Transcript Pre AP Computer Science Strategies

Computer Science
Cypress Woods High School
Houston, Texas
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WHAT WE TEACH
 CS1-K- Pre AP course-intro—emphasis on problem
solving.
 CSII-APA—prep work for the AP test at the end of the
year
 CSIII-K—still taught at same level as the AP-AB-preparing for a test.
 CSIV-advanced algorithm development and game
making
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HOW WE TEACH
1. Focus on problem solving not on a language
2. Teach in modules
3. Modules time frame fluid to match the needs
of your students.
4. Modules can be added, deleted or modified
based upon the students’ needs.
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ALICE MODULE
See attached folder with all slides,
labs used in our Alice module.
Free Download: http://www.alice.org/
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CS UNPLUGGED MODULE
See attached folder with the activities for
our Unplugged module.
Free download: http://csunplugged.org/
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HUMAN COMPUTER MODULE
Designing a computer from
the inside out.
See attached folder with all slides, labs
used in our Human Computer Module.
• http://resources.kaboose.com/brain/comp_les1.html
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JAVA MODULE
See attached folder with all slides,
labs used in our Java module.
Free Download:
http://java.com/en/download/index.jsp
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JAVASCRIPT MODULE
function changeText(newText) {
document.getElementById(‘myDiv’).innerHTML =
newText;
}
• Web design; mySpace design & FaceBook
design
Adding this module this year
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JEROO MODULE
See attached folder with all slides,
labs used in our Jeroo module.
Free Download:
http://home.cc.gatech.edu/dorn/jeroo
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PYTHON MODULE
See attached folder with all slides,
labs used in our python module.
Free Download: http://www.python.org/
http://www.pygame.org/news.html
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ROBOTICS MODULE
See attached folder with all slides,
labs used in our robotics module.
Free Download:
http://www.lego.com/eng/education/mindstorms/default.asp
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SCRATCH MODULE
See attached folder with all slides,
labs used in our Scratch module.
Free download: http://scratch.mit.edu/
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OPTIONS FOR EVERYONE
1. Individualize for the student
2. Materials can be shared (ex: robots)
3. Cross curriculum instruction (ex: DNA,
Cipher, Molecule)
Core Subjects:
Biology/Anatomy/Chemistry
a. Core subjects become involved
4. Students see relevance of the course
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CS STUDENT ENROLLMENT
CY-WOODS HIGH SCHOOL
School Year
Total Number
of Students in
CS
Number of
Teachers
2007-2008
80
1
2008-2009
425
3.5
2009-2010
425*
3.5
*Total Student enrollment down 500
Created: June 2008
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ENROLLMENT UP—WHY?
1. Something for everyone—Alice vs Java vs Scratch vs
Python
2. Projects are not language driven—they are problem
driven—use the language of students’ choice
3. Instructors actively promote/recruit new students
a. Electives fair each February show current
students work to incoming students (see next 2
slides for the flyer we distribute)
4. “Word of Mouth” - Current students promote the
class to their classmates
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