Nixa High School Course Description Book 2024-2025 (3) - Flipbook - Page 65
COMPUTER SCIENCE ESSENTIALS (CSE) - 465
1 Year = 1 Credit
Grade Level: 9-12
Computer Science Essentials is a yearlong course that will introduce students to a diverse
set of computational thinking concepts, fundamentals, and tools, allowing them to gain an
understanding and build confidence. In this course students will use visual, block-based
programming and seamlessly transition to text-based programming with languages such
as Python to create apps and develop websites, and learn how to make computers work
together to put their design into practice. They will apply computational thinking
practices, build their vocabulary, and collaborate just as computing professionals do to
create products that address topics and problems important to them. NCAA Approved
Course
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE
PRINCIPLES (CSP) – 466
1 Year = 1 Credit
PR AP
Grade Level: 10-12
Using Python as a primary tool and incorporating multiple platforms and languages for
computation, this course aims to develop computational thinking, generate excitement
about career paths that utilize computing, and introduce professional tools that foster
creativity and collaboration. While this course can be a student's first in computer
science, students without prior computing experience are encouraged to start with
Computer Science Essentials. Computer Science Principles helps students develop
programming expertise and explore the workings of the internet. Projects and problems
include app development, visualization of data, cybersecurity, and simulation. Students
will have the option to take the AP exam at the end of the course to gain college credit.
NHS is a PLTW Certified School. Students adequately completing the PLTW course series are
eligible for college credit at PLTW participating universities.
Prerequisites: Passing grade in Computer Science Essentials or teacher recommendation
(Students may request science or math credit)
INTRO TO ENGINEERING DESIGN (IED) - 415
1 Year = 1 Credit
Grade Level: 9-12
This Project Lead the Way Foundation course focuses on developing problem solving
skills using a design development process. IED is a hands-on class where students create
models of product solutions, analyze and communicate them. Modeling is done with solid
modeling software such as Autodesk’s Inventor 3-D CAD program. Students will also
build prototypes of their solutions in the engineering lab. The major focus is to expose
students to the design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication
methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards and technical documentation.
NHS is a PLTW Certified School. Students adequately completing the PLTW course series are
eligible for college credit at PLTW participating universities. NCAA Approved Course
PR
DC
AP
VC
A
Prerequisite
Dual Credit
Advanced Placement
Virtual Course
Application or Audition
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