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Exploring Computer Science Essential skills and knowledge for this Davis School District course

COURSE DESCRIPTION Exploring Computer Science is designed to introduce students to the breadth of the field of computer science through an exploration of engaging and accessible topics. Rather than focusing the entire course on learning particular software tools or programming languages, the course is designed to focus the conceptual ideas of computing and help students understand why certain tools or languages might be utilized to solve particular problems. The goal of Exploring Computer Science is to develop in students 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. Students will also be introduced to topics such as interface design, limits of computers and societal and ethical issues. COURSE STANDARDS, OBJECTIVES Prerequisite: Math 1 Grades 9-12 .5 Semester credit Skill Test: Exploring CS Interacting with Computers: (4 weeks) Introduction to the concepts of computers and computing while investigating the major components of computers and the suitability of these components for particular applications.

a. Learn that "intelligent" machine behavior is not "magic" but is based on algorithms applied to useful representations of information, including large data sets.

b. Learn the characteristics that make certain tasks easy or difficult for computers c. Experiment with internet search techniques, explore a variety of websites and web

applications and discuss issues of privacy and security. d. Demonstrate the ability to use digital communications.

Problem Solving: (4 weeks) Developing computational thinking skills and understanding the connections between mathematics and computer science.

a. Apply a variety of problem-solving techniques as they create solutions to problems that are situated in a variety of contexts.

b. Introduction to selected topics in discrete mathematics including Boolean logic, functions, graphs, and the binary number system.

Introduction to Programming: (6 weeks) Students are introduced to some basic programming and issues associated with code design and development.

a. Design algorithms and create programming solutions for a variety of computational problems using an iterative development process in Scratch.

Computing and Data Analysis: (3 weeks) Explores how computing has facilitated new methods of managing and interpreting data.

a. Use computers to translate, process and visualize data in order to find patterns and test hypotheses.

b. Work with a variety of large data sets that illustrate how widespread access to data and information facilitates identification of problems.

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© 4/24/2014 Davis School District, Farmington, UT 84025 All Rights Reserved

DESK Exploring Computer Science Essential skills and knowledge for this Davis School District course

Societal Impacts of Computing (Woven throughout the course.) Discussion of how computing enables innovation in a variety of fields and the impacts that those innovations have on society. The proliferation of computers and networks raises a number of ethical issues. Technology has had both positive and negative impacts on human culture.

a. Be able to identify ethical behavior and articulate both sides of ethical topics. b. Study the responsibilities of software users and software developers with respect to

intellectual property rights, software failures, and the piracy of software and other digital media.

c. Introduction to the concept of open-source software development and explore its implications.

d. Gain an appreciation for the many ways in which computing-enabled innovation have had an impact on society, as well as for the many different fields in which they are used. Connections among social, economic and cultural contexts will be discussed.

e. Use skills and applications learned to complete a cross curricular project for the class.

Computing Systems: (Woven throughout the course.) Learn that computer systems include operating systems, hardware, software and networks.

a. Demonstrate an understanding of basic operating system features and functions. b. Demonstrate an understanding of computers, computer hardware, computing devices,

computer performance, peripherals, etc. c. Demonstrate an understanding of computer software and related concepts. d. Use problem solving skills to troubleshoot software and hardware problems. e. Demonstrate a knowledge of networking concepts.

Fundamental Applications (Woven throughout the course.) Introduction to a variety of applications that can be used for activities at school, home, business and careers.

a. Gain skills and use common features and commands used by key software applications. b. Learn and use the key application of word processing to complete a variety of tasks. c. Learn and use the key application of a spreadsheet to create a variety of documents to solve

problems. d. Use the key application of a presentation program to create a variety of documents to

present and publish project ideas and results.