Computer Science
Computer Science classrooms are active places that encourage exploration, creativity, collaboration, communication, persistence, and problem solving. Code.org is used as the foundation of students’ experiences, and is supplemented with a wide variety of other computer science resources. The goal of computer science is to spark students’ curiosity about what can be created with various technology tools.
Coordinators
Caitlin Provance
Elementary Computer Science
cprovan@lps.org
402-436-1473
Julie Hippen
Secondary Computer Science
jhippen@lps.org
402-436-1827
Resources for LPS Staff
Elementary Computer Science
Elementary computer science students get the opportunity to program robots as well as explore beginning languages like Blockly and Scratch. The emphasis in elementary computer science is on learning the logic of programming rather than the exact syntax required by text-based languages. Students learn how to write basic programs that involve loops, variables, functions, and events and are introduced to text-based environments such as BitsBox. Elementary computer science provides students with the opportunity to apply their skills to create projects, stories, games, apps, program robots, and more.
Secondary Computer Science
Secondary Computer Science Courses provide students with the opportunity to create in a variety of environments and languages. Projects focus on coding, languages, simulations, and bots. Students get the opportunity to learn the logic behind computer programs and how to create simple programs of their own. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Available Courses
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Computer Science 6: Explorations (8031)
CS6: Explorations is a computer science course designed for sixth grade. Students will get exposure to a variety of computer science topics and design tools.
Design Thinking 6 (8012)
It is a fundamental course which inspires curiosity and challenges students to develop innovative skills necessary for the future. Students investigate problems and create solutions while expanding their collaboration and communication skills. Activity, project and problem-based learning in a dynamic environment promotes teamwork and creativity throughout the course. Students use real-world applications to understand the impact of the design process in the world around them.
Computer Science 7: Adventures (8032)
CS7: Adventures is a computer science course designed for seventh grade. Students focus on problem solving, web development, and app development. They also get exposure to robotics and other supplemental CS activities.
Computer Science 8: Voyages (8033)
CS8: Voyages is a computer science course designed for eighth grade. Students focus on game development, physical computing, and app development. They also get exposure to robotics and other supplemental CS activities.
Computer Science 8: Robotics (8041) (Goodrich & Moore)
CS8: Robotics is a problem-solving class with an emphasis in computational and design thinking. Students will have exposure to STEM experiences and careers. Students will learn and apply sensor handling, programming, prototyping, testing and engineering skills to design, build, and use robots to solve physical and digital challenges.
Computer Science Foundations (8312)
Computer Science Foundations is an introductory survey course in computer science. Students will build their understanding of programming and computer science through interactive coding explorations and projects.
Cybersecurity (8361, 8362)
Cybersecurity focuses on the protection of computer systems from theft or damage to their hardware, software or electronic data, as well as from disruption or misdirection of the services they provide. Each of the units have activities that could be used with or without prior coding knowledge so the course is customizable to the needs of the given students/teacher. Pre-req: AP CSP
AP Computer Science Principles (8387, 8388)
AP Computer Science Principles is an intermediate course that offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation. The course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles will give students the opportunity to use technology to address real-world problems and build relevant solutions.
AP Computer Science A (8389, 8390)
AP Computer Science A is an advanced course equivalent to a first-semester, college-level course in computer science. The course introduces students to computer science with fundamental topics that include problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing. The course emphasizes both object-oriented and imperative problem solving and design using Java language.
