Middle M/J Computer Science Discoveries 2

Module 01: To Err is Human

• History of computers
• Human-computer interaction
• Types of software
• Parts of a computer
• Connecting to a network
• Diagnosing computer problems
• Ethics in technology
• Social networking tips
• Protecting yourself on social media
• Plagiarism
• Net neutrality
• File types and management

Module 02: Hello, World!

• Simple algorithms
• Programming language differences
• Basic JavaScript syntax
• Creating a simple program in a JavaScript editor
• Data use in daily life
• Types of data
• Data types in programming
• Declaring variables
• Data structures
• More complex algorithms
• Writing functions
• Condition statements
• Looping/iterations
• Debugging

 

Module 03: Meet the Sims

• Logic and problem-solving
• Types of reasoning
• Logical fallacies
• Process of problem-solving
• Logic puzzles
• Predicting outcomes
• Adaptive and assistive technology
• Computer scientists vs. computer engineers
• Steps of problem-solving
• User interface tools
• Robots and analog sensors
• Humans and computers working together
• Artificial intelligence
• Simulation modeling

Module 04: Rumor Has It

• Teamwork 
• Collaboration 
• Active listening 
• Critical thinking 
• Building a case for defense 
• Technical vs. non-technical writing 
• Citing sources and formatting 
• Presenting information 
• Using infographics 
• Public speaking strategies 
• Digital artifacts 

Besides engaging students in challenging curriculum, the course guides students to reflect on their learning and evaluate their progress through a variety of assessments. Assessments can be in the form of practice lessons, multiple choice questions, writing assignments, projects, research papers, oral assessments, and discussions. This course will use the state-approved grading scale. Each course contains a mandatory final exam or culminating project that will be weighted at 20% of the student’s overall grade.***

***Proctored exams can be requested by FLVS at any time and for any reason in an effort to ensure academic integrity. When taking the exam to assess a student’s integrity, the exam must be passed with at least a 59.5% in order to earn credit for the course.

To achieve success, students are expected to submit work in each course weekly. Students can learn at their own pace; however, “any pace” still means that students must make progress in the course every week. To measure learning, students complete self-checks, practice lessons, multiple choice questions, projects, discussion-based assessments, and discussions. Students are expected to maintain regular contact with teachers; the minimum requirement is monthly. When teachers, students, and parents work together, students are successful.