EXPLORING COMPUTER SCIENCE

COURSE CODE: 5023

PROGRAM CONCENTRATION: Information Technology & Computer Science
CAREER PATHWAY: Information Technology
Instructor: Mrs. Tammy Vaught
Room: C228
E-Mail: tvaught@richland2.org
Phone:803-699-3500 ext.69229
Department: Computer Science
PREREQUISIT: IT Cluster declared on IGP OR Algebra 1 OR teacher
recommendation
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course of study is designed to allow students to explore a variety of computer
science topics, such as Web design, human computer interactions, programming,
and problem solving. Optional topics include mobile applications, robotics, and
digital animation. Students will develop critical thinking, logic, and problem solving
skills relevant to todays technology. OBJECTIVE: Given the necessary equipment,
software, supplies, and facilities, the student will be able to successfully complete
the following core standards for courses that grant one unit of credit.
RECOMMENDED GRADE LEVELS: 9-12 (Preference 9-10)
COURSE CREDIT: 1 Carnegie unit Course Requirements: Units A-H are required to be
taught in the course, plus one of the optional units that are listed.
Course Suggestions for National Certification: When the instructor uses the optional
database unit that can be incorporated into the course, students will then be
prepared to take the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification exam.
COMPUTER REQUIREMENT: One computer per student Software Each computer in
the classroom should have a Web browser installed that allows students to perform
searches and make use of a variety of Web sites and Internet tools. Each student
should have access to a functioning computer.

INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES:

CS Unplugged
o http://csunplugged.org/
Exploring Computer Science
o http://www.exploringcs.org/curriculum
o http://csta.acm.org/Curriculum/sub/ExploringCS.html
ISTE National Computer Science Standards
o http://www.iste.org/Libraries/NETS_Refresh_Toolkit/NETS_for_Computer_
S cience_Educators.sflb.ashx
Finch Robots
o http://www.finchrobot.com/
LEGO Robots
o http://mindstorms.lego.com/en-us/Products/default.aspx
Alice 3D Animation
o http://www.alice.org/
Scratch 2D Animation
o http://scratch.mit.edu/

EVALUATION: Along with daily work, you will be given various written and production
tests during the grading period. If your work is turned in past the due date, 10
points will be deducted per day late up to five days. Your grade for each semester
will be determined as follows:

Daily Assignments 30%

Projects 40%
Quizzes 10%
Final Exam 20%

Note: The teacher reserves the right to make changes in the course content and/or
grading procedures as needed. Makeup work is your responsibility! All makeup work
must be completed within five (5) days of the students return to school. All makeup
work must be completed in lab on students time. Due to copyright and licensing
agreements of required software, work may not be completed at home.

MATERIALS NEEDED:
The student will need the following for this class

1 3-Prong Notebook
Pen/Pencil
Paper
Minimum 4GB Flashdrive
Handouts (Provided by Teacher)

CLASS RULES AND REGULATIONS

To be successful in this class, you should also remember the following:

No food or drinks allowed at workstation

No writing on machines, covers, books, or tables
Do not unplug anything unless told otherwise
Do not play with machines or change software in any way (including the
desktop)
Be honest and respect others
Keep your work area neat and clean
Keep all other supplies except for this class away from the workstation
No sitting on countertops/desks
No outside media sources other than the flash drive required for class (disks,
CDs, etc.)
NO COMPUTER GAMES WILL BE PLAYED IN THIS CLASSROOM (unless you
have created it in class)!!!!
NO CHATS, EMAILS, or changing of Proxies to bypass school security Improper
use of the computers in any way can result in your dismissal from computer
use in this class. This includesbut is not limited tousing software other
than that assigned, logging onto inappropriate Internet sites, printing
anything personal without permission, changing screensavers, changing
toolbars, keying on another students login, etc.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
All animation students are encouraged to join the Technology Student Association
and to participate on the Robotics Team.
Additional Notes:
In this class I will be adding a component that will work to help your child
understand math and English a little better. We will have two writing assignments
and a math activity over the course of the year. The math activity is called
Bootstrap and helps students to understand the connection between math and
programming. I also, take photos or video of what my students are doing in the
class. If you would not like your child to be photographed or videotaped, please
send a signed letter to opt out.

Student Name _______________________ Class Period:________

Spring Valley High School
Computer Science

Exploring

Classroom/Lab Agreement
I have read and understand the 2016 2017 course syllabus including
classroom/lab rules and regulations. I also understand I will be using school
equipment, and I will take care of it in a proper manner.
Student Name (print)
________________________________________________________________

Student Signature
___________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name (print)

________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature
___________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian E-mail Address (PLEASE PRINT)

__________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Home Phone Number

_________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Cell Number (if applicable)

____________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Daytime Phone Number

____________________________________________

Parents, You can keep up with your childs progress through PowerSchool and
through Canvas. If you need information on logging into the system or setting up a
user id, please email me, Tammy Vaught at tvaught@richland2.org . I will be happy
to assist you with this information.
I look forward to working with your child this semester. Always feel free to email or
call me with any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Tammy Vaught