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New Jersey Computer Science and Design Thinking

This course teaches the foundations of computer science and basic programming, with an emphasis on helping students develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Upon completion, students will have learned material equivalent to a college intro course in CS and be able to program in JavaScript.

Overview & Highlights

Level
High School
Contact Hours
130
Timeframe
Year

Course Overview

To view the entire syllabus, click here or click to explore the full course.

Introduction to Programming
Students learn the basics of programming by giving Karel the Dog commands in a grid world. Karel is a dog that only knows how to move, turn left, and place tennis balls in his world. Students give Karel these commands to instruct him to do certain things.
JavaScript and Graphics
Students learn the basics of JavaScript including variables, user input, mathematics, and basic graphics.
JavaScript Control Structures
Students learn how to use control structures such as if/else statements and loops to make more advanced programs in JavaScript.
Functions and Parameters
Students learn to write reusable code with functions and parameters.
Project: Tell a Story
In this project, students write a JavaScript program that tells a graphical story.
Basic Data Structures
Students are introduced to basic data structures that make storing and accessing data easier.
Digital Information
Students learn about the various ways we represent information digitally. Topics covered include number systems, encoding data, programmatically creating pixel images, comparing data encodings, compressing and encrypting data.
The Internet and Computers
Students learn about the structure and design of the internet, and how this design affects the reliability of network communication, the security of data, and personal privacy.
Project: The Effects of the Internet
Students evaluate the sociological, ethical, and economic impact of a computer science innovation. Students are tasked with creating a project that expresses their research in a succinct and informative way.
Data
Students explore using computational tools to store massive amounts of data, manipulate and visualize data, find patterns in data, and pull conclusions from data.
Project: Present a Data-Driven Insight
Students develop a data-driven insight based on their assessment of data found and collected on an issue of their choice.
Project: Computing and the Environment
Students investigate an environmental issue of their interest and develop an innovative and sustainable solution to address the issue.
Creative Development
Students learn the theory and practice of user interface design and employ an iterative design process including rapid prototyping and user testing to design and develop their own engaging web pages.
Final
Final exam for the course.

140
Lessons
119
Videos
234
Exercises
62
Challenges
197
Offline Handouts

Demo Programs

Explore programs that your students will build throughout this course!

Course Resources

Here are a few examples of teacher resources and materials to use in the New Jersey Computer Science and Design Thinking course

Standards

New Jersey Computer Science and Design Thinking is aligned with the following standards

Standards Framework View Alignment
New Jersey 9-12 Computer Science View (100%)
New Jersey 9-12 Design Thinking View (100%)
New Jersey Computer Science and Design Thinking View (100%)

Customizable Assignments

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Actions for Teachers

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