INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE
(ICS2OC)
Mr. Brunton
http://http://sjsh.npsc.ca/academics/class-by-teacher/mr-brunton.aspx
Overview
This course introduces students to computer programming. Students will plan and write simple computer
programs by applying fundamental programming concepts, and learn to create clear and maintainable
internal documentation. They will also learn to manage a computer by studying hardware configurations,
software selection, operating system functions, networking, and safe computing practices. Students will
also investigate the social impact of computer technologies, and develop an understanding of
environmental and ethical issues related to the use of computers.
Prerequisite: None.
Big Ideas
1. Understanding computers
2. Introduction to computer programming
3. Computers and society
Overall Expectations
A1. describe the functions of different types of hardware components, and assess the hardware needs of
users;
A2. describe the different types of software products, and assess the software needs of users;
A3. use the basic functions of an operating system correctly;
A4. demonstrate an understanding of home computer networking concepts;
A5. explain the importance of software
B1. describe fundamental programming concepts and constructs;
B2. plan and write simple programs using fundamental programming concepts;
B3. apply basic code maintenance techniques when writing programs.
C1. describe key aspects of the impact of computers and related technologies on society;
C2. describe computer use policies that promote environmental stewardship and sustainability;
C3. describe legal and ethical issues related to the use of computing devices;
C4. describe postsecondary education and career prospects related to computer studies.
Throughout this course students will:

Use problem solving skills in order to solve problems.
By the end of this course, students will:



describe the functions of different types of hardware components, and assess the hardware needs
of users;
describe the different types of software products, and assess the software needs of users;
use the basic functions of an operating system correctly;









