How can you control the most powerful tool ever invented if you cannot speak its language?  Computer Programming 1 is a two semester course which enables students to learn two modern programming languages, Python and Java.  The course teaches programming using real-world, practical examples.  You will learn Python by controlling the motion and sensory capabilities of a robot.  You will learn Java by manipulating graphics, images, and audio.  Programming is easier than you think and perhaps best of all, you get to show what you know by choosing projects that are of interest to you.  Major colleges and universities are now using this approach to teach introductory computer programming, so you will learn the skills necessary to tackle advanced work.

Access the site link below to view the course description from the Florida Course Code directory.

Regular course description: 

http://data.fldoe.org/crsCode/912/Computer%20Education/Programming/pdf/0201300.pdf

Algebra I, Geometry, Students should have advanced computer skills.

The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop knowledge of programming concepts in Python and Java. Students will learn planning skills and techniques of good programming practice.  Creative thinking and logical analysis will be used to develop algorithms, flowcharts, and computer programs that solve a variety of real-world problems. The syntax, vocabulary, and data structures common to Python and Java will be explored by writing, testing, and debugging computer programs that focus on robotics and media computing.  Ethical, social, and historical implications of technology and society will also be examined.  After completing this course, students will have a solid foundation in both the Python and Java programming languages.

Segment One covers the Python programming language in the context of robotics.

• Hardware and Software
• Processing Text and Numeric Information
• Predefined Math Functions
• Procedural Program Design
• Algorithmic Thinking
• User-Defined Functions
• Loops
• Decision Statements
• List Data Structures
• Simple Graphics
• Simple Audio Processing
• Technology and Society
• Computer Careers

• The Nature of Computer Science
• Primitive and Reference Data Types
• Black Box Methods
• User Friendliness
• Object Oriented Programming
• User-Defined Methods
• Loops
• Decision Statements
• Array Data Structures
• Turtle Graphics
• Image Processing
• Advanced Audio Processing
• Reading From the Web
• Intellectual Property Rights

Besides engaging students in challenging curriculum, FLVS guides students to reflect on their learning and to evaluate their progress through a variety of assessments. Assessments can be in the form of self-checks, practice lessons, multiple choice questions, projects, essays, oral assessments, and discussions. Instructors evaluate progress and provide interventions through the variety of assessments built into a course, as well as through contact with the student in other venues.