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
Students will have an overview of Business, Marketing & Management areas as well as Technology and Computer Science.
Computer Science 7
Students will explore various digital media including audio and website development and it’s role in the business world. This course will extend student working knowledge of computer skills, problem solving as it relates to program design, and software development and web applications.
Technology and Computer Science 8
Technology & Computer Science 8 provides a creative and innovative environment for students to plan, create, edit, and publish electronic products to communicate with various audiences via project-based learning. Special areas of emphasis include digital video/audio, game/app development, graphics, and web design using a variety of digital media.
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.
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.
