Syllabus

This course is intended to make certain that all of you possess a fundamental fluency in Computer Science. You will learn about the history of computers, how computers work and how they communicate. In addition you will learn and practice the computer-related skills that you will need to achieve academic success here at Friends’ Central School. Finally, the course will cover basic web development and programming concepts. In our one trimester together we will cover the following topics:

• Login, Files, Folders, Google Docs, MyFCS: FCS computer environment


• Web Searching: Using the Web as a reference.


• Spreadsheets: Class List & related graphs


• Presentations: How to be a good "digital native"


• How a Computer Works Hardware, Software, Computer Build


• Networking & The Internet: How computers communicate


• HTML and CSS: “Hand-coded” web site


• Alice: Object Oriented Programming


• Scratch: Game Programming

Expectations and Policies

Every student that puts forth an honest and consistent effort will find success in this course.

Every student is expected to:

• Diligently complete assignments;


• Participate and pay attention during class;


• Conscientiously complete class work and projects a timely fashion.

Any student that is doing these three things will find us to be extremely willing helpers should s/he need extra help.

We will collect and review your work on occasion. This will not always be announced in advance. In reviewing students’ written work we will primarily be seeking to ascertain the effort being put forth.



When is it OK to Get Help?

You are required to do the specific work of this course yourself, meaning that no one but you may do your class work or your homework (or your learning) for you. You are strongly encouraged to help each other learn, but you must never misconstrue giving answers to a classmate as helping them learn.
Unless specifically told otherwise, you are not permitted to obtain assistance from anyone in completing take-home tests or quizzes or in completing the project work that will be central to our studies.
Frequently, we will be available for extra help before school (8:00 – 8:25 AM). Additionally, we can sometimes make time available during the school day. It is best to contact us to make an appointment if you wish to meet as we have many demands on my time and will usually give highest priority to the earliest request.

Progress Measurement & Grading

Project completions form the primary opportunity for students to demonstrate their mastery of the material. Quizzes may be given, both announced and unannounced.

The Written grade for this course will be calculated as follows:

50% based upon class work and homework;
50% based upon projects and tests.

Your overall achievement grade will be determined by a weighted average:

50% of Written grade
25% of Work Habits grade
15% of Oral Communication grade
10% of Concern for Community grade

We look forward to working with all of you to make this computer class a fun learning opportunity.