Okay, it's time to get going on the actual course work. We at CodeTrain are excited to share this course with you, so let's get going with Unit 1: Introduction to Computer Science and Programming. - Codey

Length

• 15 classes
  

Topics

• Impact and historical perspectives
• Graphics, variables and basic user interaction
• Note that basic IF statements (and boolean logic) are used in many of the in-class examples to make them more interesting/interactive but the assessments in the first unit rarely require IF statements.  They become the major focus of future units.

Description

This unit introduces the Science of Computers by looking at technology and its place in history.  It also provides time to teach a ‘Transitional Language’.  A transitional language is one that introduces students to ‘how computers think’.  It prepares them for the more complex coding concepts without them having to worry about punctuation and syntax.  

Note that most teachers are now opting NOT to include a transitional language when teaching high school computer science.  If attempting to complete the AP CS Principles course in one year, you likely will not have time for a transitional language.

Good transitional languages have some sort of graphics base to them and include variables, loops and conditionals (IF statements).  

Purely block based example languages include:

• Scratch
• Snap - a block based language with more complex capability.
  • Beauty and Joy of Computing has a great set of learning tools that could be used to guide teacher-led lessons or used for student self-paced learning.  

Other types include:

• Lynx - a brand new made in Canada icon-to-text language that includes Indigeneous language supports
• Microsoft Makecode - Using Microbits and other electronics, it starts in blocks but creates the equivalent coded text and allows transition between either

No Transitional Language lessons are provided at this time but there are some Scratch assignments in the Shared Activities Folder that could be used with Scratch or Snap.  About 5 hours of time is allotted for Transitional Language lessons and/or assignments.

Unit Quick Links

• Teaching examples
• Direct Link to the Folder of Activities for this Unit.   
• Full Activities Folder
• Student example assignments - Available to teachers who attend our PD sessions