**NEWER VERSION OF THIS COURSE IS NOW AVAILABLE** Introduction to Computer Science Part Two with Peggy Morrow, PhD

Broaden your understanding of computer science for practical use in a variety of college and university majors and professional careers. All middle and high school students are welcome!

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Dear Student,

This course is scheduled to be retired on Nov 30, 2024.  You may continue using this course; however, we highly suggest moving to the new, updated course.  

https://moodle.homeschoolconnectionsonline.com/course/view.php?id=4154#section-0

 Please check out the Live courses here: https://caravel.homeschoolconnections.com/catalog/

Instructor Access (optional grading support) for Unlimited Access families is available for this course!

How to get the most out of Introduction to Computer Science with Margaret Morrow:

  1. First, read the course details below along with the syllabus and welcome letter.

  2. Prepare either an electronic or paper notebook to keep track of information in the video lectures.

  3. Each week contains: up to two recordings, and one or more programming challenges.

  4. Most units culminate in a bigger project, and the course culminates in a final project.

  5. To begin the course, click on the "Recording" for topic 1, and watch Professor Morrow’s lecture for Class One. Complete the “Intro to Computer Science and Moodle” lesson and the first Programming Challenge

  6. The solution is included for each programming challenge and students have the option of either modifying the solution or coding an entirely new project.   To grade students work, parents can run the solution code and then compare it to their child's work. The combined solution files make up the "answer key" for the course.

  7. If you need review, go back and watch the recording again and/or go over the Powerpoint.

  8. Repeat until all 26 classes (14 weeks) are complete.

  9. Once the course is completed to the parent's and professor’s satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records.

Special notes: This is Part Two of a 2-part course. Part One is required for registration.

Total classes: 26 

Duration: 30 minutes

Prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Science, Part One. The ability to acquire the required software/applications (see Course Materials section).

Suggested Grade Level: 7th to 12th grade

Suggested Credit: 1 full semester Computer Science

Instructor: Margaret Morrow, Ph.D.

Instructor Email: peggymorrow@protonmail.com

Course Description: This is part two of an entry-level course, which is designed to expose students to what computer scientists do daily. In the second part of the course, the focus shifts to learning how to program within the context of visual arts. Students will create interactive and visual work such as photographs, drawings, and animations through writing software. Students can choose from three levels of abilities:

1) Level One - no or little previous Java programming experience - Processing (offline). 

2) Level two - less than a year Java programming experience - Java Programming – CS Java by Runestone Academy ($10 donation to Runestone Academy)

3) Level Three - more than a year Java programming experience - Unity Personal Edition

The goal in learning Java is to prepare students in the event that they eventually take the AP Computer Science A Java course.

Additionally, we will incorporate parts of the “Pixar in a Box” curriculum into the course. By the end of the class, students will be able to discern whether further programming courses such as AP Computer Science A Java Programming would be a good fit for them.

Course Outline:

  • Week 1: Introduction to Processing

  • Week 2: Drawing and Color

  • Week 3: Variables

  • Week 4: Flow and Interactivity

  • Week 5: Repetition and Unit Project

  • Week 6: Text and Typography

  • Week 7: Images and Transformations

  • Week 8: Vertices, Shapes, and 3D

  • Week 9: Unit Project, Calculations, Randomness

  • Week 10: Time, Motion, Functions

  • Week 11: Objects, Arrays

  • Week 12: Animation, Interfaces

  • Week 13: Cumulative Project

Course Materials: 

Course materials include: 

Three options of ability level are offered:

1) Level One - no or little previous Java programming experience - Processing (offline). 

2) Level two - less than a year Java programming experience - Java Programming – CS Java by Runestone Academy ($10 donation to Runestone Academy)

3) Level Three - more than a year Java programming experience - Unity Personal Edition

Due to the rising cost of textbooks, students can choose from three options:

1) Processing A Programming Handbook for Visual Designers and Artists 2nd Edition

ISBN-13: 9780262028288 (https://amzn.to/30l8OpK).  You can also purchase the 1st edition available here. We suggest purchasing from used book sites, for example, bookfinder.com may assist you.

2) Processing A Programming Handbook for Visual Designers and Artists 1st edition

ISBN-13: 978-0262182621 (on amazon)

3) Learning Processing

ISBN   9780123736024    Available on Bookfinder.com

Access to a PC or MAC computer (the downloadable software does not work well on Chromebooks or tablets).

Homework:  All assignments will be appropriate for a Catholic homeschool environment. All assignments are given and graded by the instructor. Students will also collaborate with fellow students and mentor them when needed to reinforce their knowledge by helping others. Students can expect 2 to 5 hours of time per week (outside of class time) dedicated to homework. Regular feedback will be provided to the students and their parents to ensure that all are aware of the progress being made throughout the course.