testing, white box, black box, integration testing) D. Apply analysis, design, and implementation techniques to solve problems (e.g., use one or more software lifecycle models). E. Use Application Program Interfaces (APIs) and libraries to facilitate programming solutions. F. Select appropriate file formats for various types and uses of data. G. Describe a variety of programming languages available to solve problems and develop systems. H. Explain the program execution process. I. Explain the principles of security by examining encryption, cryptography, and authentication techniques. J. Explore a variety of careers to which computing is central. K. Describe techniques for locating and collecting small and large-scale data sets. L. Describe how mathematical and statistical functions, sets, and logic are used in computation Board Approved November 2015 Page 2
IV. Computers and Communications Devices V. Computer, Global, and Ethical Impacts A. Describe the unique features of computers embedded in mobile devices and vehicles (e.g., cell phones, automobiles, airplanes). B. Develop criteria for purchasing or upgrading computer system hardware. C. Describe the principal components of computer organization (e.g., input, output, processing, and storage). D. Compare various forms of input and output. E. Explain the multiple levels of hardware and software that support program execution (e.g., compilers, interpreters, operating systems, networks). F. Apply strategies for identifying and solving routine hardware and software problems that occur in everyday life. G. Compare and contrast client-server and peer-to-peer network strategies. H. Explain the basic components of computer networks (e.g., servers, file protection, routing, spoolers and queues, shared resources, and fault-tolerance). I. Describe how the Internet facilitates global communication. J. Describe the major applications of artificial intelligence and robotics. A. Compare appropriate and inappropriate social networking behaviors. B. Discuss the impact of computing technology on business and commerce (e.g., automated tracking of goods, automated financial transactions, e-commerce, cloud computing). C. Describe the role that adaptive technology can play in the lives of people with special needs. D. Compare the positive and negative impacts of technology on culture (e.g., social networking, delivery of news and other public media, and intercultural communication). E. Describe strategies for determining the reliability of information found on the Internet. F. Differentiate between information access and information distribution rights. G. Describe how different kinds of software licenses can be used to share and protect intellectual property. H. Discuss the social and economic implications associated with hacking and software piracy. I. Describe different ways in which software is created and shared and their benefits and drawbacks (commercial software, public domain software, open source development). J. Describe security and privacy issues that relate to computer networks. K. Explain the impact of the digital divide on access to critical information. Board Approved November 2015 Page 3
Essential Learning Objectives Performance Indicators Classroom Assessments 1. Acquire knowledge of how computing has affected the world we live in. a. considers how computing will impact what is important to them. b. examines how the computing revolution has affected collaboration and creativity. c. describes fair use when rights are reserved and under Creative Commons. II. Collaboration C; IV. Computers and Communications Devices A; V. Computer, Global, and Ethical Impacts C, F, H, I, K 2. Illustrate how computers represent the data in words, numbers, pictures, and sound. a. explains storing, retrieving, and operating on string and numeric data. b. demonstrates software to manipulate sound. c. describes how sound is represented in digital data. d. demonstrates software to manipulate images. e. describes the RGB and RGBA abstractions for representing images. f. distinguishes between data types used in programming. I. Computational Thinking E,F,G; III. Computing Practice and Programming C,F; IV. Computers and Communications Devices C,D Board Approved November 2015 Page 4
Essential Learning Objectives Performance Indicators Classroom Assessments 3. Interpret why it is advantageous to break a problem down into smaller pieces and build solutions incrementally. a. demonstrates compound logic. b. demonstrates procedures to make code modular. c. describes the purpose of incrementing and displaying global variables. d. describes the purpose and concept of abstracting a procedure. e. describes the role of argument values and return values. f. identifies and creates iteration patterns in programming. I. Computational Thinking A,B,C,J; III. Computing Practice and Programming D,H,L 4. Distinguish how teams plan and create complex solutions to a problem. a. demonstrates collaboration when programming. b. modifies programming techniques to achieve project outcomes. c. uses documentation and other resources while programming. d. facilitates the management of a project effectively. e. decomposes a problem effectively. f. demonstrates common algorithms to solve common problems. Multi-day Project I. Computational Thinking H,I; II. Collaboration A,B,D; IV. Computers and Communications Devices F 5. Practice Safe and Ethical Use of the Internet. a. demonstrates safe behaviors while on the Internet and with digital communications. b. illustrates professional norms for digital communication. c. differentiates rules to respect intellectual property. III. Computing Practice and Programming I; IV. Computers and Communications Devices I; V. Computer, Global, and Ethical Impacts A,D,E,G,H Board Approved November 2015 Page 5
Essential Learning Objectives Performance Indicators Classroom Assessments 6. Consider the role of data and data exchange over the Web and how data is used for both good and bad. a. explains URLs and the client-server relationship. b. interprets the purposes of HTML and CSS. c. distinguishes how apps send and receive data over the Web. d. interprets fundamental Web communication protocols. e. predict how the production and collection of data can be crowd-sourced. I. Computational Thinking D; III. Computing Practice and Programming A,B,E,K; IV. Computers and Communications Devices G; V. Computer, Global, and Ethical Impacts J 7. Analyze and classify the various careers in the Information Technology Industry. a. identifies and distinguishes how innovation influences Information Technology. b. examines the role of entrepreneurial thinking as it relates to innovation and ultimately a career in Information Technology. c. collaborates with Information Technology business partners to understand skills needed for employment and post-secondary education. d. differentiates career opportunities in Computer Science and Information Technology. e. appraises how computing is impacting all fields. f. assesses the impact of simulation and modeling in various career fields. Job Shadow III. Computing Practice and Programming G,J; IV. Computers and Communications Devices J,K; V. Computer, Global, and Ethical Impacts B Resources and learning activities that address course objectives: PLTW ICS Detailed Course Outline Board Approved November 2015 Page 6