2017-2018 Course Syllabus

Exploring Computer Building/Floor

ChiArts /2nd

Room: 225
(Computer Lab)
Science
Semesters:
Fall & Spring
2017-2018

Course Level:
College Prep.

Credit Weighting:
0.5 per semester
1 credit total

The Chicago
High School for
the Arts

Course Description & Objectives

Exploring Computer Science is a college prep
course that teaches the creative, collaborative,
interdisciplinary, and problem-solving nature of
computing with instructional materials that
feature an inquiry-based approach to learning
and teaching. As part of this course, students
will delve into real world computing problems
that are culturally-relevant, and address social
and ethical issues while delivering foundational
computer science knowledge to students.
Students will engage in several in-depth projects
to demonstrate the real-world applications of
computing.
Whats in this Syllabus?
Rather than focusing the entire course
on learning particular software tools or Course Description & Overview
programming languages, the course is
Course Outcomes
designed to focus on the conceptual
Scope & Sequence
ideas of computing and help students
understand why certain tools or Instructional Materials
languages might be utilized to solve Lab Expectations & Standards
particular problems. Materials & Supplies
Grading
ChiArts Conduct Standards
Meet your Instructor

Course Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
o Analyze the characteristics of hardware components to determine the applications for which they can be used
o Analyze the effects of computing on society within economic, social and cultural contexts
o Solve a problem by applying appropriate problem-solving techniques
o Create algorithms that meet specified objectives.
o Create web pages to address specified objectives
o Design, code, test and execute a program that corresponds to a set of specifications
o Explain how a particular program functions
o Apply a variety of analysis techniques to large data sets
o Justify conclusions drawn from data analysis
o Build, code and test a robot thats solves a stated problem
o Explain positive and negative effects of technological innovations on human culture
Scope & Sequence
Semester Unit Name
Human Computer
Interaction
One
Problem Solving
Web Design
Introduction to
Programming
Two
Computing & Data
Analysis
Robotics
Instructional Materials:
Exploring Computer Science is a
nationwide curriculum created by Gail
Chapman from The University of
California, LA and Joanna Goode from
the University of Oregon after years of
research seeking to increase and
enhance The CS opportunities for
Latino/a, African American and female
students nationwide. The curriculum is
teacher based and as such, no resource
textbook is required. All exercises have
been outlined in the curriculum and
will be developed by each individual
teacher to meet the needs of varying
populations.
Materials and Supplies:
The following materials and supplies will be needed daily:
o 1 notebook
o one pocket folder/3 ring binder Lots of handouts for this course
o loose leaf/filler paper
o ink pens, highlighters and pencils (bring both each day)
Focus/Topics/EQs Major Assessments
o Computers & The Internet
o Unit Exam/GRASP
o Societal impacts of computing
o Algorithms and abstraction
o Connections between math and CS o Unit Exam/GRASP
o Societal Impacts of Computing
o Web page design and development
o Computers and the Internet
o Unit Exam/GRASP
o Algorithms and abstraction
o Societal impacts of computing
o Programming
o Algorithms and abstraction
o Unit Exam/GRASP
o Connections between math and CS
o Societal Impacts of Computing
o Data and Information
o Algorithms and abstraction
o Connections between math and CS o Unit Exam/GRASP
o Programming
o Societal Impacts of Computing
o Robotics
o Algorithms and abstraction
o Connections between math and CS o Unit Exam/GRASP
o Programming
o Societal Impacts of Computing
Computer Lab Expectations and Standards:
o Food or drink (with the exception of water in a clear bottle) is NOT allowed inside
the computer lab. I.E. NO Dunkin Donuts/Starbucks/coffee mugs/McDonalds etc.
o You will need a member of staff to be here with you for you to be able to work in
the lab
o Students are not allowed to personalize the computer desktop to their preference
or to remove peripherals (keyboard/mouse) without permission
o Students should log in using their individual log in credentials to work and log out
once class is over
o Tweeting, Instagraming, snapchatting & Facebooking are all prohibited during
class
o Personal computers, IPads/tablets are only allowed in class for students who are
given permission to use them as a learning tool/aid
o Headphone use is allowed when independent work is assigned. Please refrain
from using your headphones when we are engaged in peer, group or whole class
discussions.
o Please make every effort to be at class on time (Remember, Journals assigned at
the beginning of class CANNOT be made up for a grade)
Grading
Students are expected submit assignments on a regular basis, adhere to deadlines, and have a valid excuse for missing class
*Bell Ringers/Journals are completed within the 1st 10 mins of class. If you are late, these CANNOT be made up for a grade

Categories & School wide & Course School Wide

Weighting Policies Grading Scale

Class Activities & Homework 15% HOMEWORK POLICY: Homework is an integral part of A+ 97-100
Performance Assessments (Unit the learning process at ChiArts. Our unique schedule and A 93-96
Exams, GRASPS, Presentations, model makes homework a critical piece in supporting A- 90-92
student academic development. Failure to regularly B+ 87-89
Quizzes) 70%
complete and submit homework will impact student B 83-86
o Presentations & Quizzes learning and the course grade B- 80-82
30% LATE WORK POLICY: The responsibility of obtaining C+ 77-79
Grading

o Unit Exams & GRASPS
40%
Semester Finals 15%
makeup work after an absence rests solely with the C 73-76
student. Failure to comply to with this policy may result C- 70 - 72
in a zero for the assignment. Work assigned/due on the D+ 67 - 69
date of an unexcused absence may NOT be accepted for D 64 - 66
credit. D- 60 - 63
After 10 absences/class/semester (excused and/or F < 60
unexcused), it is at the individual teachers discretion
whether to accept late work for credit.
Excludes suspensions and hospitalizations (medically
excused absences
ALL Students may opt to complete EXAM CORRECTIONS
within ONE WEEK of return date and receive NO MORE
THAN 50% CREDIT. These corrections are limited to 1 PER
SEMESTER. Students MUST complete a reflection form
prior to resubmitting corrections.
Retaking/correction of QUIZZES is NOT done in CS
Late GRASPS will receive a LETTER GRADE DEDUCTION
and must be submitted PRIOR TO THE END OF THE
QUARTER in which the assessment was assigned.

Meet your Instructor

ChiArts Conduct Standards:

Places - be on time to school and to class; come

prepared with all materials, supplies, appropriate dress
and attitude.
Harmony - respect each other and work together.
Collage - seek and receive wisdom; all voices complete
the picture.
Direction - be willing to lead and follow.
Arrangement - consider the shared space. Leave
things better than you found them.
Room: 225 (Computer Lab)
Office Hours: WEDNESDAY STUDY HALL (12:00 12:45pm)
Email: tkleszczewski@chiarts.org

Mrs. Tsegaye (Tes-gaye) Kleszczewski aka Mrs. K, was born, raised & completed her
education in Jamaica. This year will be her 14th year in the classroom as an
ICT/Computer Science educator. She believes that teaching is so much more than a job
and more of a calling. She is easy to talk to, down to earth & extremely passionate
about education.

My advice for being successful in CS would be: Try to be on time and present to all classes, stay
focused while in class, ask questions if you need clarification on a topic & complete ALL assignments.
Looking forward to getting to know you & to a wonderful & successful year!