Instructor: Jenny Barnes. This is an AP-level introductory Computer Science concepts course. It is aimed at high school students who may not have much prior knowledge about computer science or programming. As a concepts class, the content is focused on an overview of computer science, including programming, but also a background about how computers and the Internet work. Students who are looking for a pure programming class should consider AP Computer Science A instead. There are no prerequisites, however students should either be enrolled in or have completed Algebra I.

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Introduction to Programming: Karel is a dog that only knows how to move, turn left, and place tennis balls in his world. You can give Karel these commands to instruct him to do certain things. We use Karel to show you what it means to program, and allow you to focus on problem-solving.

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Programming Basics: Introduces you to the basics of Python, including variables, user input, control structures, functions with parameters and return values, and basic graphics, how to send messages to objects.

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Control Structures: Learn how to use booleans and logical operators with control structures to make more advanced programs in Python or JavaScript.

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Functions and Parameters: Functions are a key component to making code reusable. This module will introduce students to the basics of functions, including using parameters and return values.

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Basic Data Structures: Students will learn the basics of lists in Python or Arrays in JavaScript. Students will explore how to create each of these and the various methods to access or alter them.

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Digital Information: In this unit, students will learn about the various ways we represent information digitally. Topics covered include number systems, encoding data, programmatically creating pixel images, comparing data encodings, compressing, and encrypting data.

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The Internet: This unit explores the structure and design of the Internet, and how this design affects the reliability of network communication, the security of data, and personal privacy.

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Data: In this unit, students will explore using computational tools to store massive amounts of data, manipulate and visualize data, find patterns in data, and pull conclusions from data.

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Create Performance Task: Students will be given the chance to review course content and practice the skills necessary to complete each performance task required by the AP Exam.

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**This class will meet at Colony High School and will be taught by Jenny Barnes (jenny.barnes@matsuk12.us).