(Spring 2024) Introduction to Computer Science, Part Two with Dan Goddu

Broaden your understanding of computer science for practical use in a variety of university majors and professional careers. All 7th- to 12th-grade students are welcome!

How to get the most out of Introduction to Computer Science with Dan Goddu:

  • First, read the course details below along with the syllabus and welcome letter.
  • Prepare either an electronic or paper notebook to keep track of information in the video lectures.
  • Each week contains: One or more lessons, one programming challenge, and a forum post or other small activity.
  • Most units culminate in a bigger project, and the course culminates in a “computer science fair” project.
  • The computer will automatically grade the lesson, all other assignments will require grading.
  • If you need review, go back and watch the recording again and/or go over the PowerPoint.

Total classes: 13

Class dates: Tuesdays, January 9 to April 16, 2024 (No class Feb. 13 or March 26 for Holy Week)

Starting time: 4:00 PM Eastern (3:00 Central; 2:00 Mountain; 1:00 Pacific)

Duration: 60 minutes per live, interactive class. 

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

Suggested grade level: 7th to 12th grade

Suggested credit: 1 full semester Computer Science

Instructor: Dan Goddu

Instructor Email: dgoddu.hsc@gmail.com

Zoom Link:

https://homeschoolconnections.zoom.us/j/82460384396

Meeting ID: 824 6038 4396

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 using lists, files, dictionaries, web applications, object-oriented programming and graphical user interfaces (GUI). All programming assignments are in Python.

Additionally, we will incorporate parts of the “Pixar in a Box” curriculum into the course.

Course outline:

Week 1: Python Review (installation and programming environment setup; variables, data types)
Week 2: Python Review (modules, functions, iteration)
Week 3: Lists
Week 4: Files
Week 5: Dictionaries
Week 6: Exceptions and debugging
Week 7: Web applications
Week 8: Graphical User Interfaces Part 1
Week 9: Graphical User Interfaces Part 2
Week 10: Classes and Objects Part 1
Week 11: Classes and Objects Part 2
Week 12: Unit Testing
Week 13: Final Project

Within these weeks, we'll explore drawing and color, text and typography, images and transformations, vertices, shapes, and 3D, motion, and animation.

Course materials:

Textbook: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist: Interactive Edition,  Runestone Academy (free)

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

Python v3.11.7

Programming environment: Python IDLE (comes with Python distribution) or Visual Studio Code (free) with Intellisense Python plug-in.  All class lectures will use Visual Studio Code.

Refer to Class Resource Downloads below for download information.

Pictured above: Python IDLE (left) and Visual Studio Code (right)

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.

ZOOM Technical Support: 

FOR TECHNICAL ISSUES, please contact Zoom at US: +1.888.799.9666 ext 2.

Technical Help: If you have any technical trouble or questions about course content, please email us at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com.

©2024 Homeschool Connections and Dan Goddu. All rights reserved.

This course is designed by Dan Goddu.

  • This material is only to be used for its intended purpose by active subscribers of Homeschool Connections. Any other use without explicit permission is in violation of the seventh commandment (yes, the 7th commandment) and in violation of US and International copyright laws. 

  • You may print or download to local hard disk extracts for your personal homeschool and non-commercial use only. This is not to be used for homeschool co-ops without express written permission from Homeschool Connections.