Exploring Computer Science (ECS) (Period 2)

Course Description

The primary purpose of this course is to introduce students to the breadth of the field of computer science through an exploration of engaging and accessible topics. Focused on the conceptual ideas of computing, it helps students understand why certain tools or languages might be utilized to solve particular problems.  

The goal is to develop the computational thinking practices of algorithm development, problem solving and programming within the context of problems that are relevant to the lives of today’s students.  They will also be introduced to interface design, limits of computers and societal and ethical issues. The student should be able to analyze the effects of developments in computing.

• Human computer interaction: In this unit students are introduced to the concepts of computer and computing while investigating the major components of computers and the suitability of these components for particular applications.
• Problem solving: This unit provides students with opportunities to become “computational thinkers” by applying a variety of problem-solving techniques as they create solutions to problems that are situated in a variety of contexts
• Web design: This section prepares students to take the role of a developer by expanding their knowledge of algorithms, abstraction, and web page design and applying it to the creation of web pages and documentation for users and equipment.
• Programming: Students are introduced to some basic issues associated with program design and development.
• Computing and data analysis: In this unit students explore how computing has facilitated new methods of managing and interpreting data
• Robotics: This unit introduces robotics as an advanced application of computer science that can be used to solve problems in a variety of settings from business to healthcare and how robotics enables innovation by automating processes that may be dangerous or otherwise problematic for humans.