Digital World

12/16/18 • -1 min

This course provides an introduction to exciting applications and topics in computer science. Using a combination of in-class discussions, hands-on projects, worksheets, forum discussions and guest speakers, students learn about digital representations, computational models and abstraction. The course is organized around the study of current topics in computer science. Although specific topics may vary, typical topics include computer architecture and networking, programming, ethical issues in computer science, gaming as a learning platform, and social media and privacy concerns. Prerequisite: Algebra 1. UC approved. Interview with: Mrs. Main Produced by: Evan Cheng

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Honors Entrepreneurship: Startup Incubator

This yearlong course offers students an authentic entrepreneurship experience where they will develop, commercialize and market their own product or service. In the first phase of the course, students will develop a business concept hypothesis and validate this concept through market research and LEAN startup methodologies. Students will develop a minimum viable product and continue to pivot the product and business model until they achieve product-market-fit. In the second phase, students will receive seed funding to propel their business into reality, and then will focus on product production, customer acquisition and scaling the business. In addition to seed funding, students receive startup curriculum to help them at each stage of the startup’s life cycle, and they will be paired with Bay Area entrepreneurs and business experts who will serve as coaches and mentors. At the end of the course, students will have the opportunity to pitch a panel of angel investors and venture capitalists for follow-up funding. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Startup Incubator is open to all students in grades 10 and above. Students who have launched a business and/or have a business concept in mind are encouraged to apply as are students who would like to identify a new business concept as part of the course. To apply, students are required to submit an application outlining their interest in the course, what they hope to accomplish and their qualifications. The application will be followed by an interview. Note: This is an honors-level academic course that may not be taken in the Extra Period Option slot. Interview with: Mr. Acheatel Produced by: Enya Lu

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Programming and Advanced Programming

Programming helps entry-level computer science students develop their computational thinking skills by applying the basic steps in algorithmic problem solving and abstraction. Students apply modern software design techniques to strategize and communicate solutions and then develop a program that embodies their solutions. Throughout the course, students will increase their abstraction skills by analyzing complex problems and decomposing them into smaller more manageable problems and by so doing gain not only an appreciation of elegant solutions but also experience the thrill of obtaining them. Students will store objects in a data structure and then manipulate them, explore virtual worlds with robots, and fashion creatures of their own design while learning basic programming and algorithmic thinking skills. Programming is designed to fulfill the prerequisite for students who intend to pursue Advanced Placement Computer Science A. Prerequisite for Programming: Geometry or Honors Geometry. UC approved. Advanced Programming helps students develop their computational thinking skills by applying the basic steps in algorithmic problem-solving and abstraction. Students apply software design techniques to strategize and communicate solutions and then develop a program that embodies their solutions. Students learn to use techniques such as inheritance, methods and recursion to break complex problems down into smaller, more manageable sub-problems. Students not only gain an appreciation of elegant solutions but also experience the thrill of obtaining them. Using one or more modern programming languages, students explore virtual worlds (Karel worlds, GridWorld and gameboards) while learning object-oriented programming skills such as creating classes, designing and implementing methods, and exploring inheritance. Students expand their programming skills by applying techniques like recursion to solve an adventure puzzle or game. Advanced Programming is a fast-paced course and is a prerequisite for the student who has an intense interest in computer science and intends to follow up this course with Advanced Placement Computer Science with Data Structures (i.e., data structures such as linked lists, stacks, queues, priority queues, trees, and maps). At completion, successful students are qualified for either AP Computer Science or AP Computer Science with Data Structures. Prerequisite for Advanced Programming: Geometry or Honors Geometry with A- or better. UC approved. Interview with: Ms. Peregrino Produced by: Arushi Saxena