Computer science and engineering design (CSED)

With the exception of AP Computer Science A, all courses are one semester long. AP Computer Science A students are expected to complete a summer assignment prior to the course and take the AP exam in May.

Education in computational thinking and computer science is critical to our goal of developing lifelong learners who can participate meaningfully in a global society increasingly infused with information, algorithms, large data, and intelligent systems. As a life skill, computational thinking exposes students to a set of problem-solving methods where problems and their solutions are expressed in ways that realize the benefit of computers. Accompanied by an iterative design process where multiple potential solutions are generated, developed, tested and revised, computer science and engineering design break complex problems into manageable pieces from which innovative, creative solutions can be composed. Through the study of how machines represent and process information, our graduates will be better prepared to imagine and communicate to others the opportunities afforded by digital systems.

A semester credit in any of the CSED courses satisfies ASL’s technology graduation requirement.

Integrated Science Coding Lab

½ technology credit; semester I or II
Prerequisite: Introduction to Programming, Art and Code, or commensurate experience and approval of instructor

This hands-on coding lab provides students with prior coding experience the opportunity to develop computer models that illuminate and extend content being covered in the general integrated science curriculum for Grades 9 and 10. Students work with a variety of software tools and development environments to build and evaluate models that generate new insight into scientific phenomena.

Note: Students who have taken this course and Computer Science Principles are eligible to take the AP Computer Science Principles exam as long as they are in Grade 10, 11 or 12.

*This is a research-intensive course.

Introduction to Programming

½ technology credit; semester I or II

Students explore a computer programming language by creating animations, games and practical applications. This course is a rigorous, thorough grounding in programming fundamentals, covering conditionals, loops, functions and lists. Students end the course by designing and creating a program or game of their choice. The course prepares students for AP Computer Science A; no prior experience is required.

Note: Students who have taken this course and Computer Science Principles are eligible to take the AP Computer Science Principles exam as long as they are in Grade 10, 11 or 12.

Computer Science Principles

½ technology credit; semester I or II
Computer Science Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and how these concepts are transforming the world we live in. Students explore how computers store complex information such as numbers, text, images and sound, and debate the impacts of digitizing information, learn how the Internet works and discuss its impacts on politics, culture and the economy. Additionally, students explore and visualize datasets from a wide variety of topics as we hunt for patterns and try to learn more about the world around us, and finally research and debate current events at the intersection of data, public policy, law, ethics, and societal impact, including the ever-growing world of social media and artificial intelligence (AI).

Note: Computer Science Principles plus Introduction to Programming or Integrated Coding Lab will prepare students in Grade 10 or above for the AP Computer Science Principles exam.

Art and Code

½ technology credit and ½ art credit; semester I or II

Students in this course develop an understanding of computer science principles while exploring coding from an aesthetic perspective. Students who are curious about computing or art and want to explore these subjects in a supportive atmosphere find this course a good match. Topics of study include an introduction to programming using the Processing language, with special attention given to creating interactive and generative art, and exploring topics in interactive installation art/physical computing. (Processing is a variation of Java, originally developed for use by artists, but now also used by journalists and scientists for data visualization.)

Design and Engineering

½ technology credit and ½ art credit; semester I or II

In this course, students learn design thinking and creation skills. They work to plan, design, and make basic physical objects or structures related to contemporary concepts, trends and technology applications. Most of the work occurs in a collaborative classroom framework and students learn skills for idea generation, planning, team building, and group critique of ideas and products. Research informs projects and students gain methods for innovating new solutions to continuing real-world challenges.

Robotics

½ technology credit; semester I or II

This course is for students with varied levels of background in this subject area. Engineering, coding and the application of various STEM skills are points of study and practice in this course, and intermediate and advanced concepts in the field of robotics are examined and studied through the exciting lens of collaborative teamwork. The course is designed to be a curricular support for the high school robotics program; however, enrollment in the course is not a prerequisite to participate in the robotics program and participation in the program is not a prerequisite to enroll in the course.

AP Computer Science A

1 technology credit; full year
Prerequisite: Introduction to Programming or Coding Lab, concurrent enrollment in Algebra II or higher

This university-level computer science course, taught using the Java programming language, follows the curriculum outlined by the College Board. Object-oriented programming techniques, including class declaration, inheritance and polymorphism, are emphasized. In addition, students study elementary algorithms, including sorting, binary search, recursion and algorithms on arrays. Students take the AP Computer Science A exam.

*This is a reading-intensive course

Data Science and Machine Learning

½ technology credit; semester I or II

Prerequisite: Introduction to Programming or Integrated Science Coding Lab

In this course, students are exposed to a number of topics in the field of data science. They work through several case studies using sample data that they have to preprocess, clean and filter before applying a range of data analysis techniques. These include importing the data to a database to write and execute queries, generating visualizations of the data and applying machine learning techniques to be able to make predictions based on the data. Students also learn how machine learning algorithms can learn biases that may be embedded within a set of data. The course also incorporates projects in which students make use of a data set of their own choosing and apply the techniques they have learned to reach their desired goal.

Advanced Topics in Computer Science: Computational Circuits

½ technology credit; semester I or II
Prerequisite: AP Computer Science A or Data Science and Machine Learning

Moving beyond software to consider the hardware platform on which computer programs are executed, this course provides an initial glimpse into digital electronics, logic circuits and computer architecture. Students engage in a mix of hands-on labs and electronics simulations that reveal how computers think. Starting with the physical representation of data as electronic signals and the principles of logic, students construct progressively more sophisticated circuits that mirror the memory, storage and processes of a modern computer system. The semester concludes with an introduction to the LC-3 instruction set architecture (ISA) revealing the bridge between software and hardware and illustrating how high-level computing languages (C, Java, Python) are translated into electronic instructions appropriate for execution on a generic computing platform.

Advanced Topics in Computer Science: Software Engineering

½ technology credit; semester II or II
Prerequisite: AP Computer Science A or Data Science and Machine Learning

Students with significant computer science experience are afforded the opportunity to design and develop an original game or application for the ASL community. The core of this course is that students learn requirements gathering, time management, designing, coding, testing and documenting. Students examine a variety of development environments and select one suited to their project. Students consider and incorporate user-interface requirements and may design and incorporate novel hardware devices. (This course was formally known as Game Design and App Development.)

*This is a research-intensive course

Advanced Topics in Computer Science: Modeling and Simulation

½ technology credit; semester I or II

Prerequisite: AP Computer Science A (preferred) or Data Science

Students dive into the world of computer modeling and simulation, not just by exploring diverse modeling techniques, but by mastering the architectural foundations. They learn how to build robust models from the ground up, choosing optimal data structures and algorithms that tame computational complexity. From queuing systems to agent-based models, students equip themselves with the tools to shape simulations that are not only accurate, but also efficient and scalable. Participants prepare to analyze real-world data, design intuitive interfaces, and unlock the predictive power of simulation in this hands-on, code-rich elective.

Advanced Design Thinking Apprenticeship

Grade 12, ½ credit or full credit, semester I and/or II
Prerequisite: Design and Engineering or Robotics and application with approval from department

This course provides the opportunity for students to utilize the materials, technology and expertise available in the MILL to develop their design/engineering ideas. Students apply their knowledge of design thinking practices and work with the MILL co-teacher to plan and carry out a design project focused on their passions. Ongoing dialogue with other apprentice students and the MILL co-teacher enables students to develop new making/design skills throughout the year.

*This is a research-intensive course.