Course Outline: Computer Science I
Unit 1: Human Computer Interaction:
This unit will introduce students to computer science, concepts of computers and
computing. Fundamental ideas of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and ergonomics
will be introduced. The idea that “intelligent” machine behavior is based on algorithms
applied to useful representations of information. Discussion on the many ways computing
enabled innovation and how it has had an impact on society and the many fields in which
they are used.
Topics to be addressed:
Computers and the Internet
Models of Intelligent Behavior
Societal impacts of computing
Objectives:
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Analyze the characteristics of hardware components to determine the
applications for which they can be used.
Use appropriate tools and method to execute internet searches which yield
requested data.
Evaluate results of web searches and the reliability of information found
on the Internet.
Explain the differences tasks that can and cannot be accomplished with a
computer.
Analyze the effects of computing on society within economic, social and
cultural contexts
Discuss legal and ethical concerns raised by computing innovation
Explain the implications of communication as data exchange
Unit 2: Problem Solving
This unit will introduce students to “computational thinking” by giving students a variety
of problem solving techniques as they create solutions to problems in different contexts.
Students will be asked to think abstractly and apply known algorithms. Topics such as
Boolean logic, functions, graphs and the binary number system will be discussed.
Topics to be addressed:
Algorithms and abstraction
Connections between Mathematics and Computer Science
Societal impacts of computing
Objectives:
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Explain the steps used in solving a problem
Solve a problem by applying appropriate problem-solving techniques
Explain the connection between binary numbers and computers
Explain the characteristics of problems that cannot be solved by an
algorithm
Unit 3: Introduction to Programming:
Students design algorithms and create programming solutions to a variety of
computational problems using an interactive development process in Scratch, Python,
HTML
Topics to be addressed:
Coding/Programming
Algorithms and abstractions
Societal impacts of computing
Objectives:
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Use appropriate algorithms to solve a problem
Code, design, test, and execute a program that corresponds to a set of
specifications
Locate and correct errors in a program
Create programs with practical, personal and societal intent
Unit 4: Computing and Data Analysis:
Students will learn methods of managing and interpreting data. Students will collect and
generate their own data related to a local community issue. Discussion on appropriate
methods for data collection and analysis
Topics to be addressed:
Data and information
Algorithms and abstraction
Coding
Societal impacts of computing
Objectives:
 Identify features of appropriate data sets for specific problems
 Apply analysis techniques to data
 Use computers to find patterns in data and test hypotheses
Unit 5: Web Design
Students will learn to plan and code their web pages using various techniques. Issues of
societal responsibility in web use will be discussed.
Topics to be addressed:
Web Page design and development
Computers and the Internet
Algorithms and abstraction
Societal impact of computing
Objectives:
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Create web pages with a practical, personal purpose
Discuss style vs. content in web page design and development
Create web pages to address specified objectives
Resources: Exploring What Computer Science is and What It Can Do
( A High School Curriculum)
Code. Org
Materials: Scratch
Python
Raspberry Pi
Unplugged Activities