demonstrate an understanding of home computer networking concepts;
explain the importance of software
describe fundamental programming concepts and constructs;
plan and write simple programs using fundamental programming concepts;
apply basic code maintenance techniques when writing programs.
describe key aspects of the impact of computers and related technologies on society;
describe computer use policies that promote environmental stewardship and sustainability;
describe legal and ethical issues related to the use of computing devices;
describe postsecondary education and career prospects related to computer studies.
Units of Study
Unit/Chapter Expectations: Unit 1 – Understanding Computers
OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
COMMON ASSESSMENTS/EVALUATIONS
Use problem solving skills in order Assessments
- Students will be assessed on their use of
to solve problems.
various problem-solving techniques.
- Students will help other students solve
problems.
Evaluation
- None.
A1. describe the functions of different
Assessments
types of hardware components, and
- Complete research task on computer
assess the hardware needs of users;
hardware and networking
- Successfully disassemble,
research/identify, and reassemble
computers
Evaluation
- Unit end test.
A2. describe the different types of
Assessments
software products, and assess the
- Research task successfully completed
software needs of users;
Evaluation
- Unit end test.
A3. use the basic functions of an
operating system correctly;
A4. demonstrate an understanding of
home computer networking concepts;
A5. explain the importance of software
updates and system maintenance to
manage the performance
and increase the security of a computer.
Assessments
- Complete question tasks
- Use operating system in lab effectively
Evaluation
- Unit end test.
Assessments
- Research networking terms and
concepts through questions, discussion,
etc.
Evaluation
- Unit end test.
Assessments
- Manage files and folders effectively
- Discussion with students (anecdotal)
Evaluation
- Unit end test.
STUDENT SUCCESS STRATEGIES
 Peer help
 Re-teach
 Outside involvement (parent)
 Re-teach; one-on-one, group
 DI
 ARC
 Outside involvement (student
success, parent, admin)
 Re-teach; one-on-one, group
 DI
 ARC
 Outside involvement (student
success, parent, admin)
 Re-teach; one-on-one, group
 DI
 ARC
 Outside involvement (student
success, parent, admin)
 Re-teach; one-on-one, group
 DI
 ARC
 Outside involvement (student
success, parent, admin)
 Re-teach; one-on-one, group
 DI
 ARC
 Outside involvement (student
success, parent, admin)
Unit/Chapter Expectations: Unit 2 – Computers and Society
OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
COMMON ASSESSMENTS/EVALUATIONS
Assessments
 Use problem solving skills
- Students will be assessed on their use
in order to solve problems.
of various problem-solving techniques.
- Students will help other students solve
problems.
Evaluation
- None.
C1. describe key aspects of the impact of
Assessments
computers and related technologies on
- Project proposal
society;
- Discussion with students (anecdotal)
- Complete notes on presentations
Evaluation
- Unit project (presentation).
C2. describe computer use policies that
Assessments
promote environmental stewardship and
- Project proposal
sustainability;
- Discussion with students (anecdotal)
- Complete notes on presentations
Evaluation
- Unit project (presentation).
C3. describe legal and ethical issues
Assessments
related to the use of computing devices;
- Project proposal
- Discussion with students (anecdotal)
- Complete notes on presentations
Evaluation
- Unit project (presentation).
C4. describe postsecondary education and Assessments
career prospects related to computer
- Anecdotal discussion about the possible
studies.
strands in computer studies
Evaluation
- Careers research assignment.
Unit/Chapter Expectations: Unit 3,4,5 – Introduction to Programming
OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
COMMON ASSESSMENTS/EVALUATIONS
Assessments
 Use problem solving skills
- Students will be assessed on their use
in order to solve problems.
of various problem-solving techniques.
- Students will help other students solve
problems.
Evaluation
- None.
B1. describe fundamental programming
Assessments
concepts and constructs;
- Anecdotal discussion
- Practice programs
Evaluation
- Programming assignments.
B2. plan and write simple programs using
fundamental programming concepts;
Assessments
- Anecdotal discussion
- Practice programs
Evaluation
- Programming assignments.
B3. apply basic code maintenance
techniques when writing programs.
Assessments
- Anecdotal discussion
- Practice programs
Evaluation
- Programming assignments.
STUDENT SUCCESS STRATEGIES
 Peer help
 Re-teach
 Outside involvement (parent)
 Re-teach; one-on-one, group
 DI
 ARC
 Outside involvement (student
success, parent, admin)
 Re-teach; one-on-one, group
 DI
 ARC
 Outside involvement (student
success, parent, admin)
 Re-teach; one-on-one, group
 DI
 ARC
 Outside involvement (student
success, parent, admin)
 Re-teach; one-on-one, group
 DI
 ARC
 Outside involvement (student
success, parent, admin)
STUDENT SUCCESS STRATEGIES
 Peer help
 Re-teach
 Outside involvement (parent)
 Peer help
 Re-teach; one-on-one, group
 DI
 ARC
 Outside involvement (student
success, parent, admin)
 Peer help
 Re-teach; one-on-one, group
 DI
 ARC
 Outside involvement (student
success, parent, admin)
 Peer help
 Re-teach; one-on-one, group
 DI
 ARC
 Outside involvement (student
success, parent, admin)
Class and Home materials
You can download the software that we use in class for your home computer. While enough time is
provided in class to complete ALL work and assignments, some students like to have it at home to
further their learning or to get caught up on work. Turing 4.1.1a is a free download, and can be
found at http://compsci.ca/holtsoft/ .
In class, students will be required to have the following:
1. Computer username and password
2. Binder, pencil
3. Organization tool (ie: agenda or smartphone)
Assessment and Evaluation
Assessment and evaluation occurs within each course, guided by the curriculum, and for the purpose
of improving learning.
Assessment occurs throughout the semester and is designed to provide feedback while learning
occurs. This allows students to increase their knowledge and improve their performance prior to
evaluation. Some of the types of activities included in assessment include homework, practice
quizzes/tests, conferencing, self and peer evaluations, checklists and rubrics. Assessment is a crucial
part of the learning process and it is the responsibility of the student to fully engage in this process.
Evaluation occurs after assessment and involves judging the quality of work against predetermined
criteria. Evaluation results in a mark that is used to determine the term or final grade. Some types of
evaluation include tests, essays, projects, performances, media and oral presentations and exams.
Mark Calculation:
Seventy percent of the grade (70%) will be based on evaluations conducted throughout the course.
This is a cumulative term mark that is comprised of summative evaluations of various natures.
Thirty percent of the grade (30%) will be based on an exit evaluation. The exit evaluation with be as
follows:
1. Major Project – 20%
2. Final Exam – 10%
Late Evaluations:
Certain assignments within the course will be designated as “major assignments”. Due dates for
these assignments will be provided when given, as well as expectations of what is to be included and
how it will be evaluated. Major assignments will have a ‘three-day window of submission’ after which
the assignment will be late. Late material is assigned a penalty of 5% per day for three days, after
which a mark of zero will be recorded.
Academic Dishonesty:
All students at St. Joseph-Scollard Hall are expected to submit work which is entirely their own.
Work, which is not their own, must be acknowledged as such by using proper citation. If it is not
cited, this constitutes plagiarism, [the act of taking and using as one’s own the thoughts, writing,
inventions, etc. of another (Dictionary of Canadian English)] Students can expect to receive a mark of
zero on pieces of work that are plagiarized. Other forms of academic dishonesty (i.e. unauthorized
cheat sheets, copying someone else’s work or allowing someone to copy your work in order for them
to submit it as their own) will also result in a mark of zero. In all situations, a mark of zero will apply
to the entire evaluation. Administration will be advised and a letter will be sent home to the parents
informing them of what has occurred.
St. Joseph-Scollard Hall
Late or Missed Assignment Protocol for Major Assignments
Student Name: ________________________________
Assignment: _______________________
Due Date: ___________________
1. Did the student meet with you in advance and ask for an extension?
Yes ____________
No _______
Length of extension granted: ________________
2.
Reasons student provided for not completing the assignment by due date:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
3.
Log of contact made with parents:
____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
4.
Date of referral(s) made to ARC:
____________________________________________________________________
5.
Referral to Student Success Teacher:
Yes
6.
_____________
No
______________
If identified, contact made with Resource/plan developed: _________
______________________________________________________________
7.
Referral to VP to discuss: ____________________________________
8.
Marks deducted and/or assignment of a zero: ____________________