Course Syllabus

Computer Science 3-4

Instructor:  Tamara O’Malley

Email: tomalley@pps.net

Course/assignment info: lms.pps.net/courses/11327/modules

Prerequisite: None

Grades 9-12

This elective class is designed to expand students' coding skills by learning and applying Python to gamemaking and by using a Raspberry Pi and sensors to interact with the world around us. Options for continuing in Computer Science after this course include AP Computer Science (coding in Java; offered every other year) and Robotics.

Major topics

• learn Python (conditionals, loops, lists & arrays, functions, sets, dictionaries)
• gamemaking (pygame)
• Raspberry Pi (sensor projects, command line)

Grading & assignments

The grade in this course is based on performance on knowledge-building lab activities and creative projects. Students who attend regularly and participate fully should be able to complete assignments during class, but students may want to work on projects outside of class or need to make up for absences. The computer lab is open to students during ELT, most Wednesdays after school,  and by arrangement.

CTE pathway

Computer Science is considered a Career and Technical Education program. To complete the CS CTE pathway, students should take at least CS 3-4 and AP CS, plus one other CS course (CS 1-2, 3D Modeling & Animation, Robotics, Senior Design).