Exploring Computer Science
Instructor: Mr. Kevin McKee
kmckee@dphs.org
Exploring Computer Science is an engaging, hands-on class geared toward providing a
student with a variety of creative and technically challenging endeavors in the field of
computer science. Upon completion of this course, many students will wish to explore
the field of computer science and programming further at a more advanced level.
Overview:
This course will be a compilation of several units.
Unit 1: Computers, computational thinking, and human/computer interaction. Students
will explore how computers work at the software, hardware, and conceptual levels, and
how we interact with them.
Unit 2: Web Development. Students will learn how the Internet and web sites work,
develop simple html web pages, and eventually develop sophisticated web sites using
Dreamweaver.
Unit 3: Game programming. Students will learn the basics of interacting game objects
and program development using Scratch.
Unit 4: Mobile computing. Students will explore mobile computing and learn the basics
of Android App programming using AppInventor.
Unit 5: Graphics programming using Processing.
Prerequisites:
Students must be concurrently enrolled in Geometry or higher
No prior programming experience is necessary! Students do NOT need to have a
computer at home, merely access to one outside the classroom.
Student Requirements:
Much of this class will be utilizing on-line technologies, or creating sites, games, and
apps, which will be stored and/or viewed online. To that end, and in accordance with
Santa Barbara Unified School District’s Acceptable Computer Use Policy, students will
have the following requirements:
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Students will be required to have a gmail.com email address. These will be kept
private and not posted on any publically accessible web site.
Students will keep a blog (Blogger, Tumblr, Blogspot, etc.) and post to it daily.
Links to these blogs will be kept on the course web site, and blogs will be
monitored constantly and graded by Mr. McKee.
Students will develop their own web site as part of Unit 2. It will be hosted on
and linked to from the main course web site.
Students will have their own Scratch accounts per Mr. McKee’s instructions.
Students will have their own AppInventor account, linked to their gmail
addresses.
Expected Student Conduct:
This class is taught in the computer lab and as such, no food or drink is allowed, even
water! Food or drink will be instantly confiscated and thrown out. No exceptions.
Students’ computer usage will be monitored constantly; no unacceptable use is allowed.
There is no expectation of privacy in this class; the instructor can and does monitor
everything. Should a student be using the computer in any manner deemed
unacceptable or inappropriate, screen shots can be taken without the student’s
knowledge or consent and either sent to the parent via email or forwarded to
administration for disciplinary action.
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional, courteous manner.
Care of the computer lab is required; students misusing lab equipment may be
dismissed from the class.
Text and Materials:
Access to the course website www.hammondsreef.com is mandatory.
No paper textbooks will be used. All other materials will be provided by the instructor.
Grading:
30% - Tests and Quizzes
40% - Labs, Projects, and Assignments
30% - Performance and Participation
Misc. Course Policies:
Homework: There may be homework from time to time. No late work will be
accepted unless the student was out with an excused absence as indicated on
Aeries. Work may be submitted in various formats, including electronically through
EDU.
• Participation: Students are expected to participate actively and positively in class
discussions and activities.
• Projects/Labs: These will typically be done in class using the lab computers;
generally no “home” lab work will be required. Some projects will utilize a team
approach; active participation with your team is required.
• Tests and quizzes: Tests and quizzes will be given periodically. Tests will always be
scheduled in advance, quizzes may be scheduled or may be “pop”.
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