• Computer Science Principles (CSP) Syllabus 2020-21

    “Good code is its own best documentation.”
    (Steve McConnell)

     

    Instructor:

    Mr. Boeser (Bo-sir) • McKinley CLA• 314-773-0027 • Brian.Boeser@slps.org

    Room G080

    Planning Periods A days (M/W) 7-8:30am, B days (T/Th) 10:30am-12:00pm

     

    Course Description:

    In 2016 the College Board launched its newest AP® course, AP Computer Science Principles. For the 2020-21 school year they made significant updates to the course framework. CSP introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. The AP Program designed AP Computer Science Principles with the goal of creating leaders in computer science fields and attracting and engaging those who are traditionally underrepresented with essential computing tools and multidisciplinary opportunities.

     

    • Scratch programming
    • Basic programming (code.org)
    • Mobile Applications (code.org)

     

    Course Rationale:

    The aim is to begin developing key skills that can be integrated into math and language arts curriculum to enhance logical reasoning, organizational, and collaboration skills. These skills will provide students a stronger base in STEM (science, technology, engineering, & math) courses.

     

    Academic Honesty Policy:

    Academic integrity includes a commitment to not engage in or tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation or deception.  Such acts of dishonesty include cheating or copying, plagiarizing, submitting another person’s work as one’s own, using Internet sources without citation, taking or having another student take your exam, tampering with the work of another student, facilitating other students’ acts of academic dishonesty, etc.

     

    Sanctions for breaches in academic integrity may range, depending on the severity of the offense from an “F” grade on an assignment or test to an “F” in the course. Severe cases and/or repeat offenses of academic dishonesty may also result in more severe disciplinary sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion as determined by the administration team.

     

    Evaluations of Students:

    Assessment is a way of measuring what students know and defining what is important for students to learn. It is an integral part of the learning process and occurs throughout instruction. A variety of alternative assessment methods are used for student evaluation that may include, but are not limited to the following:

     

    • Teacher observation of student
    • Teacher/student generated tests and quizzes
    • Class participation
    • Projects
    • Demonstrations
    • Explorations
    • Unexcused late assignments will receive half credit

     

     

     

     

     

    Classroom Rules:

    • Be Respectful – self, others, rules, property
    • No eating in class – two exceptions, water away from computers and individual candies
    • Follow Directions

     

    Grades:

     

    A: 100 – 90      B: 89 – 80         C: 79 – 70        D: 69 – 60        F: < 60

     

    Participation (10): General Class Participation, Respect for Class Rules, Staying on Task, & Attendance

    Classwork (40): Do Now’s, Exit Slips, Daily Assignments, Peer Reviews, Peer Reflections

    Projects / Assessments (50): End of Unit Projects

     

    Classroom Materials:

    • Notebook: (Optional)
    • MP3 player/Ear Buds: (Optional for independent work)
    • Students may listen to MP3 playlist or stream music/podcasts form computer while they work independently
    • Pen / Pencil: (Mandatory)
    • E-mail account: (Mandatory)

     

    Cellphone use is strictly prohibited in the classroom:

    Cell phones will be confiscated from students after a verbal warning is logged, per administrative policy