Course Syllabus
Course Description
This course is an introductory programming course that largely focuses on exploring different types of programming languages and applying them to a software and hardware environments. This option is relatively challenging, and it is meant for those students who wish to further their programming knowledge and ability. The course will have a strong focus on producing code in a virtual (software) and real (hardware environment), providing students with the opportunity to program VEX and/or Arduinos. Topics covered are modes of communication, design thinking including problem solving strategies, computational thinking, iteration and data storage (arrays & matrices). This course assumes no prior knowledge, although Computer Studies 8 would be an asset.
Big Ideas
Big Ideas are ideas that are central to our understanding in this area of learning. They are the key concepts, principles, and theories that are used to organize knowledge within this subject.
The Big Ideas in this course are:
- Social, ethical, and sustainability considerations impact design.
- Complex tasks require the sequencing of skills.
- Complex tasks require different technologies and tools at different stages.
Outcomes and Assessment
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Program robots (eg. Ardunio, VEX) using block and/or text coding to complete a number of tasks
- Learn and apply a basic coding language (eg. Python)
Students will be assessed on the following outcomes:
| Outcome | Description | Weight |
| Computational thinking | Using computational thinking; breaking problems down, abstraction, patterns, and algorithms. This outcome will require students to demonstrate computational thinking (eg. quiz, code commenting) | 20% |
| Creating and Execution | Using the design process; create and test. Students will be expected to debug and iterate on their code across several iterations. This outcome will require students to communicate evidence of this process being applied (eg. development logs). | 25% |
| Impact of Technology | Students analyze the ethical, social, and cultural considerations associated with technology and its use. They learn to critically evaluate technology's influence on communication, privacy, economics, and personal well-being. This outcome encourages students to be responsible digital citizens who understand their role in creating a positive technological future. | 10% |
| Programming | Demonstates an ability to apply block and text coding skills covered in the course. This outcome will require students to produce an artifact and evidence of learning, using course specific skills. | 20% |
| Research and Planning | Using the design process; ask, brainstorm, plan. This outcome will require students to communicate evidence of this process being applied (eg. project maps). | 25% |
Classroom Norms and Expectations
As a class, we have agreed to treat one another in the following ways so that we can all learn to the best of our abilities:
- Listen actively and attentively
- Wait your turn to speak
- Affirm the views and experiences of others
Students can expect 1-3 hours per week of homework per week, depending on the projects they pursue to create.
St. George’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidelines can be found in the Student Code of Conduct.
About your teacher
Your teacher can be reached via email, or has office hours during Connection block.