COMPUTER SCIENCE

Computer Science has been identified as a cutting edge field critical to support the continued growth and development of our country’s future. As a discipline, computer science is being hailed as the “new literacy” providing focus on principles of creativity, abstraction, data and information, algorithmic thinking, and programming. WHPS recognizes the importance of introducing all students to CS principles and fields in order to be prepared for the global community. The courses below offered across various departments meet this definition of a computer science course.

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Advanced Placement Computer Science A

1 Credit
Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Algebra II (Students may be granted permission to enroll concurrently with Algebra II with Department Supervisor permission)

Graduation Category: STEM/Math

Qualifying Mastery Experience Course

This introductory course in computer science is based on requirements that are comparable to an introductory course for computer science majors at a university or college. It is also recommended for students who plan to major in other areas that require significant technology expertise. A large part of the course is built around the writing, running, and debugging of computer programs in Java to correctly design and implement solutions to problems. The design and implementation of computer programs is used as a context for introducing other important aspects of computer science such as the development and analysis of algorithms and the development and use of fundamental data structures. Object-oriented design and the ethical and social implications of computer use are recurring themes. Participation in the Advanced Placement exam is an expectation of this course.

Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles

1 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Algebra II (completion or concurrent enrollment)

Graduation Category: STEM/Math

Qualifying Mastery Experience Course

AP Computer Science Principles introduces students to the central ideas of computer science, fostering computational thinking and inviting students to understand how computing changes the world. Students are encouraged to apply creative processes when developing computational artifacts and while using simulations to explore questions of interest. There is a focus on using technology and programming as a means to solve problems. This course highlights the relevance of computer science by emphasizing the vital impact advances in computing have on people and society. Students also have the opportunity to investigate the innovations in other fields that computing has made possible and examine the ethical implications of new computing technologies. Fundamental course components are: creative thinking, abstraction, data, algorithms, programming, the internet and societal impact. This course is project-based, and designed to help students to access technology as creators, not just consumers. Participation in the Advanced Placement exam is an expectation of this course.

Note: students have the opportunity to earn community college credit in Computer Science Principles if enrolled in the College Career Pathways (CCP) program.

Computer Technology

1 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None

Graduation Category: STEM/Elective

Qualifying Mastery Experience Course

Computer Technology is an exciting, hands-on computer science course centered around personal computer hardware components, softwares, peripherals and basic electronics. This course is designed to teach up-to-date information in the rapidly changing world of computer hardware, software, operating systems, and networking standards. Students will learn how to build, upgrade and troubleshoot personal computers while also incorporating the problem solving and critical thinking skills necessary to pursue careers in the IT and Computer Information Systems (CIS) fields. PC equipment, Arduino microcontrollers, Raspberry PI microprocessors, drones, and robots are just some of the exciting things students will experience. Google IT Fundamentals and CompTIA A+ industry certifications are also available for students to showcase their mastery.

Cryptography and Cybersecurity

.5 Credit
Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Algebra II (completion or concurrent enrollment)

Graduation Category: STEM/Math

Qualifying Mastery Experience Course

Individuals and societies have kept secrets and protected private information for as long as humanity has existed. In this course, students will connect classic cryptography to our present day techniques to reveal our most current needs in cybersecurity. This course will help students to appreciate how past methods, combined with computer science and mathematical algorithms, can help us to be more secure and more connected. The course will develop the evolution of cryptography methodologies within the historical time periods and important events that precipitated the need for change. Please note that some experience with computer science is recommended but not required.

Exploring Computer Science

.5 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Algebra I (completion or concurrent enrollment)

Graduation Category: STEM/Math

Qualifying Mastery Experience Course

Exploring Computer Science is a STEM-rooted course that promotes the use of computing to solve a wide array of problems. This course provides the prerequisite skills for each of the Advanced Placement Computer Science courses. Students will engage in rich activities requiring creativity, computing, critical thinking, collaboration and communication. This semester course will include topics such as: human-computer interaction, problem-solving, computer programming, computing and data analysis, and robotics. Ethical and social issues in computer science are embedded throughout the course. The course utilizes inquiry-based instruction with project-based assessments.

Exploring Data Science

.5 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Algebra I (completion or concurrent enrollment)

Graduation Category: STEM/Math

Qualifying Mastery Experience Course

Exploring Data Science is a STEM-rooted course that employs a scientific approach to acting on our curiosities about the world around us. In this course, students will learn how to tell stories, quantitatively! The data science life cycle (ask questions, gather data, look for patterns) will be used to investigate the world around us. Students will engage in activities involving inquiry, computing, critical thinking, collaboration, communication with connections to social, environmental, business, and other aspects of our world. This semester course will provide opportunities to explore types of data, ways to picture and model data, techniques to validate and analyze data, how to identify bias and uncertainty in data, and the importance and impact of data in society. The course utilizes inquiry-based instruction with project-based assessments. It is perfect for anyone interested in an introduction to how we can use math, statistics and computer science to solve problems.

Robotics & Electronics Concepts (Hall Only)

1 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None

Graduation Category: STEM/Elective

This course introduces students to robotics and electronics, two of the fastest growing industries in the world. Through the study of electronic currents and applied logic students gain an overview of principles found in electronics, components, test equipment, circuit design and construction. Through hands-on activities found within the VEX robotics platform fundamental aspects of robotics programming, computer coding, design, construction and application are incorporated. The combination of robotics and electronics topics provide students with a blended learning experience.

Game & Web Design

1 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None

Graduation Category: STEM/Elective

Qualifying Mastery Experience Course

This course will introduce students to the world of web page creation and game design. Students will learn programming concepts and use industry standard web authoring software to develop authentic web sites and video games. Students will also study game theory, design, and development while working with various open-source engines. Coding, graphic development, storyboarding, and animation are just some of the skills built and activities found within this creative course. Note: students have the opportunity to earn community college credit in Game & Web Design if enrolled in the College Career Pathways (CCP) program.

Human Behavior in a Digital World

.5 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in Modern World History

Graduation Category: Humanities/Social Studies

Qualifying Mastery Experience Course

This course will integrate computer science and a variety of social studies topics for foster a deeper understanding of what it means to be an informed citizen in a digital world. Students will explore voting, elections, and fraud; the evolving nature of money and wealth; national security and cyber warfare; and other potential contemporary topics. Students will use their understanding of the intersection between computer and citizenship to design a project to demonstrate their learning. Students can earn Mastery Experience Credit in this course.